What to Do When Someone Dies at Home

When someone dies at home, it can feel overwhelming to know what to do next. This guide will walk you through each step with care and clarity, helping you navigate this difficult time with confidence.

Immediate steps to take

Take a moment to breathe. While this is distressing, you have time to make the right decisions. Here's what to do immediately:

1. Don't panic. Take time to collect your thoughts.
2. Don't move the person or try to make them 'comfortable' - leave them as they are.
3. Don't disturb anything around them, especially if the death was unexpected.
4. Consider who needs to know immediately - close family members who would want to be there.

Expected vs unexpected death

The steps you take depend on whether the death was expected or not:

Who to call first

For expected deaths:

1. The person's GP - during surgery hours (usually 8am-6pm weekdays)
2. NHS 111 - outside surgery hours, weekends, or bank holidays
3. District nurse - if they were involved in care
4. Hospice - if the person was under hospice care

For unexpected deaths:

1. 999 for emergency services - they will guide you through everything
2. Police will attend - this is normal procedure, not because anything is wrong
3. Paramedics may also come - to confirm death and assess the scene

What happens next

Expected deaths:

• A doctor or nurse will come to confirm the death
• They'll provide a medical certificate of cause of death
• You can then contact a funeral director
• The body can remain at home until collection

Unexpected deaths:

• Police will secure the scene and ask you questions
• The coroner will be informed
• A post-mortem examination may be required
• The body will be removed to a mortuary
• You cannot register the death until the coroner releases the body

Getting the medical certificate

You need a medical certificate of cause of death to register the death:

• Expected deaths: The attending doctor will usually issue this immediately
• Unexpected deaths: You must wait for the coroner to release the body and issue the certificate
• Weekend/holiday deaths: There may be delays getting the certificate

Without this certificate, you cannot register the death or arrange the funeral.

Making funeral arrangements

Once you have the medical certificate:

1. Choose a funeral director - they can collect the body from home
2. Decide on burial or cremation - consider the person's wishes
3. Register the death - within 5 days (8 days in Scotland)
4. Plan the service - with the funeral director's help

Practical considerations

Time with the deceased:

• Family can spend time saying goodbye before the body is removed
• There's no rush - take the time you need
• Some people find this helpful for closure

Body removal:

• Funeral directors are respectful and experienced in home collections
• They can usually collect within a few hours of being called
• You don't have to be present during collection if you prefer not to

What to do with belongings:

• Medical equipment can often be collected by the supplier
• Prescription medications should be returned to a pharmacy
• Personal belongings can be dealt with when you're ready