What to do when someone dies at home?
The moment we lose a loved one is undeniably one of life's hardest challenges. When that moment comes at home, a place usually filled with comfort and familiarity, it can bring an unexpected wave of shock and profound sadness. In those immediate, raw moments, knowing what to do or who to turn to can feel overwhelming.
At Golden Charter, we work every day to ease the practical difficulties bereavement can cause. This guide is designed to provide clear, compassionate steps to navigate the practicalities when someone dies at home, helping you feel a little more prepared and supported. Our aim is to bring clarity and comfort, ensuring you know what happens when someone dies at home, and the best way forward.
Immediate steps: The first hours
The very first actions you take depend largely on whether the death was expected (e.g., due to a long-term illness, under palliative care) or unexpected.
If the death was expected:
If the person was already under the care of a doctor and their death was anticipated, you should:
Contact their GP or District Nurse: Call their usual doctor or the district nursing team as soon as possible. They will visit to officially confirm the death and issue a medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD). This is a crucial document needed for registering the death. If the death occurs at night or over the weekend, an out-of-hours service or palliative care team may be able to confirm the death.
Do not move the body: Unless absolutely necessary (e.g., for safety), it's best not to move the deceased person until a medical professional has confirmed the death and given you guidance.
Notify family and close friends: Inform immediate family members and close friends who need to know. Lean on your support network for comfort and assistance.
If the death was unexpected:
An unexpected death at home can be particularly shocking. In this situation, it's vital to follow the correct steps:
Call 999 immediately: If the death was sudden, unexpected, or accidental, you must call 999. The police and potentially paramedics will attend. They will assess the situation and determine if an ambulance is needed or if the police need to investigate further.
The police's role: When someone dies at home unexpectedly, the police will attend to ensure there are no suspicious circumstances. This is standard procedure and not an indication of wrongdoing. They will secure the scene and liaise with the coroner's office. You might be wondering "what do police do when someone dies at home?" Their primary role is to establish facts and ensure proper procedure is followed, especially if a doctor cannot immediately certify the cause of death.
Coroner's involvement: If the cause of death cannot be determined, or if the death was sudden and unexpected, the case will be referred to the coroner. The coroner may order a post-mortem examination to ascertain the cause of death. This can delay the issuing of the MCCD.
What will happen to my loved one’s body?
Once a medical professional has confirmed the death, you will need to arrange for the body of your loved one to be moved. This is usually handled by a funeral director. You can call your chosen funeral director, and they will collect the body and transport it to their mortuary facilities. They are experienced in the respectful and sensitive handling of this step.
Next steps: Practicalities and formalities
Once the immediate steps are handled, there are some important practicalities to consider:
Obtain the medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD): This is provided by the doctor who attended the deceased (often their GP) or confirmed the death. If the coroner is involved, they will issue this certificate after their investigations are complete.
Register the death: You must register the death within 5 days in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (8 days in Scotland). You'll need the MCCD and other documents like the deceased's birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and NHS medical card. This is done at the local Register Office for the area where the death occurred.
Contact a funeral director: A funeral director will guide you through all aspects of arranging the funeral. They can help with paperwork, advise on different types of funerals (if there wasn’t a pre-paid plan in place), and provide essential support. If they had a Golden Charter funeral plan in place, their chosen funeral director will be aware of the arrangements and can proceed with their wishes, easing much of the burden on you and any other loved ones making the funeral arrangements.
Inform other organisations: Begin the process of informing relevant organisations such as banks, utility companies, insurance providers, pension providers, and HMRC. The 'Tell Us Once' service (available in most of Great Britain) can help with this.
Emotional support and coping
Beyond the practicalities, remember to prioritise your emotional wellbeing. Grief is a natural process when anyone you love passes away.
- Allow yourself to grieve: There's no right or wrong way to feel.
- Lean on your support network: Talk to family and friends.
- Seek professional help if needed: Bereavement charities and counsellors offer invaluable support. Organisations like Cruse Bereavement Support can provide guidance and resources.
Find out more about bereavement support & advice from Golden Charter here.
Golden Charter: Easing the burden
While this guide provides the necessary steps, facing them in a time of grief is incredibly challenging. Many people choose to plan ahead with a funeral plan to relieve their loved ones of both the financial and organisational stress. A Golden Charter funeral plan allows you to make decisions about your funeral in advance, ensuring your wishes are met and providing peace of mind for your family. When someone dies at home, having these arrangements already in place can be a source of immense comfort, allowing you to focus on remembrance rather than logistics.
The moments following a death at home are undoubtedly difficult, whether it's an elderly person dying at home after a long illness or an unexpected tragedy. While no guide can remove the pain of loss, understanding the steps involved can help you navigate this period with greater clarity and less anxiety. Remember that support is available, both from professional services and your personal network.
Golden Charter is here to help you plan for the future, offering peace of mind and practical assistance during life's most challenging times
