What to Do When Someone Dies at Home
A Practical Guide to Understanding What to do When Someone You Know Dies at Home.
When someone dies at home, the first steps will depend on whether the death was expected and the circumstances surrounding it. This guide is designed explain everything you need to know, including who to contact, what happens next and when to arrange a funeral director.​
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For information about the wider steps following a death, including registering the death and arranging a funeral, see our main What to Do When Someone Dies guide.
What Happens When Someone Dies at Home?
When someone dies at home, the first steps will depend on whether the death was expected and the circumstances around how it happened. The process can also differ depending on whether the person was receiving care or treatment at home and which healthcare professionals were involved.
If the person was receiving care for an illness or was expected to die at home, there will usually be an established process for confirming the death. If the death was unexpected, different procedures may apply and the emergency services may need to be contacted.
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You do not need to arrange everything yourself immediately. Once the death has been confirmed, Clive Pugh Funeral Directors can explain what needs to happen next and take care of the funeral arrangements when the necessary procedures have been completed.
If the Death Was Expected
If someone was receiving end-of-life care at home, their doctor, district nurse, hospice team or other healthcare professional should explain what to expect and who to contact when they die. The appropriate healthcare professional will need to confirm the death and make the necessary arrangements relating to the medical certificate.
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If you have been given specific instructions by the person's GP, district nursing team or hospice, follow these in the first instance. Once the death has been confirmed, you can contact Clive Pugh Funeral Directors to discuss the next steps.
If the Death Was Unexpected
If someone dies unexpectedly at home, you should contact the appropriate emergency or medical services and explain what has happened. The circumstances of the death will determine what happens next. A doctor may need to attend, or the death may need to be referred to the Coroner for further investigation.
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If you are unsure what to do when someone dies unexpectedly, contact the emergency services for advice rather than trying to make arrangements yourself. Where the Coroner becomes involved, this can affect when the person can be released into the care of a funeral director and when the funeral can take place.
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For more information, see our guide to Understanding the Role of the Coroner by clicking on the link below.
What Happens to the Person Who Has Died?
Once the death has been confirmed and any necessary medical or legal procedures have been completed, Clive Pugh Funeral Directors can arrange for the person who has died to be brought into our care. We will discuss the arrangements with you and make sure you understand what will happen next.​​
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If the death has been referred to the Coroner, the person may need to remain under the Coroner's authority until the relevant enquiries have been completed. The timing of their release will depend on the circumstances of the death. Once we are able to bring the person into our care, we will look after them respectfully while the funeral arrangements are made.
What Should I Do With the Person's Belongings?
If the person has died at home, you may need to leave their belongings in place until any necessary procedures have been completed. If the Coroner or another authority is involved, they may need access to the home or certain items as part of their enquiries.
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Once you have been advised that there are no further requirements, you can deal with the person's belongings when you feel ready. There is no need to sort through everything immediately. The funeral arrangements and any necessary paperwork should take priority.
Do I Need to Contact a Funeral Director Straight Away?
You can contact a funeral director as soon as you feel ready. If the death was expected, you may be able to contact us once the appropriate healthcare professional has confirmed the death. If the Coroner or emergency services are involved, there may be additional steps that need to be completed before we can bring the person into our care.
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You do not need to have decided what type of funeral you want before contacting us. We can discuss your circumstances, explain what needs to happen and advise you about the funeral arrangements.
When Can the Person Be Brought Into Our Care?
This will depend on the circumstances of the death. Where there is no requirement for further investigation, the necessary medical procedures can be completed and we can then arrange to bring the person into our care.
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If the death has been referred to the Coroner, this may take longer. The person cannot normally be released until the Coroner has given the necessary authority. This is not something a funeral director can decide or speed up. We can, however, keep you informed and arrange the transfer into our care as soon as we are able to do so.
What Happens Once We Are Involved?
Once you appoint Clive Pugh Funeral Directors, we'll take responsibility for the practical funeral arrangements.
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Depending on the your specific circumstances, we can:
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Arrange for the person who has died to be brought into our care.
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Discuss burial and cremation arrangements.
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Make enquiries with the chosen cemetery, churchyard or crematorium.
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Arrange the funeral service and liaise with the minister or celebrant.
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Organise the hearse and funeral vehicles.
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Arrange flowers, orders of service, music and other funeral details.
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Coordinate the different organisations involved in the funeral.
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Keep you informed as the arrangements progress.
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You do not need to contact several different organisations and try to coordinate everything yourself. We'll act as your main point of contact and explain anything that requires your decision.
If Someone Has Died Elsewhere?
The steps following a death can vary depending on where the person died. We have separate guides covering the arrangements following a death at home, in hospital or in a care home. They discuss what happens immediately afterwards, when to contact a funeral director, and more.
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If you need information about what to do after a death in circumstances not covered above, our main What to Do When Someone Dies guide provides further information about the steps that follow.
If You Need Advice Following a Death at Home
If someone has died at home and you're unsure what needs to happen next, Clive Pugh Funeral Directors can provide straightforward advice and explain the arrangements that need to be made.
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You don't need to have everything decided before you speak to us. We can discuss your circumstances, answer your questions and explain the next steps, including arranging for the person who has died to be brought into our care when appropriate. If you need advice following a death at home contact Clive Pugh Funeral Directors when you're ready.
With You Every Step of the Way
Date and Time
Following registration, a date and time can then be arranged.
Cremation or Burial
In many cases a loved one will have left their own specific preference. Once the decision for a cremation or burial has been made, a venue for the service and order of events can be agreed upon.
Chapel of Rest
Our private chapel is available for you to spend time with your loved one, also allowing your relatives and friends the chance to say "goodbye".
The Funeral Service
We will liaise with the Clergy, Humanist Minister or Celebrant of your choice. Alternatively, if no specific Minister is requested we can suggest a Minister who will guide you through the order of service. The readings, hymns and eulogies will all be discussed.
Coffins, Caskets and Urns
We offer a large range of traditional coffins, caskets and urns. You can choose from many different styles and we offer a range of price points. Should you want to offer a unique tribute to your loved one, ask us about our customisation options. If you are looking for something in particular, please let us know. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
Vehicles
We take pride in being able to offer a comprehensive selection of vehicles. A horse drawn hearse is also available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first when someone dies at home?
The first step depends on the circumstances. If the death was expected, follow the instructions provided by the person's GP, district nurse, hospice or healthcare team. If the death was unexpected, contact the appropriate emergency or medical services.
Can I contact a funeral director before the death has been confirmed?
You can contact us for advice, but the death will need to be formally confirmed by an appropriate medical professional before the person can be brought into our care.
Can I choose my own funeral director if someone dies at home?
Yes. You are free to choose the funeral director that suits you best to help support you and to arrange the funeral.
What happens if the person dies during the night?
The same general procedures apply. If the death was expected, follow the instructions provided by the healthcare team. If it was unexpected, contact the appropriate emergency or medical service for advice. At Clive Pugh Funeral Directors, we understand that you may need our support at any time of the day, or night. We are available to contact 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What should I do if I have been given no instructions about what happens next?
If you weren't given clear instructions by the person's GP, healthcare team or other professionals involved in their care, don't worry. Contact the appropriate medical service for advice about confirming the death and the immediate steps, and contact Clive Pugh Funeral Directors when you're ready to discuss the funeral arrangements.
Can the funeral be arranged before the person is in your care?
Yes. You can contact us to discuss the funeral and begin making arrangements while any necessary procedures are being completed.