What do I do
What to Do When Someone Passes Away: A Step-by-Step Guide
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the days following a death can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure of what to do next. At Walker Family Funerals, we understand that this is a difficult time, and we’re here to support you through each step of the process. Below is a guide to help you navigate the necessary actions when someone passes away, whether at home, in a hospital, or elsewhere.
1. If the Person Passes at Home
If your loved one passes away at home, the first thing you should do is contact a doctor or the Ambulance service. Here's what happens next:
Contact the Doctor: If your loved one had been under the care of a doctor, call them first. If the death was expected (for example, due to a long illness), the doctor will confirm the death and later they will be able to arrange the appropriate paperwork. If they have been under palliative care, a registered nurse may be present instead.
Call the Coroner: If the death was unexpected or due to unknown causes, you will need to contact the coroner. They will come to the home to assess the situation. In such cases, the body will be taken to the coroner’s office for investigation before being released.
Notify Family Members: After the doctor or coroner has been notified, you can start informing close family and friends.
Contact a Funeral Home: Once the body has been released by the doctor or coroner, you can contact a funeral home like Walker Family Funerals. We can help you with all arrangements, from transportation to planning the service. The funeral home will collect your loved one and bring them into the funeral home mortuary facility where they will be accommodated until their funeral.
2. If the Person Passes in a Hospital
Hospital Staff Notification: Hospital staff will notify the doctor and will help facilitate the process. They will make arrangements for the body to be transferred to the morgue if there is one at the hospital. If there is not, they will contact a funeral home so your loved one can be transferred into a funeral home mortuary facility.
Morgue and Release: The body will typically be transferred to the hospital’s morgue. Once you have nominated a funeral home and been in contact with them, they will come and collect your loved one from the hospital and take them to the funeral home mortuary accommodation.
Contacting a Funeral Home: You can contact a funeral home at any time during this process, and we can help you handle the logistics of moving the body from the hospital to the funeral home and begin making funeral arrangements. Some families choose to contact a funeral home prior to the death so all transitions are easier when the time comes.
3. If the Person Passes in a Care Facility (Nursing Home, Hospice, etc.)
When a person passes away in a care facility, whether it’s a nursing home or hospice, the process is quite similar to that of a hospital:
Facility Notification: Staff will notify the attending doctor, who will verify the death.
Transfer to Morgue: If applicable, the body will be transferred to the facility’s morgue. Many facilities do not have a morgue and so a funeral home will need to be contacted. The funeral home will transport your loved one to their morgue accommodation.
Contacting a Funeral Home: We will work with the care facility to transport your loved one to our funeral home. The funeral home will coordinate all logistics so you don’t need to worry.
4. If the Person Passes Unexpectedly (Accident, Suicide, Homicide)
In cases where the death is unexpected, such as from an accident, suicide, or homicide, the process will involve the involvement of law enforcement and coroner:
Call Emergency Services: If the death is sudden and unexpected, dial 000 immediately. Emergency responders will arrive at the scene and, if necessary, initiate a police investigation.
Coroner: A coroner will investigate the cause of death. The body will be taken to the coroner’s for examination. This process can take longer, depending on the circumstances.
Release of the Body: Once the investigation is complete and the body is released by the coroner. You can contact a funeral home to begin the necessary arrangements while your loved one is at the coroner. The funeral home will liaise with the coroner so that when the body is released, they can be transported to the funeral home facility.
5. Notify Immediate Family and Friends
In all scenarios, it’s important to notify close family and friends as soon as possible after the passing. This allows them to begin making travel arrangements, prepare for any emotional support, and begin helping you make plans for funeral services and memorials.
6. Contact a Funeral Home for Support
Regardless of where your loved one passed, contacting a funeral home is an essential next step. We can guide you through the entire process, including:
Arranging transportation of the body.
Helping you decide on burial or cremation.
Offering support with funeral planning.
Coordinating the paperwork, including the death certificate.
At Walker Family Funerals, we are here to take the burden off your shoulders during this difficult time. Our compassionate staff are available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide the assistance you need.
7. Arranging the Funeral or Memorial Service
Once you’ve contacted a funeral home, the next step is planning the service. Walker Family Funerals will meet with you in person or discuss over phone and email.
8. Legal and Administrative Tasks
In addition to funeral planning, there are several important legal and administrative tasks to handle. These include:
Death Certificate
Will and Estate: Contacting an attorney or executor to begin the process of reading the will and managing your loved one’s estate.
Conclusion
The days following a death can feel overwhelming, but having a clear plan can make the process easier to navigate. At Walker Family Funerals, we’re here to help you every step of the way. If you ever have questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re committed to guiding you through this difficult time with compassion and professionalism.
For more information or to speak with one of our funeral staff, please contact us today.