What to Do When Someone Dies at Home
What do I do when someone dies at home?
Call 999 if death unexpected or call GP/out-of-hours (111) if expected. Don't move the body or disturb the scene. A doctor verifies death and issues Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. Body can stay at home 24-48 hours. Contact funeral director once certificate issued. Register death within 5 days.
- Unexpected death: Call 999 immediately—police and paramedics will attend, verify death, investigate circumstances
- Expected death: Call GP or out-of-hours service (111)—doctor will visit to verify death and issue MCCD
- Don't disturb: Don't move body, clean up, or remove items until doctor has verified death
- Body at home: Can stay at home for 24-48 hours while arranging funeral director (keep room cool)
- Medical certificate: Doctor issues MCCD—needed to register death within 5 days
- Saying goodbye: Family can spend time with deceased before funeral director removes body
Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.
Contents
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:
- Don't panic. Take time to collect your thoughts.
- Don't move the person or try to make them 'comfortable' - leave them as they are.
- Don't disturb anything around them, especially if the death was unexpected.
- 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:
Expected death
The person was terminally ill, elderly with declining health, or under palliative care. Their doctor expected this outcome.
Unexpected death
Sudden death, accident, suicide, or when you're unsure of the cause. The person was not under medical care for a terminal condition.
Who to call first
For expected deaths:
- The person's GP - during surgery hours (usually 8am-6pm weekdays)
- NHS 111 - outside surgery hours, weekends, or bank holidays
- District nurse - if they were involved in care
- Hospice - if the person was under hospice care
For unexpected deaths:
- 999 for emergency services - they will guide you through everything
- Police will attend - this is normal procedure, not because anything is wrong
- Paramedics may also come - to confirm death and assess the scene
If you're unsure whether the death was expected, call 999. It's better to err on the side of caution.
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:
- Choose a funeral director - they can collect the body from home
- Decide on burial or cremation - consider the person's wishes
- Register the death - within 5 days (8 days in Scotland)
- 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
Death at Home Checklist
Immediate Actions
- Determine if death was expected or unexpected
- Call appropriate service (GP/111 for expected, 999 for unexpected)
- Notify immediate family members
- Don't move the person or disturb the scene
After Professional Visits
- Obtain medical certificate of cause of death
- Contact chosen funeral director
- Register death within 5 days (8 days in Scotland)
- Begin planning funeral arrangements
Remember
When someone dies at home, you have time to make thoughtful decisions. The professionals who attend will guide you with respect and understanding. Take it one step at a time.
Related Guides
What to Do When Someone Dies
A practical step-by-step guide to handling death admin in the UK — from the first 5 days to dealing with the estate.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Hospital
Complete guide to hospital death procedures, bereavement offices, and collecting belongings and documentation.
Emergency Checklist: First Day After Death
Critical tasks for the first 24 hours after someone dies. A clear, prioritized checklist when you're overwhelmed.
Who to Call First When Someone Dies
Know exactly who to contact and in what order, from emergency services to funeral directors and family.
First Week After Death: Complete Checklist
Comprehensive day-by-day guide for the first week, prioritizing urgent tasks and managing overwhelming responsibilities.