If someone dies at home, the first hours can feel overwhelming and surreal. Knowing the practical steps to take—and in what order—can help you move through this difficult time with clarity. This guide covers exactly what to do, who to call, and what to expect.
The First Moments: Call 911
If the person has just died or you're unsure if they've passed, call 911 immediately. Emergency responders will assess the situation and determine next steps. Even if you believe the person has been dead for some time, it's still appropriate to call 911 rather than moving or disturbing the body.
When you call, be clear and calm. Tell the dispatcher: the person's name, your address, that someone has died, and whether you believe the death was expected or unexpected. The dispatcher may provide instructions while help is on the way.
If the Death Was Expected: Call Your Doctor or Hospice
If the person was under hospice care or had a terminal illness and the death was anticipated, the process may be different. Many hospice agencies have protocols that allow a nurse to pronounce death at home, avoiding unnecessary emergency transport.
Contact your hospice team or the person's doctor immediately. They may be able to come to your home to confirm death and sign the necessary paperwork. This allows the person to remain at home longer and can provide more dignity during this moment.
If there is no hospice involvement but the death was expected due to a known terminal condition, call the person's primary care physician. They may be able to authorize a pronouncement without an ER visit.
What Happens When Emergency Responders Arrive
Emergency personnel will enter your home and assess the situation. They will examine the body and ask you basic questions about the person's medical history, any medications they were taking, and whether they had seen a doctor recently. Answer honestly and clearly.
If the death appears to be from natural causes and a doctor is willing to sign a death certificate based on the person's known medical condition, the body may be released directly to a funeral home of your choice. If the circumstances are unclear or suspicious, the coroner or medical examiner may need to investigate. This could mean the body is transported for an autopsy.
In most cases, the body will be transported to a funeral home or medical examiner's office. You do not need to ride along—a family member or friend can follow separately if you wish to be present.
Deciding on a Funeral Home
If you haven't already chosen a funeral home, emergency responders may ask where you'd like the body taken. Have a name ready if possible, but you can also ask for recommendations or take time to decide—there is usually a grace period of a few hours.
If you don't have a funeral home in mind, ask for suggestions from the responders, your doctor, hospice team, or a trusted friend or religious leader. You can also search online for funeral homes in your area and call to compare services and pricing.
The funeral home will guide you through the next steps, including arrangements for viewing, burial, or cremation (if you're considering that option). They'll also begin the process of obtaining the death certificate.
Notify Key People and Organizations
Over the next few hours and days, you'll need to notify important contacts. Start with:
- Close family and close friends — Make a short list and start calling or texting
- Employer — If the deceased was working or if you need time off work
- The person's workplace — If they were employed
- Insurance companies — Life insurance, health insurance, auto insurance, home insurance
- Banks and financial institutions — Alert them to the death; they may freeze accounts
- Social Security Administration — Report the death within two months
- Utility companies — If applicable
- Healthcare providers — Cancel appointments, request medical records if needed
You don't have to do all of this immediately. Give yourself permission to handle what you can today and delegate or postpone the rest. A written checklist can help you track these tasks as you move through them.
Preserve Important Documents and Information
In the immediate aftermath, try to locate and secure:
- The person's will or any estate planning documents
- Birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree
- Social Security card
- List of bank accounts, investment accounts, and insurance policies
- Passwords or information about where they are stored
- Titles to vehicles or property
- Final bills and financial statements
You may not have time to gather all of this today, but knowing where these items are will help when you meet with the funeral home director or an attorney about the estate.
Arranging the Funeral or Memorial Service
The funeral home will meet with you to discuss options for services. You'll decide whether to have a viewing, a funeral, a memorial service, or a small family gathering. You'll also choose whether the person will be buried or cremated.
These are big decisions to make during shock and grief. It's okay to take a day or two to think, and it's perfectly acceptable to ask for family or friends' input. You can learn more about what to expect at a funeral service to help you make informed choices.
Obtaining the Death Certificate
The funeral home will help you obtain certified copies of the death certificate. You'll need multiple copies (typically at least 10–15) for banks, insurance, the Social Security Administration, and other organizations. Death certificates usually become available within a few days to two weeks, depending on your state and whether an autopsy was required.
Learn more about who can obtain a death certificate and how many copies you'll need.
Take Care of Yourself
This is a lot to manage in a very short time. You may feel numb, shocked, or unsure what to do next. That's completely normal. Be gentle with yourself. Accept help from family and friends. Don't hesitate to take breaks, eat, drink water, and rest when you can.
If you're struggling with grief in the days and weeks ahead, grief support groups and professional counseling can be valuable resources. Grief is not a burden you have to carry alone.
A Note on Sudden or Unexpected Death
If the death was sudden or unexpected, authorities may need to investigate. The coroner or medical examiner may order an autopsy to determine the cause of death. This process can take longer, and there may be questions about the circumstances. A law enforcement officer or coroner's representative can explain what will happen and answer your questions.