FioraWhat to do when someone dies at home
Who to call, what to expect, and what happens next when someone dies at home.
Finding that someone has died at home can be a shock, even if the death was expected. Here is a clear guide to what you need to do, step by step.
What you need to know
- Don't move the person before a doctor has attended
- Call the GP (expected death) or 999 (unexpected death)
- A funeral director can collect the person once a doctor has confirmed the death
- You'll need to register the death within 5 days (England and Wales) or 8 days (Scotland)
What to Do First
- 1
Don't Move the Person
If you find that someone has died at home, it's important not to move them before a doctor has attended. This applies whether the death was expected or not.
- 2
Call for Medical Help
If the death was expected (for example, after a long illness), contact their GP or the out-of-hours GP service. The doctor will come to confirm the death and issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
If the death was unexpected, call 999. The police and paramedics will attend. In some cases, a coroner may need to be involved before the death can be registered.
After the Doctor Has Attended
Once a doctor has confirmed the death and issued the MCCD, you can contact a funeral director to arrange for the person who has died to be collected. Most funeral directors are available 24 hours a day.
You don't need to have already chosen a funeral director. Most will collect at short notice and you can make further decisions later.
Registering the Death
You'll need to register the death within 5 days (England and Wales) or 8 days (Scotland) at your local register office. Bring the MCCD and any identification documents you have for the person who has died.
Caring for Yourself
Being present when someone dies at home is a profound experience. It's okay to take a moment before making phone calls. If you can, ask someone you trust to stay with you.
There's no right way to feel right now. Take a breath. The next step can wait a moment.
Once the immediate tasks are taken care of, there are funeral arrangements and administrative tasks ahead. The GOV.UK guide on what to do after a death covers the official steps. You can use a plan to keep track of everything and share it with others.
Free to use
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Our guides walk you through what needs to happen, one step at a time. Written in plain English, with links to official sources.
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