What to do when someone dies
Whether or not we knew it would happen, our emotions always take us by surprise. They are our heart’s response to losing someone who was a part of our lives. In losing them, we have inevitably lost a part of ourselves. There is no right or wrong way to react, and everybody grieves differently.
We know that when a death occurs, it can be a challenging time in your life. This page has been designed to guide you through the steps following a bereavement. Our caring, compassionate, and experienced team of funeral arrangers are here to try to alleviate some stress by offering advice, guidance and support for you through the most challenging times of making the funeral arrangements for your loved one.
When someone dies at home
When a loved one passes away at home, the first step is confirming that the person has died. This is called verifying the death.
- If it was expected, the Doctor, Nurse, or special care team who has been treating your loved one , should be contacted.
- If it was unexpected, contact your GP and a doctor will come as soon as possible to verify that the person has died.
Once this has happened, contact us and we will guide you through how we will arrange to bring your loved one into our care.
If you are the next of kin or a close family member, the hospital staff will inform you of the passing. At this point, the following steps are typically taken:
- The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) will be prepared. This document allows you to register the death.
- The collection of their personal belongings will be arranged.
- Arrangements to have your loved one transferred into our care will be made.
We are here to guide you every step of the way. From coordinating with the hospital to organising a fitting farewell for your loved one, our team aims to provide support and comfort during this challenging time.
When someone passes away in a care home or hospice, the situation can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of the steps you need to take.
- The professionals at the facility will manage immediate arrangements, such as confirming the cause of death and notifying the attending doctor (if required).
- The doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, an essential document required for registering the death
- Reach out to close family members or friends to notify them of the death. If you find this step emotionally difficult, a trusted relative or friend may assist you in making these calls.
Once the necessary documentation has been issued, it’s time to contact us. We can arrange to collect your loved one from the care home or hospice at your convenience.
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can face. If this happens abroad, the grief can be compounded by navigating unfamiliar legal systems and cultural practices.
If someone dies while you’re abroad together, your first step should be to contact the nearest British embassy, High Commission or consulate. They can advise you on what to do next and help you liaise with local authorities.
Once the death is registered, you’ll need to decide whether the funeral will take place abroad or if the body will be repatriated to the UK.
We are dedicated to easing the burden on families dealing with loss overseas. Whether it’s assisting with repatriation or providing personalised support, our role is to make a difficult time a little more manageable.
More information...
The below pages will give you related information about what to do when a Death occurs and how we can help support you.