What to do when a death occurs at home

A death at home can feel overwhelming, but knowing the necessary steps can help you navigate this difficult time with clarity and care. Whether the passing was expected or sudden, the following guide outlines the key actions to take.

Immediate Steps After a Death at Home

1. For Unexpected Deaths

If the death was unexpected, call 999 and request both an ambulance and the police. The emergency operator will guide you through any necessary actions, such as attempting resuscitation if appropriate.

It’s crucial to avoid moving or disturbing anything unless instructed to perform resuscitation. Paramedics will confirm the death and handle the next steps.

2. For Expected Deaths

If the death was due to a terminal illness or other expected circumstances, contact the deceased’s GP or specialist care team. If it occurred overnight, do call the out-of-hours GP or care team. A nurse or healthcare professional will need to visit to verify and declare the passing officially.

Once the death has been verified, you can notify H J Newington Independent Family Funeral Directors to arrange for your loved one to be brought into our care. We are available 24 Hours a Day on 01273 030717 to care for you and your loved ones.

During working hours, the GP or care team will forward the necessary documents to the medical examiner within 24 hours. The medical examiner will then contact the next of kin to discuss the cause of death, which may take a few days to finalise.

Note that recent changes to the death certification process may differ from what you recall if you’ve experienced this before

Once the necessary documentation has been issued, it’s time to contact a funeral director. H J Newington Funeral Directors are here to guide you in organising a respectful and meaningful farewell for your loved one. We can also arrange to collect your loved one from the care home or hospice at your convenience in Brighton and Hove, Portslade, Woodingdean, or anywhere in East and West Sussex and beyond.

3. Address Organ or Tissue Donation Wishes

If the deceased had expressed wishes to donate their organs or tissues, inform the GP or funeral director as soon as possible. While organ donation is typically not possible after a home death, tissue donation may still be an option. This may influence the body’s transportation location.

4. Contact a Funeral Director

For expected deaths, you can call H J Newington Independent Family Funeral Directors to transport your loved one to our funeral home.
For unexpected deaths, the police will arrange transportation on behalf of the coroner.

Legal and Administrative Steps

When a Coroner Is Involved

The coroner may need to investigate the cause of death if it is unclear, even for natural deaths or if the death was sudden and the deceased was not under a doctor’s care. This process might involve a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

Helpful Contacts

Emergency and Health Services

Emergency Services

General Practitioner (GP)

This will be the GP practice of the deceased

Specialist Care Team

This will be the specialist are team practice of the deceased, if applicable.

Independent Funeral Directors

H J Newington Funeral Directors

Coroner’s Office and Tissue Donation

Coroner's Service
West Sussex County Council

Coroner's Service
East Sussex County Council

HM Coroner for Brighton & Hove

Tissue Donation Services

Final Thoughts

Coping with the death of a loved one at home is undoubtedly a challenging and emotional experience. However, by understanding the necessary steps, you can manage the situation with care and respect. At H J Newington Independent Family Funeral Directors, we’re here to offer compassionate guidance and professional support during this difficult time.

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.