What to do when someone dies in a care home or hospice
Losing a loved one is an emotional and 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. At H J Newington Funeral Directors, serving Brighton and Hove, Portslade, Woodingdean, and the surrounding areas of East and West Sussex and beyond, we are here to provide support, guidance, and compassionate care every step of the way. Below, we outline what you need to do during this difficult time.
Immediate Steps After a Death in a Care Home or Hospice
1. Notify Hospice or Care Home Staff
If you are with your loved one when they pass in a hospice or care home, please notify a staff member immediately.
The staff are trained to handle this delicate moment with care and compassion.
A doctor or qualified medical professional must verify the death. In cases where the passing is expected, such as in hospice care, the facility typically handles this process. The doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, an essential document required for registering the death, and provide it to the medical examiner.
2. Inform Close Family Members
When a loved one passes away in a hospice or care home, having someone with you can help notify other family members, giving them a chance to say their final goodbyes and offering reassurance and comfort during such a difficult moment.
3. Contact A Funeral Director
We know this is a difficult time. H J Newington Funeral Directors Brighton are here to support you 24/7 with compassionate, respectful guidance—whenever you need it. Whether you require immediate help or want to discuss pre-arrangements, our dedicated team is ready to assist.
Reach out to us when you feel comfortable doing so. We are committed to making the process as smooth as possible.
Planning the Funeral
At H J Newington Funeral Directors, we support and guide you through every stage of the funeral planning process. Here’s how we can assist you:
- Transportation of Your Loved One
We are available 24/7, every day of the year, to respectfully transfer your loved one from their care home or hospice to our funeral directors in Brighton, Hove & the surrounding areas.
Who Can Help?
If this is the first time you’ve had to manage the passing of a loved one, you may feel unsure about where to turn. Here are some key people who may offer assistance during this time:
- Hospice or Care Home Staff
These professionals are trained to respond to the needs of families and can explain the next steps required.
- Funeral Directors
We are here to take on the practical responsibilities and guide you through the process with compassion and professionalism.
- Local Authority Register Offices
They are responsible for helping you register the death and obtain the legal paperwork necessary for a funeral.
Why Choose H J Newington Funeral Directors?
H J Newington Funeral Directors is a trusted, family-run business and one of the most reputable funeral directors in East Sussex. We treat every family with compassion and care, offering personal support and guidance throughout each step of the process. Deeply rooted in our community, we regularly support local events and charities, ensuring we truly understand and respect your wishes. With H J Newington, you can count on dedicated, compassionate service and the comfort of a family looking after yours. We can guarantee that your loved one is treated with the utmost care.
Our services include:
- Simplifying the legal and administrative processes
- Offering bespoke funeral options, including both traditional and modern services
- Providing pre-planning consultations to help you arrange future wishes
- Supplying eco-friendly funeral and burial options
- Arranging floral tributes and personalised memorials tailored to your loved one’s memory
- Coordinating memorial and celebration of life services
- Guidance and support for grieving families
- Collecting your loved one from the care home, hospice, or home with dignity.
- Repatriation services for families needing to bring loved ones home from abroad
- Assistance with obituary writing and placing funeral notices
- Access to a wide selection of coffins, caskets, and urns
- Provision of hearses and alternative transport arrangements
- Arranging music, readings, and multimedia tributes for services
- Liaising with crematoria, cemeteries, and religious or secular officiants
- Support with organising receptions or wakes
- 24/7 telephone support for immediate assistance and advice
We are proud to serve the local community in Brighton, Portslade, Woodingdean, and the surrounding areas with care, compassion, and expertise, ensuring every family receives the support they need during this difficult time.
Call your dedicated independent family funeral directors
If you’re faced with the loss of a loved one in a care home or hospice, don’t feel like you have to manage it alone. Contact H J Newington Funeral Directors today. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide the guidance you need to make this process as smooth as possible across Brighton and Hove, Portslade, Woodingdean, and all of East and West Sussex and beyond.
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.