What To Do When Someone Dies: A Clear First Step Guide

The exact steps may depend on where the person has died, but in most cases you will need to arrange for a medical professional to confirm the death before any funeral arrangements can begin.

If the person dies at home, you should contact their GP, NHS 111, or emergency services depending on the circumstances. If they die in hospital or a care home, the staff will usually guide you through the immediate process.

Once the death has been confirmed, you can contact a funeral director. We can then explain what happens next, bring your loved one into our care where appropriate, and begin helping you understand the choices available.

In England and Wales, a death normally needs to be registered within 5 days, unless the coroner is involved. The registrar will provide the paperwork needed to move forward with the funeral arrangements.

You may also need to notify government departments, banks, employers, pension providers and utility companies. The government’s Tell Us Once service can help notify relevant government departments after the death has been registered.

Our role is to guide families through these steps clearly and calmly. We know that most people do not arrange funerals often, so we never expect you to know what to do. We are here to explain everything in plain English and support you throughout.