What to do when someone dies

Losing someone you love can shatter your world. Your loss can feel overwhelming. There are so many decisions to make. It can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we created the step by step guide (overleaf) on what you need to do and when. We’ll do everything we can to help you say goodbye in a way that perfectly reflects them – and supports you best. We understand that the funeral is part of the grieving process and that if you get it right, it helps to move you along your grief journey. Please see over for what to do next.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you work out what to do next.
1) In many instances, the moment your loved one passes away can be a shock. But if the death was expected, and you were with them at home, the first thing to do is call the GP or doctor. If your loved one was in a hospital, hospice or nursing home, they will do this for you. Your GP or doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.

2) If the death was unexpected, you’ll need to call the emergency services and the Coroner will become involved. They will identify the cause of death by arranging a post mortem.

3) Sit with the person for as long as you want to, before arranging for them to be taken into care.

4) Call us, when you are ready. There is no rush to move your loved one to care elsewhere, take all the time you need to process what has happened. We’ll be here when you need us.

5) We can move your loved one to our private mortuary. If you would like to spend time with them again in our special chapel of rest, we can arrange this too.

6) The next step is to collect the death certificate and register the death. In England and Wales, this needs to be done within 5 days of your loved one’s death. It’s 8 days in Scotland.

7) When it feels right, we can guide you through the options for their funeral, in a way that’s gentle, sensitive and kind. Together, we can work with your family and friends to create an experience that celebrates the life they lived.