Losing someone you love can be overwhelming, and it’s natural to feel unsure about what to do next. At Riverside Funeral Services, we’re here to offer guidance and support through every step of the process.
Below is a simple guide to help you understand what to do when someone dies — whether the death occurs at home, in hospital, or elsewhere.
When Someone Dies at Home
If the death was expected — for example, due to illness — you should contact the doctor who had been caring for the person. They will visit to confirm the death and issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
You can then contact your funeral director, who will bring your loved one into their care.
If the death was unexpected, call 999. The emergency services will guide you on what to do next, and the coroner may become involved to establish the cause of death.
When Someone Dies in Hospital or a Care Home
The hospital or care home staff will contact the next of kin and take care of immediate arrangements, such as confirming the death and preparing the necessary paperwork.
They will let you know when and where you can collect the Medical Certificate. Once you have it, you can register the death and contact your chosen funeral director to begin making arrangements.
Registering a Death
You must register the death within five days in England and Wales. This is done at the Register Office in the district where the person passed away.
You’ll need:
- The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
- Any birth, marriage, or civil partnership certificates (if available)
- Proof of identity for yourself
After registering, you’ll receive the death certificate and a green form (certificate for burial or cremation), which your funeral director will need.
Contacting a Funeral Director
Once the death has been confirmed, contact Riverside Funeral Services. We’ll take care of bringing your loved one into our care and help you make all the necessary arrangements — from the funeral service and paperwork to floral tributes and memorials.
We understand that every family’s needs are different. Whether you want a traditional service or something more personal, we’re here to guide you with compassion and care.
We’re Here to Help
If you’ve recently lost someone and need guidance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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We’re available 24 hours a day to provide advice and support when you need it most.
