What happens when someone dies in a care home

The death is confirmed and registered

When someone dies in a care home, you’ll need to get the death confirmed officially by a medical practitioner before any further action can be taken. If the death was expected the doctor will issue a Medical Certificate, allowing you to register the death. In the case of an unexpected death in a care home or if the death is suspicious, the deceased may need to enter the care of a coroner first who’ll conduct an investigation into the cause of death.

Managing a death can be a very emotionally draining occasion, so take what time you can before starting the process of arranging funeral care.

Care is arranged

Next, you’ll need to make arrangements for the deceased to be cared for until you’re able to hold a funeral. If the deceased held a prepaid funeral plan, you’ll need to get in touch with the relevant funeral providers and make them aware of what’s happened. If the deceased didn’t have a prepaid funeral plan, you’ll need to instruct the services of a funeral provider of your choosing. Care home staff might be able to help you find and contact a funeral provider.

Whether funeral care was pre-arranged or instructed at the time of death, your funeral provider will offer all of its customers the same level of care. Your funeral provider will carefully explain the next steps to you and help you to understand what to expect thereafter.

The deceased is collected

Once the funeral provider has been made aware of the death, they’ll arrive at the care home to bring your loved one into their care. In the case of an unexpected death in a care home, the deceased may need to enter the care of a coroner first who’ll determine the cause of death. After that the deceased will enter the care of the funeral provider.

Entering the care of the funeral provider

While in the care of the funeral provider, the deceased will be respectfully cared for throughout their stay. They’ll be bathed, including a hair wash and brush, and dressed ahead of the funeral. The funeral provider will conduct any additional services, if needed, such as the removal of pacemakers and embalming if that’s what you’ve chosen.

They’ll also make provisions to rest the deceased in their coffin to be transported to the funeral venue.

Arranging the funeral

While the funeral provider is looking after the deceased you’ll need to arrange a funeral and sort out the necessary paperwork in order for the funeral to go ahead. If you need any support, most funeral providers are able to help with this, offering help and guidance where needed.

They’ll also talk you through your options for funerals and make all the necessary arrangements ahead of the funeral, sparing you the additional stress.