What to do when someone dies at home
Last reviewed June 2026 by Naomi Jackson
Short answer
Most deaths at home are expected. The process is straightforward but it can feel overwhelming in the moment, here's a calm, ordered checklist.
Expected death (e.g. end-of-life care)
Call the GP or the district nursing team. Out of hours, call 111. They'll send a doctor or nurse to verify the death. There's no need to dial 999.
Unexpected death
Call 999 immediately. Paramedics will confirm the death. Police may attend, this is routine for any death outside a medical setting. The death will be referred to the coroner.
After verification
Take your time. The verifying clinician will give you paperwork or tell you when the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death will be issued. You can then call a funeral director to collect the person, they'll come to the house at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to choose a funeral director straight away?
No. The body can stay at home for as long as you need, or a funeral director can collect them and you can decide about the funeral later.
Will the police investigate?
Police attend any unexpected home death as standard procedure. They're not investigating you, they're confirming there's nothing suspicious so the death can be released to the family.
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Full UK checklistMore guides in this series
What to do in the first 24 hours after a death
A practical checklist for the first 24 hours after someone dies in the UK: getting the death verified, contacting a funeral director, and what NOT to do.
When a death is reported to the coroner
Why deaths get referred, how an interim certificate lets you carry on, and what an inquest means for registering the death and applying for probate.
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The full UK checklist, from the first 24 hours through probate.
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A week-by-week task list. Printable PDF available.
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Step-by-step for banks, utilities, pensions and subscriptions.
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Probate explained
When you need it, what it costs, and whether you need a solicitor.
Arranging a funeral
Every option and what it costs, and how to choose a funeral director.
Prepare your probate application
Gather the estate details, check what you need and build a pack before you apply yourself.
Funeral cost calculator
Estimate a funeral for your area and the choices you are making.
