Who to Call When Someone Dies at Home: Step by Step
3 sections · Expert-curated · Free
If They Were on Hospice
The hospice nurse will come to the home
They will pronounce the death and comple...
Calling 911 can trigger paramedics to at...
The hospice team is available 24/7 — do ...
If They Were NOT on Hospice
Paramedics or a physician will need to p...
If the death was unexpected, the medical...
This process may take several hours
After the Death Is Pronounced
Call immediate family members personally
Call the funeral home — they will transp...
Do not post on social media until everyo...
Track your progress — assign tasks, check things off, share with family
Get my planIf They Were on Hospice
Call the hospice nurse, not 911.
The hospice nurse will come to the home
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
They will pronounce the death and complete paperwork
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
Calling 911 can trigger paramedics to attempt resuscitation
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
The hospice team is available 24/7 — do not hesitate to call at any hour
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
If They Were NOT on Hospice
Call 911 or the attending physician.
Paramedics or a physician will need to pronounce the death
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
If the death was unexpected, the medical examiner may need to be involved
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
This process may take several hours
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
After the Death Is Pronounced
Now contact family and the funeral home.
Call immediate family members personally
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
Call the funeral home — they will transport the body
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
Do not post on social media until everyone close has been told
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I call 911 when someone dies on hospice?
No. Call the hospice nurse instead. Calling 911 can result in paramedics attempting CPR or resuscitation, which goes against the patient's wishes and can be traumatic for family members.
How long can a body remain at home after death?
In most states, a body can remain at home for several hours to a day. There is no legal requirement to immediately call a funeral home, though most families do so within a few hours.
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