What to Do When Someone Dies at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

The short answer: When someone dies at home — expected or not — there are specific steps to take. If the death was expected (hospice, terminal illness), you have time. If unexpected, call 911. Either way, you don't need to rush — you have more time than you think.

Expected Death at Home (Hospice or Natural Death)

If your loved one was on hospice or the death was anticipated:

1. You don't need to call 911. If hospice is involved, call your hospice nurse line. They'll guide you through the next steps and can certify the death.
2. Take your time. There is no requirement to remove the body immediately. Many families spend time with the deceased — hours, sometimes longer — before calling a funeral home.
3. If no hospice, call the deceased's primary care physician or an on-call doctor to certify the death and provide a death certificate.
4. Notify the funeral home when you're ready. They will transport the body.
5. Notify family. Immediate family first, then others.

Unexpected Death at Home

If the death was unexpected or unattended (no physician, no hospice):

1. Call 911. An unexpected death requires police and/or medical examiner involvement to rule out foul play. This is required by law.
2. Do not move or clean anything until authorities say it's okay.
3. Once released by authorities, contact the funeral home.

Immediate Practical Steps

• Close the eyes gently if desired (within the first hour, while the body is still warm)
• Bathe and dress the body if you choose (for expected deaths; many families do this)
• Keep the room cool if you plan to have the body at home for a period
• Secure pets in another room during the process
• Have water and food available for family who gather

How Long Can You Keep the Body at Home?

Without embalming, most states allow 24–72 hours with proper refrigeration or dry ice. Some states allow longer for home funerals. A death doula or home funeral guide can help you understand your state's specific requirements.

Death Certificates

You'll need 8–12 certified copies. The funeral home typically handles filing, or you can obtain them from your state's vital records office.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you do when someone dies at home?

For expected deaths (hospice): call the hospice nurse line, take time with your loved one, then contact the funeral home when ready. For unexpected deaths: call 911 — an unattended death requires authorities to certify the cause. You don't need to rush; take the time you need.

Do you have to call 911 when someone dies at home?

For unexpected or unattended deaths, yes — call 911. Police and/or a medical examiner must respond. For expected deaths with hospice or a physician who can certify the death, you typically do not need to call 911. Call your hospice nurse instead.

How long can a body stay at home after death?

Without embalming, most states allow 24–72 hours with dry ice or cooling blankets. Home funeral laws vary by state — some allow longer. A death doula or home funeral guide can advise on your state's specific requirements and help with practical body care.

Can you wash and dress a body at home?

Yes. For expected deaths, families have the right to wash, dress, and spend time with the body at home. This practice — sometimes called 'laying out the dead' — is legal and was common before funeral homes took over. A home funeral guide or death doula can walk you through the process.

What documents are needed when someone dies at home?

You'll need: a death certificate (filed by the attending physician, hospice nurse, or medical examiner and processed through the funeral home or vital records); an authorization for disposition (required for cremation or burial); and identification documents. Obtain 8–12 certified copies of the death certificate.

Renidy connects grieving families with compassionate end-of-life doulas, funeral planners, and grief support specialists. Find support near you.