What to do when someone dies at home
If your loved one has died at home and their death was expected, Bay Tree Funerals are here to guide you calmly through the next steps.
Expected death at home
When a death is expected, there is usually no need to panic or rush. The first step is normally to contact the GP, district nurse, out-of-hours doctor or healthcare professional involved in your loved one’s care.
Once the death has been verified, the medical professional will explain how the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death will be dealt with. In some cases, the death may be reviewed by the Medical Examiner or referred to the coroner.
Step-by-step guidance
1 Contact the doctor or healthcare professional
If the death was expected, contact the GP surgery, out-of-hours doctor, district nurse, hospice team or the healthcare professional involved in your loved one’s care. They will advise how the death will be verified.
2 Take a little time if you need to
Many families choose to spend a short time at home with their loved one before calling the funeral director. Unless there is a medical or practical reason, there is usually no need to rush.
3 Call Bay Tree Funerals
When you feel ready, call us on 0116 278 8868. We can arrange to bring your loved one into our care with dignity, respect and calm guidance.
4 Bringing your loved one into our care
Our team will attend respectfully, explain everything clearly and bring your loved one into our care. Your loved one can then rest at our chapel of rest in Blaby.
5 Registering the death
Once the correct medical paperwork has been completed, the death will need to be registered. We can guide you towards the correct registration service for Leicester or Leicestershire.
6 Arranging the funeral
You do not need to make every decision straight away. When you are ready, we can arrange an appointment at our funeral home in Blaby or talk through the first steps by phone.
If the coroner is involved
Sometimes, even when a death was expected, the doctor may need to refer the death to the coroner. This can happen if the cause of death is unclear or certain medical requirements have not been met.
Please try not to worry. We can explain what is likely to happen and support you while the necessary checks take place.
Arranging an appointment
When you feel ready, Samantha and our family team can sit down with you and talk through the funeral options clearly and gently.
We can help with traditional funerals, cremations, burials, religious services, non-religious services and more personal arrangements.
Expected death at home FAQs
Who should I call first when someone dies at home?
If the death was expected, you should usually contact the GP, out-of-hours doctor, district nurse, hospice team or relevant healthcare professional. You can also call Bay Tree Funerals for guidance.
Can Bay Tree Funerals bring my loved one into care from home?
Yes. We can bring your loved one into our care from home across Leicester, Blaby, Leicestershire and surrounding areas.
Do I need to call the police?
If the death was expected and a medical professional can verify the death, the police are usually not needed. If the death was sudden, unexpected or there are unusual circumstances, emergency services may need to be contacted.
Can family spend time with their loved one at home?
Yes, in many cases families may spend time at home before their loved one is brought into our care. We will guide you based on the circumstances.
Can I book an appointment to discuss the funeral?
Yes. Please call 0116 278 8868 to book an appointment at our funeral home in Blaby, Leicester, or to speak with us over the phone.
Here when you need us
If your loved one has died at home and you are unsure what to do next, please call Bay Tree Funerals. We will guide you with care, clarity and dignity.
Bay Tree Funeral Directors7A Welford Road, Blaby, Leicester, LE8 4FT