Expected Death in a Care Home in Leicester

What to do when someone dies in a care home

If your loved one has died in a care home and their death was expected, the care home staff will usually guide you through the first steps. We are also here to support you, answer your questions and arrange for your loved one to be brought into our care when the time is right.

At Bay Tree Funeral Directors in Blaby, Leicester, our family team is available 24 hours a day to help families across Leicester and Leicestershire.

For immediate help or advice, please call 0116 278 8868. You will speak directly to a member of our family team who will guide you through what happens next.

Call 0116 278 8868

1. The care home will contact the next of kin

When someone dies in a care home, the staff will usually contact the next of kin or closest family members as soon as possible.

They will explain what has happened and advise you on the immediate next steps. You may also wish to speak with the care home manager or senior member of staff if you have any questions.

2. A doctor or medical professional will be contacted

In most expected deaths, the care home will contact the GP, out-of-hours doctor or relevant healthcare professional to verify or certify the death.

The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death will usually be arranged by the doctor, although it is always sensible to check with the care home that the correct paperwork is being completed.

3. Ask the care home to contact Bay Tree Funeral Directors

Once the necessary medical confirmation has taken place, you can ask the care home to contact Bay Tree Funeral Directors so we can arrange to bring your loved one into our care.

You can also call us directly on 0116 278 8868. We will speak with you and the care home to arrange everything calmly and respectfully.

4. Bringing your loved one into our care

When the care home and family are ready, we can arrange for your loved one to be brought into our care and taken to our chapel of rest in Blaby, Leicester.

Our team will treat your loved one with dignity, respect and compassion at every stage. We will also explain how you can visit the chapel of rest if you wish to spend time with them before the funeral.

5. Registering the death

Once the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been issued, the death will need to be registered. This is usually done by a close relative or someone who is legally able to register the death.

We can guide you through this step and direct you to the correct registration service for Leicester or Leicestershire.

You may also find our registering a death guide helpful.

6. Arranging the funeral

You do not have to make every funeral decision immediately. When you feel ready, we can arrange an appointment at our funeral home in Blaby, Leicester, or speak with you over the phone.

We will listen to your wishes, explain your options clearly and help arrange a funeral that reflects your loved one’s life, beliefs and personality.

To speak with us or book an appointment, please call 0116 278 8868.

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Expected Death in a Care Home FAQs

Who should I call first when someone dies in a care home?

The care home will usually contact the next of kin and arrange for a doctor or medical professional to verify or certify the death. You can also call Bay Tree Funeral Directors on 0116 278 8868 for guidance.

Will the care home contact the funeral director?

The care home may ask which funeral director you would like to use. You can ask them to contact Bay Tree Funeral Directors, or you can call us directly and we will liaise with the care home.

Can Bay Tree Funeral Directors bring my loved one into care from a care home?

Yes. We can bring your loved one into our care from a care home in Leicester, Blaby, Leicestershire and surrounding areas, 24 hours a day.

Do I need to register the death?

Yes. Once the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been issued, the death will need to be registered. We can explain what needs to happen and guide you to the correct registration service.

Can I book an appointment to arrange 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.