What to do when someone dies in a care home
If your loved one has died in a care home and the death was expected, Bay Tree Funerals are here to guide you calmly and clearly through what happens next.
Expected death in a care home
When someone dies in a care home and the death was expected, the care home staff will usually contact the relevant doctor, GP, district nurse or healthcare professional to verify the death.
The care home team will normally guide you through the immediate steps. You can then contact Bay Tree Funerals when you feel ready, and we can arrange to bring your loved one into our care.
Step-by-step guidance
1 The care home will contact the doctor
If the death was expected, the care home will usually contact the GP, out-of-hours doctor, district nurse or healthcare professional involved in your loved one’s care.
2 The death will be verified
A suitable medical professional will confirm that the death has occurred. The care home staff will normally explain what is happening and support you during this time.
3 Call Bay Tree Funerals
When you feel ready, call us on 0116 278 8868. We can liaise with the care home and arrange to bring your loved one into our care with dignity and respect.
4 Bringing your loved one into our care
Our team will attend the care home respectfully and professionally. We will work with the care home staff and bring your loved one into our care at our funeral home in Blaby.
5 Medical paperwork and registration
The doctor or medical team will advise how the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death will be dealt with. Once the correct paperwork is available, the death can be registered.
6 Arranging the funeral
When you are ready, Samantha and our family team can help you arrange a funeral that feels right for your loved one, whether traditional, simple, religious, non-religious or more personal.
We can speak with the care home
Families often worry about who needs to do what. We can speak directly with the care home to arrange a suitable time to attend and bring your loved one into our care.
This helps keep the process calm, organised and respectful for everyone involved.
Support from Samantha and our team
You will not be rushed into decisions. We can talk you through the first steps, explain the options clearly and arrange an appointment when you feel ready.
Our funeral home is based in Blaby and we support families across Leicester and Leicestershire.
Expected death in a care home FAQs
Who calls the doctor when someone dies in a care home?
The care home will usually contact the GP, out-of-hours doctor, district nurse or healthcare professional involved in the person’s care.
Can Bay Tree Funerals collect my loved one from a care home?
Yes. We can bring your loved one into our care from care homes across Leicester, Blaby, South Leicestershire and the wider Leicestershire area.
Do I need to contact the coroner?
In many expected deaths this is not needed. If a coroner referral is required, the doctor or medical team will usually advise. We can also explain what this means.
Can I choose Bay Tree Funerals even if the care home suggests someone else?
Yes. The choice of funeral director is always yours. You can ask the care home to contact Bay Tree Funerals, or you can call us directly.
Can I book an appointment to discuss the funeral?
Yes. Please call 0116 278 8868 and we can arrange a calm appointment at our funeral home in Blaby or speak with you over the phone.
Here when you need us
If your loved one has died in a care 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