Who to Call When Someone Dies at Home

This is Caroline, a licensed funeral director and Co-Founder of Ripple. I’ve sat with countless families in this exact moment—the moment when someone they love has died at home, and they don’t know what to do next.

If you’re reading this, take a deep breath. You’re exactly where you need to be. As I often say to the families I work with: “The emergency already happened.” Right now, the most important thing is taking care of yourself.

At Ripple, we created this guide because we believe no one should navigate grief alone. Our Circle community offers peer support groups, practical resources, and a safe space to connect with others who truly understand. But first, let me walk you through the calls you need to make and the steps ahead.

A note on local laws: Procedures vary by state and locality, especially across the US. When in doubt, a local funeral director or your hospice team can offer personalized guidance. This guide provides general direction—always verify with local authorities if you’re uncertain.

Determine the Situation: Hospice, Expected, or Unexpected?

The very first call you make depends entirely on the circumstances. Was your loved one under hospice care? Were they expected to pass but not enrolled in hospice? Or was this sudden and unexpected?

This distinction matters because it determines who has the authority to pronounce death and what happens next.

If Under Hospice Care (Expected Death)

Do not call 911. This is important.

Call the hospice provider immediately—they give you a 24/7 phone number for exactly this moment. A hospice nurse or team member will come to your home to:

• Pronounce the death (they have legal authority to do this)
• Complete the paperwork for the death certificate
• Offer emotional support during those first overwhelming hours

Here’s something many people don’t realize: hospice also provides bereavement counseling, often for up to 12 months under Medicare. This is what hospice care is designed for—to eliminate the need to call 911 and to guide you gently through what comes next.

Lean on them. They are there for you.

If Expected but Not Under Hospice (Under Doctor’s Care)

If your loved one was under a physician’s care but not enrolled in hospice, call their doctor or palliative care team right away.

The physician (or an authorized healthcare professional) will come to pronounce the death and sign the medical certificate. Have these documents ready if you can locate them:

• DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order, if applicable
• MOLST/POLST form (often kept on the refrigerator)
• List of current medications
• Any advance directives

In most cases, avoid calling 911—it may trigger resuscitation efforts that contradict your loved one’s wishes.

However, if the physician is unavailable or unable to respond promptly (such as after hours, unreachable, or significantly delayed), you may need to call 911. If you do:

• Clearly explain to the operator that this is an expected death under medical care
• Provide the doctor’s name and contact information
• Have DNR/MOLST forms ready to present immediately to first responders
• Emphasize any advance directives to minimize unwanted interventions

Laws vary by state—some require official pronouncement within specific timeframes. When in doubt, it’s better to call 911 and clearly communicate the situation than to delay and face legal complications. Check with your local funeral director or physician’s office about specific procedures in your area.

If Unexpected, Unattended, or Suspicious

Call 911 immediately.

If the death was sudden, unexplained, or you’re unsure of the circumstances, emergency services must respond. Here’s what to expect:

• EMTs and police will arrive to pronounce death
• They will investigate—even natural deaths at home often require a basic investigation
• They’ll ensure there are no signs of foul play (this is routine procedure, not personal)
• The body may be transferred to the hospital or medical examiner/coroner
• The body may be released and you will then contact a funeral home to make a transfer.

Do not touch or move the body while waiting for first responders.

Information to provide when you call: - Your loved one’s full name and address - Their Social Security number (if known) - Brief medical history - Approximate time of death or when you discovered them - List of medications - Your name and relationship to the deceased

If a DNR or MOLST form exists, have it in your hand when paramedics arrive. Present it immediately—otherwise, they may be required to attempt resuscitation.

I experienced this with my own mother. She died at home at 91 years old. The paramedics made the pronouncement and called the Medical Examiner, but because I was able to reach her primary care doctor—who could establish her medical history and was willing to sign the death certificate—we avoided having her taken to the morgue. It’s worth knowing: you may have options even in unexpected situations.

Pro Tip: Gather Key Information Before Calling

If you have a moment, gather this information before making calls: - Full legal name of the deceased - Home address - Social Security number - Primary doctor’s name and contact - Your name and relationship to the deceased

Having this ready helps every conversation go more smoothly during an already difficult time.

After the Pronouncement: Arrange Body Transport

Once the death has been officially pronounced—whether by hospice, a physician, or emergency personnel—the next step is arranging transportation for your loved one.

Contact a Funeral Home or Cremation Service

Many funeral homes operate 24/7 for exactly these situations. They will:

• Pick up your loved one’s body from your home
• Handle initial paperwork
• Discuss your options (burial, cremation, memorial services)
• Guide you through the days ahead

Ripple has a list of vetted funeral homes, and we can help you find one that fits your needs and values.

Check for Prearrangements

Did your loved one prepay or prearrange funeral services? If so, contact that provider directly—their information may be in important documents or a file at home. Prearrangements are often transferable and can ease your burden significantly.

Review Advance Directives and Organ Donation Wishes

Time is of the essence for organ or tissue donation. Check: - The driver’s license for a donor designation - Any written wishes or advance directives - Conversations you may have had about their preferences

If donation is desired, the funeral home or hospital can coordinate quickly.

Spend Private Time If Desired

Here’s something I always tell families: you have the right to sit with your loved one after they’ve passed. There is no rush. No one can force you to hand them over immediately.

In most states, you can keep the body at home for a period of time. In New York, for example, you have up to 72 hours before the death must be registered with a funeral home.

If you choose to keep them at home: - Turn on air conditioning to keep the room cool - You may bathe them or wash their face if you feel comfortable - Open a window if that feels right - Take the time you need to say goodbye in your own way

This is deeply personal. Do what feels right for you.

Notify Loved Ones and Handle Practical Matters

Once the immediate situation is managed, there are people to call and practical details to address.

Inform Close Family and Friends

Call one person first. Choose someone steady—the person who shows up and helps. Let them help you notify others.

From there, delegate wider notifications. Group texts, emails, or even a social media post can spread the word without requiring you to repeat the painful news over and over.

Care for Dependents and Pets

If your loved one had children, elderly family members, or pets depending on them, arrange temporary care as soon as possible. Pets grieve too—try to place them somewhere familiar and loving until longer-term arrangements are made.

Secure the Home

If your loved one lived alone: - Lock all doors and windows - Forward their mail - Inventory valuables - Ask a trusted neighbor to check in regularly - Care for any plants

This protects against fraud, theft, and complications during estate settlement.

Key Notifications

Here’s a quick reference for who else needs to know:

Obtain Certified Death Certificates

Request at least 10 certified copies through the funeral home or your state’s vital records office. You’ll need them for nearly every legal and financial matter in the weeks and months ahead—insurance claims, bank accounts, property transfers, and more.

Longer-Term Steps: Arrangements and Healing

The days and weeks ahead will hold many decisions. Here’s what to keep in mind as you move forward.

Plan the Service

Review any wishes your loved one left behind—in a will, a letter of instruction, or past conversations. If nothing was specified, trust your instincts about what would honor them best.

You have the right to compare funeral homes for services and affordability. A memorial service provides closure—many find it healing, but there’s no single right way to do this.

Ripple offers funeral planning resources and can help you navigate your options.

Handle Legal Matters

• Locate the will (check home safes, safety deposit boxes, or with their attorney)
• If assets exceed $50,000, consider consulting an estate attorney
• Start probate proceedings if required by your state

Funeral directors handle much of the immediate paperwork—lean on them.

Practice Self-Care

Grief takes a profound physical toll, especially in those first days and weeks. Please remember:

• Eat nourishing food, even small bites
• Stay hydrated—water, preferably with electrolytes
• Rest when exhausted, even if sleep feels impossible
• Avoid major decisions or driving alone when you’re overwhelmed
• Let others help—meals, errands, company

If you were a caregiver before their passing, you may feel especially depleted. That exhaustion is real. Be gentle with yourself.

You’re Not Alone: Find Support at Ripple

At Ripple, we believe that grief shared is grief lightened. You’ve already taken the first step by seeking guidance. Our community offers:

• Peer support groups tailored to your specific loss—spouse, parent, child, or other loved one
• Safe, moderated conversations in compassionate, judgment-free spaces
• Practical guidance from our First Steps Guide, self-care tools, and funeral planning resources

Healing takes time—sometimes months, sometimes years. But connection speeds it. Like ripples on water, one act of support spreads outward, touching countless lives.

If you need someone to listen, we’re here. Join our community today. Reach out anytime.

With care,

The Ripple Team Co-Founded by Caroline (Licensed Funeral Director, NY #14621) & Mary Matyas