When someone dies in a care home, the staff will handle the immediate steps and contact the GP. This guide explains what the care home takes care of, what you'll need to do, and how to start making arrangements.
The care home staff will call the person's GP to confirm the death. If the death was expected, the GP will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. If it was unexpected, the death may be referred to the coroner.
The care home will contact the next of kin or named contact as soon as possible. You don't need to rush — the care home will take care of the person until the funeral director arrives.
Some care homes have arrangements with particular funeral directors, but you are not obliged to use them. You have the right to choose your own funeral director. Check if the resident had a pre-paid funeral plan, as this may already specify a funeral director.
Choose an NAFD-accredited funeral director to arrange collection. They will liaise directly with the care home. You can start discussing funeral wishes whenever you feel ready.
Arrange to collect personal belongings from the care home. Register the death within 5 days (8 days in Scotland) at the local register office, using the medical certificate provided by the GP.
All funeral directors listed here are NAFD-accredited and adhere to a strict Code of Practice.
Search funeral directors18 steps covering everything you need to do in the first 30 days.
View the full checklistStep-by-step guide for when someone dies at home. What to do first, who to call, and how to arrange everything — practical advice from NAFD-accredited funeral directors.
What happens when someone dies in hospital — who to contact, collecting belongings, and arranging the funeral. Clear guidance from NAFD-accredited funeral directors.
How to register a death in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. What documents you need, time limits, and what happens at the register office.
