What to do when someone dies: the first steps
A calm, simple checklist of what to do in the first hours and days after someone passes away, who to call, what paperwork you need, and why there is no need to rush the big decisions.
Losing someone is overwhelming, and it is hard to think clearly when you are grieving. The good news is that very little needs to happen immediately. Here is a calm, step-by-step guide to the first few days, so you can take things one at a time.
In the first few hours
If the death was expected (for example, in hospital, aged care, or palliative care at home), there is no emergency. Take your time. Staff or the person's doctor will guide you, and a doctor will confirm the death and complete the medical paperwork.
If the death was sudden or unexpected, call 000. If it happens at home, the police and a doctor or paramedic will attend as a matter of routine, this is normal and nothing to worry about.
You do not need to call a funeral director straight away. It is perfectly fine to sit with your loved one, call close family, and simply be present.
Who to contact
Once you are ready, a few people will need to know:
- A doctor, to confirm the death and issue the medical certificate (usually already arranged in a hospital or aged care home).
- A funeral director, when you feel ready, they take over most of the practical steps from here, including bringing your loved one into their care, at any hour.
- Close family and friends, so you are not carrying the news alone.
When you feel ready, the directory of funeral directors near you shows who serves your area. Every profile has a contact form, so you can reach out with a short written message rather than a phone call, and directors are used to hearing from families at any hour. Asking a question commits you to nothing.
The paperwork you will need
Your funeral director handles most of this for you, but it helps to know what is involved:
- The medical certificate of cause of death, completed by a doctor.
- The death certificate, which the funeral director usually registers on your behalf with Births, Deaths and Marriages.
- The person's details for the registration, full name, date and place of birth, and family information.
If there is a will, it may name an executor and include wishes about the funeral. It is worth checking, but do not worry if you cannot find it right away.
There is no need to rush
This is the most important thing to remember: the big decisions can wait. You do not have to choose burial or cremation, a coffin, or a service on day one. A good funeral director will give you time and never pressure you.
Take a breath. Lean on the people around you. When you are ready, you can start comparing funeral directors near you and reach out to one you feel comfortable with.
Find funeral directors near you
This guide is general information only. Costs, rules and options vary between states, cemeteries and providers, so always confirm the details with the funeral director or service you choose. For help with the cost of a funeral, Services Australia may be able to assist.
One Final Song
The team behind One Final Song, the free directory of funeral directors, crematoria and cemeteries across Australia.
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