Most people have never been in the room when someone dies. There is no preparation for how it feels — or for what you are expected to do next. The practical steps may feel impossible right now. But they are manageable, and there is time.
First: you do not need to rush
One of the most important things to understand is that you are not required to call anyone immediately. Unless the death was sudden and unexpected, there is no emergency. You can sit with the person for a while. You can call a family member. You can take a breath.
The process that follows does not need to begin within minutes. It needs to begin within a few hours — but not instantly.
Step 1: Confirm the death and call a doctor
A death at home must be formally certified by a doctor before a funeral director can take the body. This is the first phone call you need to make.
If the person was under the care of a GP or specialist: Call that doctor directly. They will attend or arrange for another doctor to attend and certify the cause of death. In some cases — particularly for elderly patients in palliative care — the GP may be able to issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death without attending in person.
If you do not have a doctor to call: Call your state's non-emergency medical line or a GP locum service. Do not call 000 unless you believe the death may be suspicious or you are unsure whether the person is actually deceased.
If the death was sudden and unexpected: Call 000. Police will attend and the coroner will be notified. This is a legal requirement for deaths that were not anticipated.
Step 2: Call the police if required
Police must be notified if the death was sudden, unexpected, or the result of an accident, violence, or unknown cause. In these cases, the coroner will investigate before the body is released to a funeral director. This process takes time — sometimes days.
If the death was expected and the cause is known — for example, after a long illness — police do not need to be called.
An expected death is one where the person had a known terminal illness and was under medical care. An unexpected death is one that occurs without prior warning — a heart attack, accident, or death during sleep in an otherwise healthy person. If you are unsure, call your GP first and they will advise.
Step 3: Call a funeral director
Once the death has been certified, you can contact a funeral director. They will come to the home and collect the body. You do not need to have made any decisions about the funeral at this point — collection is a separate step from planning.
You can choose any funeral director. You are not obligated to use the first one who arrives or whoever the hospital recommends. If you have time, it is worth making a brief comparison before calling. If you don't, call anyone reputable — you can always transfer the arrangement to a different director later, though this may involve a transfer fee.
The funeral director will bring a transfer vehicle and a brief form to sign. This authorises them to take the body into their care. They will ask you a small number of questions about the person and your initial wishes.
Step 4: Notify immediate family
There is no correct order for who to call first. Call the people who need to know. Be brief — you do not need to have answers to any questions yet. "Mum passed away at home this morning. I'll be in touch once I know more" is enough.
Step 5: Secure the home
If the deceased was living alone, ensure the home is secure. Locate keys, turn off appliances, and ensure pets are cared for. You do not need to clear the home or change anything — that can happen in the days and weeks ahead.
What happens after the funeral director arrives
The body will be transported to the funeral director's care facility. From here, there are several things that need to happen — but not all of them today:
- A Medical Certificate of Cause of Death must be completed by the certifying doctor
- The death must be registered with the relevant state registry — the funeral director typically coordinates this
- You will need to decide on burial or cremation, the type of service, and timing
- A death certificate will be issued by the state registry once registration is complete — you will need multiple certified copies
None of these need to be resolved in the first few hours. The funeral director will guide you through each one at a pace that is manageable.
What you do not need to decide right now
Funeral directors are experienced at working with families in acute grief. A good one will not pressure you to make decisions before you are ready. You do not need to choose a coffin, set a date, or write an order of service today. Those decisions can wait until tomorrow, or the day after.
Death registration and certification requirements vary slightly between Australian states and territories. Your funeral director will be familiar with the requirements in your state and will coordinate the necessary paperwork with you.
A guide for everything that follows.
Remember Well• helps you navigate the decisions ahead — the farewell, the paperwork, the practical steps — at your own pace.
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