What to Do When a Loved One Passes Away: The First 24 Hours
Last reviewed 2026-11-01
Short answer: If the person was in hospice, call the hospice nurse first. If the death was unexpected, call 911. After death is pronounced, there is no need to decide everything today: contact a funeral home or cremation provider to arrange transport, then handle paperwork over the coming days.
Who do I call first?
- Expected death under hospice care at home: call the hospice nurse line. They will pronounce the death and guide you.
- Unexpected death at home: call 911. Emergency responders and, in some cases, the medical examiner or coroner will be involved.
- Death in a hospital or care facility: staff will notify you and ask which funeral home or cremation provider to contact.
What can wait a few hours or days?
Once death has been pronounced, you can take time to notify close family and gather any written wishes, a pre-arranged plan, or insurance papers. Choosing a provider is the main early decision. Ask for prices before you commit; providers must quote prices by phone under the FTC Funeral Rule.
No state requires embalming in every case, and you are not obliged to buy a casket for a cremation. You can slow down and compare.
Paperwork in the first week
- Order several certified copies of the death certificate. Banks, insurers and agencies commonly each ask for one.
- Ask the funeral home to report the death to Social Security.
- Locate the will, life insurance policies, and any pre-need funeral contract.
- Notify the employer, landlord or mortgage lender, and cancel or redirect recurring services when ready.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I call if a loved one passes away at home?
Call the hospice nurse if the person was in hospice. For an unexpected death, call 911. After death is pronounced, contact a funeral home or cremation provider.
Do I need to choose a funeral home immediately?
You need to arrange transport relatively soon, but you can compare prices first. Providers must give prices over the phone under the FTC Funeral Rule.
Is embalming required?
No state requires embalming in every case. It may be required in specific situations such as certain public viewings or transport, depending on state law and provider policy.