Who Do You Call When Someone Dies at Home?
- Lastly.com
- Jul 11
- 7 min read
Last Words Matter™
When someone dies at home, it can be difficult to think clearly.
In the midst of grief and shock, one question often rises above all the others:
Who do I call first?
The answer depends on whether the death was expected or unexpected, but in every situation, there is a clear path to follow.
This guide explains who to contact, in what order, and what you can expect after each phone call—so you can move forward with confidence, one step at a time.
Who Do You Call When Someone Dies at Home?
The first phone call depends on the circumstances surrounding the death.
If the death was unexpected, your first call should almost always be 911. Emergency responders will arrive, assess the situation, and begin the legal process required after an unexpected death.
If the death was expected and your loved one was receiving hospice care, your first call is usually to the hospice nurse or hospice provider. They will come to the home, pronounce the death if appropriate, guide you through the next steps, and contact the funeral home when you're ready.
If your loved one was not under hospice care but the death was expected because of illness, contact your physician or local emergency services for guidance. Requirements vary by state, and local authorities can explain what happens next.
The important thing to remember is this:
You don't need to know every step right now. You only need to know the next phone call.
What Information Should You Have Ready?
You don't need to have every answer before making the first phone call.
However, having a few basic details available can make the process a little easier.
If possible, be prepared to provide:
• Your loved one's full name
• The address where the death occurred
• Whether the death was expected or unexpected
• Whether hospice was involved
• Your contact information
• The name of your preferred funeral home, if you've already selected one
Don't worry if you don't have all of this information immediately.
The people assisting you will guide you through whatever is needed.
Need Help Honoring Their Story?
Once the immediate phone calls have been made, many families begin thinking about how they'll remember and honor the person they love.
The Obituary LifeReview® helps uncover meaningful stories, organize memories, and create a thoughtful obituary that reflects a life well lived.
Powered by the Lastly® LifeReview® Framework
Expected vs. Unexpected Death: Who Should You Call First?
Knowing whether the death was expected or unexpected makes the next step much clearer.
If the death was expected
If your loved one was receiving hospice care, call the hospice nurse first.
Hospice professionals are trained for this moment. They will come to the home, verify the death, explain what happens next, and coordinate with the funeral home when your family is ready.
If your loved one was not enrolled in hospice, contact their physician or local emergency services for instructions.
If the death was unexpected
Call 911 immediately.
Emergency responders will arrive, assess the situation, and notify the appropriate medical personnel or coroner if necessary.
Although this can feel overwhelming, these procedures are designed to protect both families and the legal process.
The responders will explain what happens next and help guide you through the immediate steps.
What Happens After You Make the Call?
Once you've made the appropriate phone call, trained professionals will begin guiding you through the next steps.
If emergency responders arrive, they will assess the situation, answer immediate questions, and, if necessary, contact the medical examiner or coroner according to local procedures.
If a hospice nurse arrives, they will verify the death, provide support to the family, and help coordinate the next steps with your chosen funeral home.
While every situation is unique, one thing is consistent:
You won't be expected to navigate the process by yourself.
The people responding to your call understand that families are grieving. They’ll explain what is happening, answer your questions, and help you understand what to expect over the next few hours.
When Should You Call the Funeral Home?
In many cases, the funeral home isn't the first phone call—but it is often the next one.
If your loved one was receiving hospice care, the hospice team will usually contact the funeral home once you're ready.
If emergency responders or the medical examiner are involved, they'll explain when the funeral home can take your loved one into their care.
If you've already chosen a funeral home, you can let the responding professionals know your preference.
If you haven't selected one yet, don't feel pressured to make a rushed decision. In many situations, you'll have time to discuss your options with family before making funeral or memorial arrangements.
Once your loved one is transferred into the funeral home's care, many families experience a subtle emotional shift.
While the grief remains, the uncertainty often begins to give way to planning, remembering, and honoring the life that was lived. Although difficult, many families describe this as the moment when they begin taking one step at a time instead of trying to process everything at once.
Who Else Should You Notify?
After you've contacted the appropriate emergency personnel, hospice provider, or physician, you'll begin notifying the people closest to your loved one.
Start with immediate family members and those who would want to hear the news directly from you rather than through someone else.
Once close family has been informed, you can begin contacting extended family, close friends, employers, clergy, or others who played an important role in your loved one's life.
Not every phone call needs to happen immediately.
Some conversations can wait until you've had a chance to gather your thoughts and be together as a family.
What to Expect
Many people worry about finding the "right words" when making these calls.
The truth is, there are no perfect words.
A simple, honest conversation is enough.
People aren't expecting a carefully prepared message.
They're simply grateful to hear the news from someone who cared.
Who Should You Call in the Days Ahead?
Once the immediate responsibilities have passed, there are several organizations you'll likely need to notify over the coming days and weeks.
Depending on your loved one's circumstances, this may include:
• Social Security
• Life insurance companies
• Banks and financial institutions
• Employers
• Veterans Affairs, if applicable
• Medicare or Medicaid
• Utility providers and subscription services
• Your attorney or accountant, if needed
You don't have to contact every organization today.
Many of these notifications can wait until you've had time to make funeral arrangements and gather the documents you'll need.
What If You're Not Sure Who to Call?
It's completely normal to worry that you might forget someone or overlook an important step.
Most families feel that way.
Fortunately, you don't have to rely on memory alone.
Funeral directors, hospice providers, attorneys, and other professionals guide families through this process every day and can help you understand what needs to happen—and when.
Rather than trying to remember everything, simply focus on the next conversation.
One phone call often leads naturally to the next.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Feeling like you have to make every phone call yourself.
• Waiting until you've gathered every document before asking for help.
• Feeling pressured to notify everyone immediately.
• Forgetting that family members and close friends often want to help by making calls on your behalf.
Remember...
You don't have to carry every responsibility alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always call 911 when someone dies at home?
Not always.
If the death was expected and your loved one was receiving hospice care, your first call is usually to the hospice nurse rather than 911. Hospice providers are trained to guide families through the next steps and will explain what happens after they arrive.
If the death was unexpected or you are unsure what to do, call 911 immediately.
Who officially pronounces someone dead at home?
That depends on the circumstances.
For expected deaths under hospice care, a hospice nurse or physician may pronounce the death according to local regulations.
For unexpected deaths, emergency medical personnel, a physician, medical examiner, or coroner may be responsible for making the official pronouncement.
Can I call the funeral home before calling anyone else?
In most situations, no.
The death usually needs to be officially confirmed before the funeral home can take your loved one into their care.
Once that has happened, the responding professionals or hospice team will explain when it's appropriate to contact the funeral home.
What if I don't know which funeral home to use?
That's okay.
Many families haven't chosen a funeral home before someone dies.
If you need time to discuss your options with family members, the professionals helping you can explain the process and answer your questions.
You don't have to make every decision immediately.
Your Next Steps
The first phone call is only one part of the journey after losing someone you love.
As you're ready, the checklist below can help you navigate the next steps with confidence and compassion.
Helpful Guides Along the Way
You've taken the first step. Explore these guides as you're ready.
Where You Are | Helpful Guide |
Need to make phone calls | |
Someone died at home | |
Planning the service | How to Plan a Funeral Celebration of Life vs. Funeral |
Ready to write |
Final Thoughts
When someone dies at home, making the first phone call can feel like one of the hardest things you'll ever do.
But you don't have to know every answer before you pick up the phone.
You only need to know who to call first.
From there, trained professionals, family members, and trusted friends will help guide you through the next steps.
One conversation leads to another.
One phone call leads to the next.
And, little by little, what feels overwhelming today becomes manageable tomorrow.
Take your time.
Ask questions.
Accept help when it's offered.
And remember that you don't have to navigate this journey alone.
At Lastly.com, Last Words Matter™
The first phone calls after a loss begin a journey that no family ever expects to take.
In time, those conversations give way to remembering, sharing stories, and honoring a life well lived.
Lastly® helps families discover and tell the story of a life through thoughtful conversations that uncover meaningful memories, treasured relationships, and the moments that made someone unforgettable.
Because every meaningful obituary begins the same way...
Not with a blank page.
But with a conversation about someone you love.
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