Blog » What to Do When a Loved One Passes Away at Home

What to Do When a Loved One Passes Away at Home
June 25, 2025

 

  • Supportive steps for families facing loss

  • A guide for families navigating an unexpected loss

When a loved one passes away at home, it can be one of the most emotional and disorienting experiences a family faces. Whether the passing was expected or sudden, the steps that follow can feel overwhelming.

At SimpleCremationUSA, we understand how tender these moments are. We’re here to guide you through each one with clarity and compassion, offering simply affordable cremations and support when you need it most.

This guide offers practical steps to take immediately after a loss at home, along with helpful resources from trusted organizations and local cremation services.

What Do I Do First If My Loved One Passed Away at Home?

  • If the death was expected and your loved one was under hospice care, contact the hospice nurse. They will visit the home and guide you through the next steps.

  • If the death was unexpected, and hospice was not involved, call 911. Emergency professionals will confirm the death and notify the appropriate authorities if needed.
     

Whether you choose a simple funeral service or want to cremate simply with no ceremony, taking this first step helps begin the process.

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization – When Death Occurs
Verywell Health – What to Do When Someone Dies at Home
Caring.com – Checklist: What to Do When Someone Dies

 

Who Needs to Be Contacted After a Death at Home?

Once emergency or hospice personnel are informed, contact a local cremation service or simple choice funeral home to begin arrangements. If the death was unattended or sudden, the county coroner may also need to be notified.

SimpleCremationUSA – Arrange Cremation Online
Nolo – Who Do You Notify When Someone Dies?
Funeralwise – What to Do When Someone Dies

 

What Documents Should I Gather After a Death?

To move forward with a simple service or final arrangements, gather key documents:

  • Legal ID and Social Security number

  • Any will or advance directive

  • Life insurance policies and prepaid cremation or funeral plans
     

These documents make it easier to work with your simple choice cremation services provider or legal representatives.

Everplans – Important Documents to Locate After a Death
The Conversation Project – Advance Care Planning
U.S. News – Documents You’ll Need After a Death

 

How Do I Let Family and Friends Know?

Notifying others can be overwhelming. It’s often helpful to contact immediate family first, then ask for support in informing others. Whether you're arranging a simple funeral or cremation only, let people know in the way that feels most comfortable for you by phone, in person, or with a respectful online announcement.

What’s Your Grief – Telling Others Someone Has Died
AARP – What to Do When a Loved One Dies
Legacy.com – How to Write a Death Announcement

 

How Can I Take Care of Myself During This Time?

Grief can set in quickly and feel overwhelming. No matter what type of memorial you choose, whether a simple choice, cremation service, or just cremation, your emotional health matters. Rest, lean on others, and seek professional grief support if needed.

GriefShare – Support Groups & Resources
Psychology Today – Find a Grief Counselor
National Alliance for Children’s Grief

 

You're Not Alone, We're Here to Help

At SimpleCremationUSA, we offer simply affordable cremations, helping families across the country handle arrangements with dignity and ease. Whether you're searching for cremation services near me, need a simple choice funeral home, or just want to cremate simply with minimal stress, we’re here for you 24/7.

Visit us at www.simplecremationusa.com