Death is a process
1 May 2008
It may seem odd, but where someone dies can affect what you need to do in the first instance.
Dying at home
When someone dies at home a medical certificate is usually issued by the family doctor along with information on how to register the death. If the death was unexpected the doctor may refer the case to a coroner for an autopsy before the Death Certificate can be issued.
Once the medical certificate is issued, the process gets underway. You can then contact the Funeral Directors who will take care of the body and help you with the arrangements and some of the paperwork you will need to complete, such as dealing with the pension and other benefits they may have been receiving.
Dying in a hospice, hospital or a residential care home
Generally speaking, you will find helpful, caring and experienced staff who know exactly what needs to be done. They are trained to provide the practical and emotional guidance you need.
The next of kin is usually required to identify the person who has died and a doctor will issue the medical certificate unless the cause of death is unknown and then a post mortem will be arranged. A medical certificate is issued along with information on how to register the death.
Dying abroad
When one of your family dies overseas, you may want to bring them home. Repatriation involves a lot of organising and can be very expensive, but check whether it is covered by their travel insurance.
