Dying in a Care Home
Dying in a Care Home
A loved one dying in a care home is often the result of a long-term illness or old age.
Although the death may have been expected, it is never easy to say goodbye. At Cutmore Family Funeral Directors, we understand the emotional weight of a loved one dying in a care home and are here to support you with calm, compassionate guidance through every necessary step.
What Happens When Someone Dies in a Care Home?
Care home staff are trained to respond sensitively and professionally in the event of a resident’s death. If your loved one passes away, the first step is for the care home to contact their GP or an out-of-hours doctor to confirm the death. The doctor will then issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death if the death was expected and from a known condition.
The care home will also notify the next of kin. If the deceased had a funeral plan or had expressed a preference for a particular funeral director, the care home can inform that provider on your behalf. Alternatively, you are free to choose the funeral director that best suits your family’s needs.
Expected vs. Unexpected Death
Most deaths in care homes are anticipated and supported by end-of-life care planning. However, if the death is unexpected or occurs in unclear circumstances, it will be referred to the coroner. In such cases, an investigation may be necessary, and there may be a short delay before funeral arrangements can proceed.
We will support you through any coroner involvement, providing updates and helping you understand the process during what is often a distressing time.
Your Next Steps
Once a loved one dying in a care home has been confirmed, here are the key steps to take:
- Choose a Funeral Director – You may contact Cutmore Family Funeral Directors at any time. We will make arrangements to bring your loved one into our care promptly and with dignity.
- Register the Death – The Medical Certificate issued by the GP will be required to register the death at the local register office. This should be done within five days.
- Begin Funeral Planning – Once the death is registered, you can begin making arrangements for the funeral. We will guide you through every detail, from service options to paperwork.
If your loved one had a pre-paid funeral plan, we will help you access and honour the arrangements already in place.
The Role of the Care Home
Care home staff often become closely involved with residents and can be a comforting presence in the immediate aftermath of a death. They will generally:
- Inform you promptly
- Ensure the body is respectfully cared for until the funeral director arrives
- Provide relevant documents and personal belongings
- Liaise with medical professionals and support you with practical steps
In many cases, care homes also offer you the opportunity to spend time with your loved one after death, giving you a quiet moment to say goodbye.
Compassionate, Professional Support
At Cutmore Family Funeral Directors, we pride ourselves on offering gentle, professional support tailored to your needs. When working through a loved one dying in a care home, we ensure:
- Prompt and respectful collection from the care home
- Clear advice on registration and paperwork
- Guidance through any legal requirements (such as coroner involvement)
- Caring, personalised funeral planning
We are available 24/7 to provide support whenever you need us.
Talk to Us Today
If you’ve experienced a loved one dying in a care home, please contact us. We are here to listen, guide, and support you every step of the way.
Call us anytime or visit our Contact Page to speak to a member of our caring team.