What to Do When Someone Dies at Home: A Guide by Quantock Funeral Directors

Losing a loved one is overwhelming, and knowing what steps to take can be challenging. Quantock Funeral Directors supports families in Taunton and Wellington, Somerset, guiding them through the process when someone dies at home. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions and provide expert advice during this difficult time.

Immediate Steps After a Death at Home

When someone passes away at home, specific actions are required. Here’s what to do based on the circumstances.

Anticipated Death

If the death was expected, contact the deceased’s GP during regular hours or the on-call doctor outside of these times. Inform close family members. The attending doctor will verify the death. Next, reach out to Quantock Funeral Directors to arrange transportation of your loved one to our funeral home.

Unexpected Death

For a sudden or unexpected death, call 999 immediately. The operator may guide you through resuscitation attempts. Emergency services will attempt revival or confirm the death upon arrival. The police will be notified, and they will arrange for the deceased to be transferred for a coroner’s examination to determine the cause of death.

Registering the Death

You must register the death with a registry office, ideally in the area where the person passed away for quicker document processing. The coroner or medical examiner will provide the cause of death to the registrar of births, deaths, and marriages. They will also inform you of a service which will notify Government Authorities. Informing relevant government departments is essential. Key agencies this service will contact include: Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)Blue Badge Scheme.

Managing the Estate

If you’re the executor of the will, you’ll need to handle the deceased’s estate. This involves valuing their possessions, property, and finances, then applying for a grant of probate. You’ll also need to settle any taxes or debts before distributing the estate according to the will or legal guidelines.

How Quantock Funeral Directors Can Help

Quantock Funeral Directors support families in the Taunton and Wellington areas. Dawn and Rob lead our team in providing personalised funeral arrangements, including choosing coffins, readings, music, tributes, and transportation. We tailor our services to ease your burden and honour your loved one’s memory.

Contact Quantock Funeral Directors Today on [01823] 277938



For compassionate guidance on what to do when someone dies at home, reach out to Quantock Funeral Directors. We’re here to help you every step of the way.