After a loss

Someone died at home: who to call first

Sudden or unexpected: the call is 911. Expected, under hospice: the hospice nurse.

When someone dies at home, the first call depends on whether the death was expected. If it was sudden or unexpected, or there's any chance the person is still alive, the call is 911.

If the death was unexpected

Families call 911. Police and paramedics may come, and a medical examiner or coroner may be called in. That's the official, usually a doctor or an elected county officer, who looks into deaths that weren't expected. That's routine after a sudden death at home and doesn't mean anyone is suspected of anything.

In this situation, the person is usually left where they are until the authorities say otherwise.

If the death was expected

If the person was in hospice care (end-of-life care, often given at home), families usually call the hospice nurse, not 911. The nurse comes to the home, confirms the death and helps with the next calls. Hospices generally have a 24-hour number for this.

If the person wasn't in hospice but was under a doctor's care for a terminal illness, families often call that doctor's office. In some areas, the non-emergency police line is the usual next step. Local practice varies.

With an expected death, once the right person has been called, there's usually no need to hurry.

After that

• The funeral home is called once the death has been confirmed. The family chooses which one. Calling one doesn't lock the family in.
• Many families take time to sit with the person, call close relatives or say a prayer before the funeral home arrives. That's allowed and common.
• Pets are often put in another room before anyone arrives.
• Hospice nurses often help dispose of leftover medications.