WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE PASSES: A SIMPLE GUIDE
When families contact us after a loss, one of the first things they ask is, “What do we need to do next?” It’s an understandable question, especially during a time when emotions are heavy and everything feels unfamiliar.
This guide reflects the information we regularly share with families. It’s meant to help explain what typically happens after a death, what steps are needed early on, and where support is available along the way. It can be read at your own pace and returned to whenever needed.
Whether the loss is expected or sudden, here are the first few steps you can take.
Step 1: What to Do Immediately After
The first steps after a death depend on where the death occurs and whether hospice care was involved.
If a death occurs at home and hospice is not involved:
Call 911 or your local non-emergency number. A medical professional must legally pronounce the passing before any further steps can be taken. This is required even when the passing was expected.
If a death occurs at home and hospice is involved:
Contact the hospice provider. Hospice staff will come to pronounce death and guide you through what happens next, including when to contact a funeral home.
If a death occurs in a hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility:
Facility staff will handle the pronouncement of death and will typically ask the family to choose a funeral home to proceed with care.
At this stage, families are not expected to make arrangements or decisions. The focus is simply on ensuring everything is handled properly and respectfully.
Step 2: Contacting a Funeral Home
Many families worry that making this call means they must immediately begin planning or make decisions, but that is not the case. The initial call is often simply a conversation. A funeral home can help by:
Arranging transportation into their care
Explaining what typically happens next
Answering immediate questions
Helping families understand which decisions are time-sensitive and which can wait
Families don’t need to know whether they want burial or cremation, or what type of service they may choose, before reaching out.
Step 3: What Happens Next
Once your loved one is in the care of a funeral home, the focus shifts to guiding families through the next steps in a clear and unhurried way. This typically includes:
Talking through what comes next, when the family feels ready
Beginning the required paperwork
Helping families understand the options available to them, based on their needs and wishes
This part of the process is meant to provide structure and support, not pressure. Many decisions are made gradually, over time.
Step 4: What Does Not Need to Be Decided Right Away
One of the most common concerns families express is the feeling that everything must be decided immediately. In reality, many details can wait, including:
Service or memorial timing
Merchandise selections
Final service details
A funeral director can help explain the process clearly and guide families through each step, so they can focus first on what truly needs attention.
A Gentle Reminder
Every family’s experience with loss is different. There is no single “right” way to move forward and no required timeline for grief. Taking things one step at a time is not only okay it’s often the most helpful approach.
When You Need Guidance
Families often reach out with questions, sometimes immediately after a loss, and sometimes days later, simply looking for clarity about what comes next.
If you find yourself needing guidance, have questions about the process, or would like to speak with someone who can walk you through the next steps, we are here to help. Walter’s serves families throughout Los Angeles County, and our role is to provide clear information, answer questions, and offer support at a pace that feels right.
Reaching out does not require making decisions. It simply opens the door to guidance when you need it. Leave a comment or call us at (747) 240-6019 to speak with one of our caring team members.
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