Caring for the Body Before the Funeral Home Arrives
From Everendium · Last reviewed August 18, 2026
Quick answer
There's usually no urgency — you can spend time with your loved one before calling anyone. If you'd like, you can gently close their eyes and mouth, straighten their body, and cover them with a sheet. The funeral home will handle everything else once they arrive.
In the quiet hour after a death at home, there’s often less you need to do than it feels like in the moment.
Do I need to do anything before the funeral home arrives? How long can a body stay at home?
No - nothing is required. For a natural, expected death, there’s generally no rush to call anyone the instant it happens, and many families take a few hours. Many families take time to sit with their loved one, invite other family to come say goodbye, or simply be still for a while. For an unexpected death where a medical examiner is involved, timing is out of the family’s hands.
Can other family members come say goodbye before the funeral home arrives?
Yes, if there’s time and it’s meaningful to your family - there’s no rule against this, and many families find it valuable.
What simple things can I do, if I’d like?
None of these are required, but some families find comfort in:
- Gently closing the eyes and mouth
- Straightening the arms and legs
- Covering the body with a sheet or favorite blanket
- Opening a window, playing quiet music, or lighting a candle, if that feels meaningful
Should I keep the room cool?
It’s not something you need to manage - the funeral home will handle everything from here, including temperature and positioning for transport, once they arrive. There’s no need to worry about ice or cooling on your own. Your only job right now is to take the time you need.
When should I call someone?
Call the hospice team, the person’s doctor, or the funeral home (whichever applies to your situation) whenever you feel ready - there’s no clock running against you. If you’re curious about what’s actually happening with the body during this time, see our guide on what happens to your body in the first 24 hours after death - purely informational, and not something you need to manage yourself.
This guidance applies to an expected, natural death. If the death was unexpected, please see our separate guide, since a medical examiner may need to be involved before the body can be moved.
Sources
About this review
Everendium Editorial Team · last reviewed August 18, 2026.
Reviewed for general accuracy and sensitivity
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