Caring for the Body Before the Funeral Home Arrives
Reviewed by Everendium Editorial Team · 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.
You have more time than you might think
For a natural, expected death, there’s generally no rush to call anyone the instant it happens. Many families take time to sit with their loved one, invite other family to come say goodbye, or simply be still for a while.
Simple things you can do, if you’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
What you don’t need to worry about
The funeral home will handle everything from here — you don’t need to manage temperature, positioning for transport, or anything technical. Your only job right now is to take the time you need.
When you’re ready
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to do anything before the funeral home arrives?+
No — nothing is required. Some families find it comforting to gently arrange their loved one's body or spend quiet time with them; others prefer to wait for the funeral home. Both are completely fine.
How long can a body stay at home before the funeral home comes?+
There's no strict rule for a natural, expected death — many families take a few hours. For an unexpected death where a medical examiner is involved, timing is out of the family's hands.
Should I keep the room cool?+
It's not something you need to manage — the funeral home handles this once they arrive. There's no need to worry about ice or cooling on your own.
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.
Sources
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