What to Do When Someone Dies at Home (Expected Death)
Reviewed by Everendium Editorial Team · Last reviewed August 18, 2026
Quick answer
If death was expected — such as under hospice care — call the hospice nurse or the person's doctor first, not 911. They can pronounce the death and guide you from there. There is no need to rush; you can take time with your loved one before calling anyone.
An expected death at home — most often under hospice care — unfolds differently than an emergency, and it’s okay to move slowly.
There’s no need to rush
If your loved one was on hospice, or their doctor knew death was near, nothing about the next hour needs to happen quickly. Many families sit with their loved one, call other family members to come say goodbye, or simply take a quiet moment before making any calls.
Who to call first
Call the hospice team or the person’s doctor — not 911. Hospice nurses are on call 24/7 specifically for this. They will:
- Come to pronounce the death
- Help you understand next steps
- Contact the funeral home you’ve chosen, or help you choose one
- Arrange for hospice equipment and medications to be collected
If there’s no hospice involved but the death was still expected (for example, a terminal illness managed by a home health nurse or family doctor), call that physician’s office directly.
What happens next
Once the death is pronounced, the hospice or medical team typically helps coordinate the transfer of your loved one to the funeral home you select. If you haven’t chosen one yet, hospice staff can usually offer recommendations or a list of local options.
If you haven’t planned anything yet
It’s completely normal not to have a funeral home picked out in advance. See our guide on choosing a funeral home right after a death for how to move forward from here.
This article covers a home death where the death itself was expected. If the death was sudden or unexpected, see our separate guide for that situation instead.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to call 911 if death was expected?+
Generally no. If your loved one was under hospice care, call the hospice team first — they're prepared for this and can pronounce the death without involving emergency services. Calling 911 for an expected hospice death can sometimes trigger an unnecessary emergency response.
Is there a time limit before I need to call someone?+
No. Many families find it meaningful to sit with their loved one for a while before making any calls. Take the time you need.
Who actually pronounces the death?+
A hospice nurse, home health nurse, or the person's physician can typically pronounce death. They'll also help you contact a funeral home when you're ready.
What happens to hospice equipment and medications?+
The hospice team will typically arrange to collect medical equipment, and will guide you on properly disposing of medications — don't do this yourself without their guidance.
Sources
Related glossary terms
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