What to Do When Someone Dies in a Hospital, Hospice Facility, or Nursing Home
From Everendium · Last reviewed August 18, 2026
Quick answer
Facility staff will pronounce the death and typically move the body to the facility's morgue temporarily. Your main task is deciding which funeral home should take over from there — staff can usually help you contact one, and often ask for that information within a few hours.
When a death happens in a hospital, hospice facility, or nursing home, medical staff handle the immediate clinical steps — your main job is deciding what happens next.
Do I need to be present when the death happens?
No - what the facility handles:
- Pronouncing the death, whether or not family is present at the moment
- Moving the body to the facility’s morgue or a similar holding area temporarily
- Notifying you, if you weren’t already there
If you’re not there, staff will call you as soon as possible.
How much time do I have to choose a funeral home?
The main decision in the first few hours is which funeral home should take over from here. Facilities typically hold the body for a limited window, often around 24 to 48 hours, though this varies. Facility staff can typically:
- Provide a list of local funeral homes if you don’t already have one in mind
- Contact the funeral home on your behalf once you’ve chosen
- Tell you the specific timeframe you have to make this decision
What if I haven’t chosen a funeral home yet?
This is very common. Facility staff usually have a list of local funeral homes and can help you get in touch with one right away - you don’t need to have this figured out in advance.
Do I need to go pick up my loved one’s belongings right away?
Usually not immediately. Facilities will have their own process for returning a loved one’s personal belongings - ask staff what to expect and when, rather than assuming you need to handle this immediately.
What if my loved one was on hospice within the facility?
The process is largely the same - hospice staff at the facility can pronounce the death and help you take the next steps, including contacting a funeral home.
What are the next steps?
Once a funeral home is involved, they’ll guide you through arrangements. See our guides on choosing a funeral home and getting death certificates for what typically comes next.
Specific timelines and procedures vary by facility — ask staff directly about what applies in your situation.
Sources
About this review
Everendium Editorial Team · last reviewed August 18, 2026.
Reviewed for general accuracy against publicly available hospital and facility guidance
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