The Practical Side of Loss: What To Do in the First 48 Hours of a Loved One's Death

When someone dies, the world can feel like it stops.

And yet — while your heart is trying to process what has happened — there are practical steps that need to be taken.

At Complete Funeral Care, one of the most common things families say to us is:

“We don’t know what we’re supposed to do first.”

This guide is here to gently walk you through those first 48 hours — calmly, clearly, and without overwhelm.

Step 1: When the Death Occurs at Home

If the death was expected:

• Contact the GP surgery (or out-of-hours service)

• A doctor or nurse will confirm the death

• Once confirmed, you can contact your chosen funeral director

If the death was unexpected:

• Call 999

• The emergency services will guide you through next steps

• The Coroner may need to be involved

  
  

If you’re unsure what to do — you can always call us for guidance, even before making formal arrangements.

Step 2: When the Death Occurs in Hospital or Care

If your loved one dies in:

• A hospital

• A hospice

• A care home

  
  

The staff will guide you through immediate procedures. You do not need to rush to choose a funeral director at that moment.

You can take a breath.

Once you’re ready, you can appoint a funeral director to bring your loved one into their care and this will be done as soon as possible after the Medical Examiner has give the authority to do so (after their discussions with you, your family and / or the Coroner).

Step 3: Registering the Death

In England, a death must usually be registered within 5 days (unless referred to the Coroner) however at the time of publishing this blog this can take around 10-14 days on average.

You’ll need:

• The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death which they will receive directly electronically from the Medical Examiner

• Personal details (full name, date of birth, occupation, address)

The registrar will issue:

• The Death Certificate (currently £12.50 each)

• The Green Form (for the funeral - this may be sent electronically to your chosen Funeral Director)

• Information about the Tell Us Once service

  
  

This step can feel administrative — but it’s an important part of everything that follows.

Step 4: Choosing the Type of Funeral

You do not need to decide everything immediately.

Some options include:

• Traditional funeral service

• Cremation or burial

• Direct cremation (without a service)

• Memorial at a later date

Take your time.

The right choice is the one that feels manageable, appropriate, and respectful to your loved one’s wishes.

Step 5: Telling Family and Friends

This can feel daunting.

You don’t have to make lots of phone calls in one go.You can:

• Ask a close family member to help

• Send a gentle message

• Post a simple announcement

There is no “perfect wording.” People will understand.

What You Don’t Have To Do Immediately

You don’t have to:

• Write an obituary right away

• Choose music on the first day

• Decide on flowers instantly

• Be strong for everyone else

Grief and administration rarely move at the same pace.

A Gentle Reminder

The first 48 hours are about:

• Safety

• Care

• Clarity

• Small, steady steps

You don’t need to have everything figured out.

You just need to take the next manageable step.

And if at any point you feel unsure — that’s where we come in.

How We Support You

At Complete Funeral Care, we:

• Guide you through each step calmly and step-by-step so as not to overload you with information

• Liaise with doctors, hospitals and registrars

• Give you time to make decisions

• Manage your Expectations of timescales

• Offer clear, transparent costs

• Remain available after arrangements are made, it doesnt matter if it's 10 o'clock at night or 2am in the morning, we're here for you in the small hours too.

We believe funeral care should reduce pressure — not add to it.

If You’re Reading This Because Someone Has Died

Please know:

You are not expected to know what to do.You are not expected to handle everything alone.You are allowed to feel overwhelmed.

When you’re ready, we’re here.

If you're at need support following a bereavement, as well as Traditional and Bespoke Funerals, Complete Funeral Care offers Direct Cremation, Simple Cremation Services and Personal Farewell Gatherings throughout the New Forest and Southampton.

Our team at Complete Funeral Care are always happy to offer guidance, even if you simply need reassurance or advice.

📞 0800 7555 385

🌐 Complete Funeral Care

We’re here to serve, not to sell.

You may find our blog 'Registering a Death in the UK' helpful