When Someone Dies
Palliative and End Of Life Care Menu
You do not need to contact anyone straight away,
unless you want to.
Take the time you need. It is generally recommended to keep a body at home no longer than 3-5 days. When you feel ready, you can contact your GP or another health care professional for guidance and support. If the death happens overnight, you can wait until morning or call sooner if that feels right. It can help to talk with your GP or health team beforehand so you have a plan you are comfortable with.
The person’s body can stay at home for a while if you wish, especially if family or friends want to come and say goodbye. You can gently clean away any perspiration or body fluids, but there is no need to fully bathe the person unless you want to. Your GP or health care professional can explain what to expect and how to manage practical tasks.
Turn off heaters and electric blankets and remove hot water bottles. Straighten the person’s body if you can, as limbs stiffen after death, and insert dentures if they were removed.
When you are ready, and once a registered practitioner has completed the death certification, you can contact a funeral director. They will take the person’s body and guide you through the next steps and any funeral arrangements.
Who to advise of the death:
As well as family and friends, it is advisable to let your loved one’s GP and hospital specialists know when they have died. There are also a number of government departments, agencies, businesses and organisations that should be contacted when a loved one dies.
- The Australian Death Notification Service is a free government initiative to help people get in touch with multiple organisations using a single online notification. Visit: www.deathnotification.gov. au
- To find out what to do with a loved one’s digital profile, visit: www.esafety.gov.au/key issues/how-to/digital-legacy
- Services Australia also has information in different languages about what to do following a death. Visit: www. servicesaustralia.gov.au/death loved-one
See Grief and Bereavement
