When someone close to you passes away, it can feel devastating and overwhelming, especially when there is a list of tasks to complete. Make sure you have support from friends or family to assist you through this time. This information is designed to help you to keep track of who to notify and what documents you need.
There are two different situations when someone dies.
In a hospital, hospice facility, nursing home or nursing or long-term care facility:
Let the medical facility know which funeral home you will be using and they will contact the them on your behalf. They will arrange to register the death with Vital Statistics. Note that, if no decision has been reached as to which funeral home to use, the body will remain in the hospital morgue until removed by the funeral home.
Outside of a medical facility:
When someone dies at home or outside a medical facility, even if the death was expected, you should dial 911. They will decide if a coroner is needed and contact the coroner who will arrange to register the death with Vital Statistics.
If the death is expected, you should complete the Notification of Expected Death in the Home.
These are some of the key people you will need to contact as soon as possible:
If available, review the Deceased’s Will and determine:
The "After a Death Checklist” from the BC Government will help you determine who to notify and what paperwork you need.
The funeral home will require certain information and documents.
The Deceased’s vital statistics information required to register a death:
The Deceased’s father’s:
The Deceased’s mother’s:
Documents to be assembled:
Addresses and contact information for the following (if applicable):
The main issue to decide is whether the body is to be buried or cremated. There are many other issues, for example:
If arrangements were not settled before the death, it may take some time to discuss all the details. It is recommended to contact the funeral home in advance of death (if possible) to make as many decisions as is appropriate and ensure that all necessary information is available after the death, not when the emotions are at their highest.
The province of British Columbia developed the Joint Protocol For Expected/Planned Home Deaths in British Columbia to support individuals to die at home with their families or caregivers.
If you wish to plan an expected natural home death, you should review "Expected/Planned Home Deaths" for a detailed explanation.
Ask the patient’s physician to complete the "Notification of Expected Death in the Home" form and send it to the funeral home before the death. This form will allow a Funeral Director to remove a body from a home without pronouncement of death. Note that pronouncement of death is not required by BC law, but is a sound clinical and ethical practice for nurses and physicians. There may be circumstances when pronouncement is difficult or families choose to waive pronouncement.
A Medical Certificate of Death form must be completed by the physician within 48 hours after death and forwarded to the funeral director who will register the death with Vital Statistics Agency.
At KZEL, we work together as a team to achieve better outcomes. In each case, we use our collective experience, wisdom, and practical advice to support you through this difficult and emotional process.