What to Do When Someone Dies at Home in Canada

When a loved one passes away at home, it’s crucial to follow specific steps to ensure the situation is handled appropriately and in compliance with Canadian laws. This guide outlines the immediate actions to take and the tasks to address within the first 48 hours.

Immediate Steps Upon Discovering the Death

Here are the immediate steps to take.

Confirm the Death

• For Expected Deaths: If the death was anticipated due to illness or palliative care, contact the healthcare provider (e.g., family doctor, nurse, or hospice worker). They will confirm the death and issue a Medical Certificate of Death, essential for registering the death and proceeding with funeral arrangements.
• For Unexpected Deaths: In the case of a sudden or unexpected death, immediately call 911. Emergency responders will assess the situation, and authorities such as the police or coroner may become involved to investigate the circumstances.
  • Do not move the body or disturb the scene.
  • Follow all instructions provided by emergency personnel.

Notify Immediate Family

Inform close family members or the next of kin as soon as possible. Sharing this information promptly ensures that support systems are activated, and necessary decisions can be made collectively.

Arrange for Handling the Body

• For Expected Deaths: Contact a licensed funeral home to arrange for the transportation and care of the deceased. Funeral directors can guide you through the next steps, including funeral planning and legal documentation.
• For Unexpected Deaths: After the coroner or authorities have completed their investigation and released the body, you can proceed to contact a funeral home for assistance.

Actions to Take Within the First 24 Hours

Here are tasks that need handling in the first 24 hours after a person’s death.

Secure Personal Belongings and Important Documents

• Personal Belongings: Safeguard valuable items and personal effects to prevent loss or misplacement.
• Important Documents: Locate essential documents such as the will, insurance policies, identification papers, and any pre-paid funeral plans. These will be crucial for legal processes and fulfilling the deceased’s wishes.

Make Initial Funeral Arrangements

Begin discussions with a funeral home to plan the funeral or memorial service. Consider the deceased’s preferences, cultural practices, and any pre-arranged plans. The funeral director will assist with:

• Determining the type of service (e.g., burial, cremation).
• Coordinating logistics and setting dates.
• Handling necessary paperwork and permits.

For comprehensive guidance, refer to our Step by Step Guide to Making Funeral Arrangements.

Actions to Take Within 48 Hours

Here are the actions to take within the first 2 days after a person’s death.

Register the Death

Registering the death is a legal requirement in Canada and should be completed promptly. This process involves:

• Medical Certificate of Death: Ensure you have the certificate issued by the attending physician or coroner.
• Registration of Death: Complete this form, which is typically facilitated by the funeral home.
• Death Certificate: Apply for official copies, which will be necessary for settling the estate and other legal matters.

Who Can Assist with Registering the Death:

• Funeral Homes: Most funeral homes handle the registration process and can obtain death certificates on your behalf.
• Provincial Vital Statistics Offices: These offices oversee the registration of deaths and issuance of certificates. Contact them directly if you are managing the process independently.

Notify Relevant Organizations

Begin informing necessary organizations and agencies about the death:

• Service Canada: To cancel benefits such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS), and to inquire about survivor benefits.
• Insurance Companies: Notify life insurance providers to initiate claim processes.
• Financial Institutions: Inform banks and credit unions to freeze accounts and prevent unauthorized transactions.
• Employer: If the deceased was employed, notify their employer to address employment benefits and final pay.

Tasks That Can Be Addressed Later

Some tasks, while important, can be managed after the initial 48-hour period:

• Cancel Utilities and Subscriptions: Address services such as electricity, internet, and magazine subscriptions.
• Redirect Mail: Arrange with Canada Post to forward the deceased’s mail to an appropriate address.
• Manage Estate Matters: Work with the executor of the will to handle the distribution of assets and settlement of debts.

Provincial and Territorial Variations

Procedures and resources can vary across Canada’s provinces and territories. Below is a table outlining the primary contacts and resources for each region: