What to Do When Someone Dies at Home in British Columbia

When someone you love passes away at home, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. In those first moments, you may not know what to do — and that's okay. This guide is here to walk you through the essential steps, gently and clearly, so you can focus on what matters most: taking care of yourself and your family.

In the First Moments

If the death was expected — for example, if your loved one was living with a terminal illness or receiving end-of-life care — there is no need to call 911. You can take a moment. There is no rush.

When you're ready, contact one of the following:

• Your loved one's physician or nurse practitioner, who can attend the home and formally pronounce the death.

• The palliative or hospice care team, if one was involved. They are prepared for this moment and will guide you through the next steps, including arranging for a medical professional to attend.

If the death was unexpected, or if you are unsure of the cause, call 911 right away. Paramedics or the BC Coroners Service will attend and make a formal pronouncement. If there is any concern about safety at the scene, stay clear and let emergency responders assess the situation first.

In either case, a formal pronouncement of death by a qualified medical professional is required before anything else can move forward.

What Happens Next

Once the death has been pronounced, there are a few important steps to take. You don't need to do everything at once — and you don't need to do it alone.

Contact a Funeral Home

If your loved one made pre-arrangements, the funeral home they chose will already be on file. If not, you'll need to select one. Look for a provider that is transparent about pricing, responsive when you need them, and willing to meet you where you are — both emotionally and physically.

At Alternatives, our licensed Funeral Directors come to you, in the comfort of your own home or wherever you feel most at ease, so you don't have to make that difficult trip to a funeral home. We'll walk through your options together, at your pace, with no pressure.

Transportation of Your Loved One

The funeral home you choose will arrange for the respectful transfer of your loved one from your home into their care. This is coordinated directly with you, and handled with the dignity and gentleness your family deserves.

The Medical Certificate of Death

The attending physician, nurse practitioner, paramedic, or coroner will complete the Medical Certificate of Death (MCD), which documents the cause of death.

Registering the Death

In British Columbia, the death must be registered with the Vital Statistics Agency within five days. Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services will handle this on your behalf and provide you with a Death Certificate, which you'll need when settling your loved one's affairs. Your Funeral Director can advise on how many certified copies you'll need — most families require several for banks, insurance providers, government agencies, and other administrative matters.

In the Days That Follow

The days after a loss can feel like a blur. Here are a few practical matters to be aware of — but please, take them one step at a time.

Letting people know. Reach out to close family and friends first, then employers, banks, insurance companies, and any other relevant organizations. Your funeral director can also help with placing an obituary, if you wish.

Gathering important documents. When you're ready, begin locating key paperwork — the will, insurance policies, financial account information, and any pre-arranged funeral plans. There's no need to sort through everything at once.

Leaning on your support system. Whether it's family, friends, a grief counsellor, or a faith community — don't hesitate to reach out. You don't have to carry this alone.

A Few Other Things to Keep in Mind

Government benefits. You may be eligible for survivor benefits, the CPP Death Benefit, or funeral financial assistance. Your funeral director or the Government of Canada's bereavement resources can point you in the right direction.

Estate and legal matters. If your loved one had a will, it may need to go through probate. An estate lawyer can help you navigate the process and ensure everything is handled properly.

Taking care of yourself. Grief doesn't follow a schedule. Give yourself permission to feel what you're feeling, and don't be afraid to ask for help — with the practical things and the emotional ones.

Helpful Resources

• Vital Statistics Agency of British Columbia — For registering a death and ordering certificates

• Government of Canada — What to Do After a Death — Information on federal benefits and notifying government programs

• British Columbia Funeral Association — Consumer information and funeral home directory

You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone

Losing someone you love is one of life's most difficult experiences. While the steps outlined here are important, what matters most right now is that you and your family feel supported.

At Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services, we've been guiding families through these moments since 1992. Whether a death has just occurred or you're helping a loved one plan ahead, our team is here with steady, compassionate support — whenever you're ready.