What to Do When Someone Dies
Losing someone you love is one of the hardest moments in life. It can feel overwhelming and confusing, and you may be unsure what to do next.
When someone dies, there are a few important steps that need to be taken, from notifying the right people to registering the death and beginning the funeral arrangements.
At Parkgrove Funeral Directors, we are here to offer calm guidance whenever you need it. Our hope is to help everything feel a little less daunting, so you can focus on remembering your loved one with peace and dignity.
If someone has died and you are unsure what to do, you can call Parkgrove Funeral Directors at any time on 01241 826 035. You do not need to know what to do before calling us.
Initial steps after a death
When someone dies, it is natural to feel unsettled and unsure. Take a moment for yourself if you need to. When you feel ready, the first step is usually to notify a medical professional.
If the death happens at home and was expected
Contact the GP, district nursing team or healthcare professional who cared for your loved one. If it is out of hours, you can call NHS 24 for guidance.
If the death is sudden or unexpected
Call 999 right away. The death may need to be reported to the procurator fiscal, who may investigate the cause of death.
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
A doctor or hospital will issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. In our local area, this is usually sent directly to the registrar by the doctor or hospital.
Contacting a funeral director
Once the death has been verified, you may wish to contact a funeral director. Parkgrove can help at any stage, even if you simply want advice before making decisions.
Letting family and others know
After the first moments have passed, you may need to let others know. Start with close family and friends in whichever way feels right for you.
You do not need to contact everyone at once. It is completely natural to ask a trusted family member or friend to help with phone calls or messages.
Registering a death in Scotland
In Scotland, a death must be registered within eight days. To do this, you will contact the local registrar. In Angus, an appointment can be booked through the Angus Council website.
The registrar will need the medical certificate and some information about your loved one. Since the certificate is usually sent directly to the registrar by the doctor or hospital, this part is often simpler than families expect.
Many families also use the Tell Us Once service, which notifies several government departments on your behalf. This can make things easier at a time when you may not feel able to make repeated calls or complete several forms.
Parkgrove can explain what the registrar will usually ask for, what documents are needed, and what happens after the death has been registered.
Arranging a funeral in Angus
Planning a funeral is a very personal process. Every family is different and every life deserves to be honoured in a meaningful way.
Our role is to help you understand the choices available, so you can create a farewell that feels right for your loved one and your family.
Choosing a funeral director
Angus has several funeral service options, and you are free to choose whichever feels best for you. Parkgrove Funeral Directors is located in peaceful woodland surroundings, which many families find comforting during a difficult time.
When choosing a funeral director, you may wish to think about the services they offer, their reputation, and whether they can meet your personal, cultural or religious needs.
A good funeral director will listen carefully, answer every question, and never rush your decisions. We always encourage families to ask for clear price information, so they understand every choice.
Working together to plan the funeral
Once you have chosen a funeral director, you can begin to talk through the details at a gentle pace. Together, you will decide whether the funeral will be a burial or cremation, choose a coffin, and discuss any additional services such as flowers, printed orders of service or transport.
Your funeral director will handle the necessary paperwork and will coordinate with cemeteries, crematoria and any third parties involved. If you would like help writing an obituary or arranging donations in memory of your loved one, we will be glad to assist.
Funeral choices available
Every family is different. Some want a traditional service with family, friends, music and a minister or celebrant. Others prefer something very simple. Some families may want no attended service at all.
Cremation funerals
A service at Parkgrove Crematorium, a church or another suitable location, with support from our funeral team.
Burial funerals
Support with arrangements at local cemeteries, churchyards and burial grounds.
Direct cremation
A simple unattended cremation for families who do not wish to have a formal funeral service.
Personalised funerals
Music, readings, photographs, flowers, orders of service and other personal touches to reflect a life.
Making the service personal
A funeral can be a beautiful way to honour the story of a life. Small personal touches can bring comfort to those who attend.
Music, readings and poems
Favourite songs, readings, poems or prayers can help reflect the person’s life and bring comfort to family and friends.
Photographs and memories
Photographs, visual tributes and shared memories can help tell the story of a life in a personal way.
Flowers, donations and personal touches
Families may choose flowers, charity donations, keepsakes or other details that feel meaningful.
If your loved one had a special place that meant a lot to them, we can explore ways to reflect this within the arrangements. There is no right or wrong way to personalise a funeral. What matters most is that it feels true to the person you are remembering.
Support and help in Angus
Grief affects every person differently. Alongside funeral arrangements, it can be helpful to know what emotional and practical support is available.
Emotional support for families
Grief can bring many emotions, and you do not need to face them alone. Angus has local support groups, counselling services and national helplines such as Cruse Bereavement Care.
Speaking to others who understand can bring great comfort. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Financial guidance after a death
The financial side of a death can feel overwhelming. There are several forms of support that may be available in Angus and across Scotland.
Funeral Support Payment
Some families in Scotland may be eligible for support towards funeral costs through Social Security Scotland.
Charitable grants and benefits
Some charities, employers, pension providers, life insurance policies or death-in-service benefits may offer help.
Clear funeral choices
At Parkgrove, we are always happy to talk through options and suggest ways to keep costs manageable if money is tight.
In brief
- If the death was expected at home, contact the GP, nursing team or NHS 24.
- If the death was sudden or unexpected, call 999.
- In Scotland, the death must be registered within eight days.
- You can contact a funeral director for advice before making any decisions.
- Parkgrove Funeral Directors are available 24 hours a day on 01241 826 035.
You do not need to do this alone
If someone has died and you are unsure what to do next, Parkgrove Funeral Directors can guide you calmly through the first steps, explain what needs to happen, and support you with the funeral arrangements when you are ready.
More guidance for families
Our newsroom shares helpful articles on funeral choices, planning ahead, bereavement support and the questions families may wish to consider when arranging a funeral.
