When Should I Call a Funeral Director?

If someone has passed and you are requiring immediate advice, scroll to the bottom of this article for a ‘What to do at a glance’

When someone you love dies, it can feel as though the world has stopped. In those first moments, it is completely natural to feel unsure about what to do or when to pick up the phone. Many families ask us the same question: “When should I call a funeral director?”

The simple answer is: as soon as you can, but only when you feel ready.

We are here whenever you need us. There is no right or wrong time. What matters most is that you take things at your own pace.

If the Death Happens at Home

If your loved one has died at home and their passing was expected, the NHS team who has been supporting you will advise you on whom to call when the time comes. This may be a community nurse, GP, or out-of-hours doctor, depending on the circumstances.

Once the death has been verified, you can then call us. We will come to your home quietly and respectfully to bring your loved one into our care.

Often, families wish to spend some private time with their loved one before we attend. That is completely fine. You can notify us straight away to let us know someone has passed, and we can agree on a time, for example later in the evening or the following morning, once everyone who wishes to say goodbye has had the chance to do so.

If the death was unexpected, the Procurator Fiscal may become involved. This can feel daunting, but please remember you can still call us at any stage. We will explain what is happening and guide you through what to expect next.

If the Death Happens in a Care Home or Community Hospital

If your loved one dies in a care home or a smaller hospital, the staff there will usually guide you gently through the next steps. In many cases, they will offer to call the funeral director on your behalf. When the time is right, we will be there to bring your loved one into our care.

If the Death Happens in a Larger Hospital

At Ninewells Hospital or Roxburghe House in Dundee, it is usually the family who contacts the funeral director directly. Once you have informed us of the death and given us your instruction to act as your funeral director, we will liaise with the hospital straight away. We confirm that everything is in place and that we are able to transfer your loved one into our care.

We always try to do this as soon as possible after receiving your call. Many families find comfort in knowing that their loved one is here with us at Parkgrove and not in hospital any longer than they need to be.

We Are Here When You Are Ready

Some families call us within minutes, others wait until the next morning. There is no pressure, and no need to worry about doing the wrong thing.

In short: call us as soon as you can, but only when you are ready.

Whenever you reach out, day or night, you will always find a caring voice at the other end of the phone, ready to gently guide you through what happens next.

What to Do at a Glance

If the death happens at home

The NHS team who has been supporting you will guide you on whom to call (community nurse, GP, or out-of-hours doctor).

Once the death has been verified, you can call us.

If you would like time for family and friends to say goodbye, let us know and we can arrange to come later at a time that feels right.

If the death happens in a care home or community hospital

Staff will usually guide you through the next steps.

In many cases they will offer to call the funeral director for you.

We will then bring your loved one into our care.

If the death happens at Ninewells Hospital or Roxburghe House in Dundee

It is usually the family who contacts the funeral director.

Once you call us, we will liaise with the hospital straight away and arrange transfer into our care as soon as possible.

If the death was unexpected

The Procurator Fiscal may need to be involved.

You can still call us at any time for guidance and reassurance.