What to Do When Someone Dies
A calm, step-by-step guide for the first hours — whatever your situation, we will walk you through it.
If a death has just occurred and you need help right now, take a breath — then call us. A funeral director is available 24 hours a day, and we will tell you exactly what to do next.
Call (385) 853-5700 · 24/7The moments after losing someone are disorienting, and it is hard to know what to do first. The most important thing to understand is that you have time — there is no single action you must take immediately beyond ensuring your loved one is cared for. Below is guidance for the most common situations. When you are ready, we are only a phone call away.
Your situation right now
At home, while on hospice
If your loved one was receiving hospice care, call the hospice nurse first — not 911. This is expected, and hospice can guide you. A nurse will come to confirm the death and support you.
When you and your family are ready, call us. There is no rush in these first moments — your loved one can remain at home until you feel prepared for us to bring them into our care.
At home, unexpectedly
If the death was sudden or unexpected and your loved one was not on hospice, call 911. Emergency responders and, in some cases, the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner may need to be involved before a funeral home can proceed.
Once the proper authorities have released your loved one into our care, call us and we will take it from there. If you are unsure what to do in the moment, you can call us any hour and we will walk you through it.
In a hospital or medical facility
The hospital staff will handle the legal pronouncement of death. When they ask which funeral home you have chosen, simply tell them Inspired Funeral Home.
Let us know as well, and we will coordinate directly with the facility to bring your loved one into our care. You do not need to arrange the transfer yourself.
In a nursing home or assisted living
The facility staff will notify the attending physician or hospice and handle the pronouncement. Tell them you have chosen Inspired Funeral Home.
Call us and we will coordinate the transfer with the facility and begin gently guiding your family through what comes next.
Away from home or out of state
If your loved one died while traveling or living in another state, call us before making any arrangements elsewhere. We regularly coordinate transportation back to Utah and can manage the details with the funeral home or authorities in the other location.
Handling this from a distance can feel overwhelming — you do not have to figure it out alone.
When the medical examiner is involved
In certain circumstances — a sudden, unattended, or accidental death — the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner takes your loved one into their care first and must release them before a funeral home can proceed.
We stay in close contact with the medical examiner on your behalf, so that the moment your loved one is released, we are ready to bring them into our care and move forward.
Questions families ask in the first hours
Who do I call first when someone dies?
It depends on where and how the death occurred. If your loved one was on hospice, call the hospice nurse. If the death was sudden or unexpected at home, call 911. In a hospital or care facility, the staff handles the pronouncement. In every case, once your loved one can be released into a funeral home’s care, call Inspired Funeral Home at (385) 853-5700 — a funeral director is available 24 hours a day.
How soon will you come?
We respond promptly, any hour of the day or night. If your loved one is at home and on hospice, there is no need to rush — you are welcome to spend time together first, and we will come whenever your family is ready.
What happens to my loved one next?
Once released into our care, we transport your loved one to our funeral home with dignity and respect. From there, we will schedule a time to meet with you to plan the service and next steps. Your loved one is safe and cared for the entire time.
Do I have to choose burial or cremation right away?
No. Your loved one is safely in our care, which gives your family time to make thoughtful decisions without pressure. We will walk you through burial, cremation, and memorial options when you are ready.
Can I see my loved one?
Yes. Many families find comfort in spending time with their loved one, and we can arrange that for you. Let us know what would be meaningful for your family and we will make it possible.
When is the death certificate filed, and how many copies do I need?
As your funeral home, we prepare and file the death certificate for you and obtain certified copies. Most families need several certified copies to settle affairs — for banks, insurance, retirement accounts, property, and government agencies. We commonly recommend ordering five to ten, and we will advise you based on your situation.
What information will you need for the death certificate?
We will ask for your loved one’s full legal name and address, date and city of birth, marital status, parents’ names (including mother’s maiden name), highest level of education, and occupation and employer. We will gather this with you gently — you do not need to have it all ready before you call.
What should I bring to the arrangement meeting?
A recent photograph, clothing for your loved one if desired, and — when available — their Social Security number, any pre-planning or insurance documents, and military discharge papers (form DD-214) if they were a veteran. If you do not have everything, that is okay; we will help you along the way.
Information we will need
For the death certificate. We will gather this with you — no need to have it ready before you call.
- Full legal name and address
- Date and city of birth
- Marital status and spouse’s name
- Parents’ names (including mother’s maiden name)
- Highest level of education
- Occupation and employer
Documents to gather
Helpful when settling affairs and coordinating benefits. Bring what you can find.
- Social Security number
- Life insurance policies
- Military discharge papers (form DD-214), if a veteran
- Any pre-planning or prepaid funeral documents
- Beneficiary designations and account statements
Reach Out
A death has occurred? We're here now.
You do not have to face this alone. Call us any hour — a caring funeral director will answer and guide you through exactly what to do next.