The death of a loved one brings grief, and often a flood of practical questions at the worst possible time. This guide walks through what typically happens immediately after a hospice patient passes, and what to expect in the days and weeks that follow. Think of it as a roadmap — nothing here needs to be done all at once, and your hospice team is available to help at every step.
Immediately After Death
What should I do first?
If your loved one passes at home or in a care facility while under hospice care, your first call should be to your hospice provider rather than 911. Hospice can take it from there.
What will the hospice team do?
A hospice nurse will come to the location to officially pronounce the patient. From there, the nurse handles a number of details on your behalf:
- Notifying appropriate parties, which may include the medical examiner or local authorities depending on the county and circumstances of death
- Contacting the funeral home, if you have already chosen one
- Providing post-mortem care and, if you wish, staying with you until the funeral home arrives
The wider hospice team — chaplains, social workers, and others — is also available to provide emotional and spiritual support.
Funeral Home & Death Certificate
How do I choose a funeral home?
Most families choose a funeral home before death occurs. If you have not, your hospice team can help guide you through the decision.
Making final arrangements
A long list of decisions goes into planning a service. Working through them one at a time can make the process feel less overwhelming:
- Set the date, time, and location of the funeral
- Arrange for a cemetery plot, or locate an already-purchased one
- If your loved one will be cremated, confirm where the ashes will be scattered or to whom they will be given
- Decide whether the casket will be open or closed
- Gather any specific prayers, music, or decor for the service
- Note whether charitable donations should be requested in lieu of flowers
- Decide whether a meal or refreshments will follow the service, and who will prepare them
- Ask a trusted friend or family member to keep a running list of people who send flowers, food, or other support so you can thank them later
- Inform the wider community through an obituary in the local newspaper or another publication
How many copies of the death certificate should I request?
Plan to request 10 to 15 certified copies. You will need them for things like:
- Life insurance claims
- Bank and financial accounts
- Social Security and pensions
- Property transfers
- Legal matters
It is much easier to request extra copies up front than to track them down later. Note that there is a fee for additional copies.
Who completes the death certificate?
The hospice physician or attending physician completes the medical portion. The funeral home handles filing the certificate and providing the certified copies.
Within the First Few Days
Who needs to be notified?
- Close family and friends
- The employer, if applicable
- Religious or community organizations they were part of
What about Social Security?
The funeral home will often notify Social Security on your behalf, but you may need to follow up directly regarding survivor benefits.
Within the First 1–2 Weeks
Documents to locate
Gathering paperwork early will make the weeks ahead significantly easier. Look for:
- Estate planning documents
- Property deeds
- Bank and brokerage account statements
- Insurance policies, annuities, and retirement accounts
- Recent income tax returns
- Birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, and military discharge paperwork
- Recent bills, such as credit card, mortgage, and utility statements
- Vehicle titles and registrations
- Safe-deposit boxes and keys
- Usernames and login information for online accounts — social media, online banking, and similar services that will need to be closed
Are you eligible for benefits?
Several programs may provide financial support to surviving family members.
Social Security. The funeral home generally helps a surviving spouse, or in some cases a child, apply for the $255 death benefit. Social Security also needs to be notified in order to discontinue any benefits the deceased had been receiving. More information is available at socialsecurity.gov.
Veterans Administration. If your loved one was a veteran, va.gov/opa/persona has details on burial and memorial benefits.
Life insurance. You will need to determine whether your loved one held any policies. Contact the insurance agent or company directly to file a claim. If you are not sure whether policies exist, checking bank records for premium payments made over the past year or so is a good place to start.
What should I do about financial accounts?
- Notify banks and other financial institutions
- Freeze or close accounts as appropriate
- Cancel or update any automatic payments
Do I need to cancel subscriptions and services?
If the home is being sold or a lease is being ended, yes. If a surviving spouse or relative will remain in the home, account holder information should be updated rather than canceled. Either way, review:
- Utilities (electricity, water, internet, phone)
- Streaming services and memberships
- Home services (lawn care, housekeeping)
What about medical appointments and prescriptions?
- Cancel any upcoming appointments
- Safely dispose of medications — most pharmacies can help with this
Employment & Legal Matters
What if my loved one was working?
Notify the employer and ask about:
- Final paycheck
- Unused PTO
- Retirement plans (401k, pension)
- Life insurance and other benefits
Do I need an attorney?
Legal guidance can be valuable in several situations:
- There is no will
- The estate is complex
- There are disputes or unclear assets
Estate & Property
What happens to property and assets?
- Locate the will or trust documents
- Identify the executor or legal representative
- Begin probate, if required
What about the home?
- Secure the property
- Continue making necessary payments (mortgage, insurance)
- Forward mail through USPS
Emotional & Bereavement Support
What support is available?
Hospice provides bereavement services for at least 13 months after a death. Support may include:
- Grief counseling
- Support groups
- Periodic check-in calls
These are part of hospice care — please do not hesitate to use them.
Helpful Tips
A widely-recommended rule: postpone any major decisions until at least a year has passed since your loved one’s death. With time, you will have a clearer perspective when making important choices about your life, your home, and your finances.
In the meantime:
- Keep a folder or binder for all documents and notes
- Track who you have notified
- Lean on trusted friends and family for help
- Take your time — nothing has to be done all at once
Common Questions
Can the hospice team help after death?
Yes. We remain a resource for guidance, emotional support, and next steps.
What if I feel overwhelmed?
That is completely normal. Focus on immediate needs first; administrative tasks can be tackled gradually.
This is a difficult time, and you are not expected to navigate it alone. Your hospice team is here to support you before, during, and after your loved one’s passing.
For more information, email griefcare@vnatexas.org or call us at (214) 689-0000.