A Loved One Has Died – What Do I Do in the First 24 Hours? | Muistovalkea

The first moments – pause for a moment

The death of a loved one stops time. Whether the death was expected or sudden, the first hours often feel unreal. It's important to know that most practical matters can wait. During the first hours, you only need to take care of a few essential things.

This guide walks you through step by step what happens during the first 24 hours and what you should do. Remember that every situation is different, and there is no single right way to act.

When the death occurs in a hospital or care facility

If your loved one dies in a hospital, health centre, or nursing home, the staff will handle the immediate steps:

• A doctor confirms the death and writes the death certificate.
• The staff notifies the family, if you are not present.
• The deceased is kept in the facility's premises until the funeral home collects them.

You don't need to rush anywhere. You can spend time with the deceased for as long as you wish. Most hospitals and care facilities provide a quiet space for the family to say goodbye.

What you should do

1. Notify the closest family members of the death.
2. Ask the staff what happens next and when the deceased needs to be collected.
3. Collect the deceased's personal belongings.
4. You can call the funeral home the next day.

When the death occurs at home

A home death requires a few more steps from the family. The most important thing is to get a doctor to the scene to confirm the death.

Expected death under home hospice care

If your loved one was receiving home hospice care and the death was expected:

1. Call the care unit – the home hospital or hospice unit's on-call number. They will guide you on the next steps.
2. A doctor will come to confirm the death. This may take a few hours.
3. The deceased can remain at home while waiting for the doctor. You do not need to call the emergency number.

Sudden death at home

If the death is sudden or unexpected:

1. Call the emergency number 112. Describe the situation clearly.
2. The emergency centre will send help – paramedics and, if necessary, the police.
3. If the cause of death is unclear, the police will visit the scene and a forensic doctor will investigate the cause of death. Do not move the deceased or tidy the surroundings before the authorities arrive.

Practical matters for a home death

• The deceased can remain at home for several hours after the doctor's visit.
• The funeral home will collect the deceased at an agreed time.
• A cool room is the best place to keep the deceased while waiting.

Who to contact first

During the first hours, you only need to contact a few people. Everything else can wait days or even weeks.

Immediately (first hours)

• Closest family members – spouse, children, parents, siblings
• Doctor or 112 – if the death occurred at home
• A close friend or support person – someone who can be with you

The next day

• Funeral home – arrange collection and an initial meeting
• Parish or secular officiant – timing and venue for the funeral
• Employer – your own and the deceased's; notify of absence

During the first week

• Bank – freezing the deceased's account and granting access to the estate
• Insurance company – life insurance and other policies
• Kela (Social Insurance Institution of Finland) – survivor's pension and other benefits
• Estate inventory preparation – the 3-month deadline starts from the date of death

Things that can wait

In the midst of grief, it may feel like everything needs to be handled immediately. It doesn't. The following things can wait weeks or months:

• Choosing and ordering a headstone
• Publishing the obituary (it can appear at the time of the funeral)
• Going through the deceased's belongings and clearing the home
• Final settlement of inheritance matters
• Closing social media accounts

Documents and paperwork

During the first few days, you will need some documents. Here are the most important ones:

• Death certificate – written by the doctor, registered by DVV (the Digital and Population Data Services Agency). You will receive the official death certificate from DVV after a few days.
• Deceased's identity document – passport or ID card. Do not return these yet.
• Family extract – needed for the estate inventory. Ordered from DVV or the parish.

The funeral home will guide you on the required documents and handle much of the communication with authorities on your behalf.

Burial permit and timeline

The burial permit is issued by the doctor along with the death certificate. Without a burial permit, the burial cannot take place. According to the Burial Act (Hautaustoimilaki), the burial must be carried out within one month of the death, unless there is a special reason for an exception.

In practice, funerals are most often held within 1–3 weeks of the death. The timeline depends on:

• Availability of parishes and venues
• Family members' travel needs
• Any forensic investigation

How to take care of yourself

The first hours and days are draining in a way few people are prepared for. A few things that help:

• Don't be alone, if possible. Ask someone close to be with you.
• Eat and drink, even if you're not hungry. Your body needs energy.
• Don't make major decisions on the first day. Give yourself time.
• Tears and emotions are allowed. There is no wrong way to react.
• The crisis helpline is available 24/7: 09 2525 0111 (MIELI ry – Finnish Association for Mental Health). Call if the distress feels overwhelming.

The grieving process is individual, and there is no timetable for it. Read more about the stages of grief and the grieving process.

Checklist for the first 24 hours

Here is a condensed checklist you can print or save to your phone:

Immediately after the death

• Call a doctor or 112 (home death)
• Notify the closest family members
• Spend time with the deceased, if you wish
• Ask someone close to be with you for support

During the same day

• Collect the deceased's identity document
• Write down the date and time of death
• Notify your employer of your absence

The next day

• Call the funeral home
• Contact the parish or secular officiant
• Notify the deceased's employer
• Begin preliminary funeral planning

You don't have to cope alone

The death of a loved one is one of life's heaviest experiences. Funeral homes, parishes, and support services exist specifically for you. Don't hesitate to ask for help – it's not a sign of weakness but a wise step in the midst of a difficult situation.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to call the funeral home right away?

No. You can contact the funeral home the next day or later. The deceased can remain at the hospital or care facility for several days.

Who writes the death certificate?

A doctor always writes the death certificate. In hospital, the attending doctor; for a home death, a doctor called to the scene or an on-call doctor.

Can you touch the deceased at home?

Yes. You can touch the deceased, hold their hand, and say goodbye physically. If the cause of death is unclear, however, do not move the deceased before the authorities have visited.

What if the death occurs at night?

Call 112 or the hospice care unit's on-call number. Non-urgent matters can wait until morning.

How soon must the funeral be arranged?

According to the Burial Act, the burial must take place within one month of the death. In practice, funerals are usually held within 1–3 weeks.