What Happens When Someone Dies in a Nursing Home or Aged Care Facility?
The death of a loved one in a nursing home or aged care facility can be a deeply emotional experience. Amidst the grief, families are often faced with practical and legal steps that must be taken quickly — often with little preparation.
At eziFunerals, we aim to support you during this time by helping you understand what happens when someone dies in a nursing home or aged care facility in Australia, and what your next steps should be.
Immediate Steps After Death in Aged Care
When a resident passes away in an aged care facility, the staff are trained to handle the situation with sensitivity and professionalism. Here’s what generally happens:
1. The Death Is Confirmed
A registered nurse or on-call doctor will confirm the death. In some cases, an external medical practitioner may be contacted to attend the facility.
2. Family or Next of Kin Are Notified
The nominated next of kin will be contacted immediately by the nursing home. If you’re listed as the primary contact, you’ll receive a phone call — no matter the time of day.
3. Funeral Instructions Are Checked
If your loved one had an advance care directive, funeral plan, or prepaid arrangement, staff will refer to those instructions. If not, the responsibility typically falls to the next of kin to make funeral decisions.
4. Funeral Director Is Contacted
Once a funeral director is selected, the facility will coordinate with them to arrange for the respectful transfer of the deceased to the funeral home.
5. Personal Belongings Are Returned
Staff will gather the resident’s personal belongings and arrange a time for family members to collect them. Valuable items may be logged and signed over to you.
Who Chooses the Funeral Director?
The choice of funeral director is completely up to the family — not the nursing home. You have the right to:
- Compare funeral directors
- Request quotes
- Choose a provider who aligns with your wishes and budget
If the death is expected (such as under palliative care), you can pre-arrange a funeral plan with your chosen provider in advance, which often helps reduce stress when the time comes.
What If the Death Was Unexpected?
In some cases, a death may be sudden or unexpected, particularly if it wasn’t anticipated as part of end-of-life care. In these situations:
- The facility may contact the police or coroner, especially if the death is reportable (e.g. unexplained or accidental).
- An investigation may take place before a funeral director can collect the body.
- Families may experience a delay in funeral arrangements, depending on the circumstances.
The nursing home will guide you through this process and inform you of any requirements.
Legal and Administrative Considerations
Several legal and administrative steps must be taken after a person dies in an aged care facility:
1. Death Certificate
A doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, which is then used to register the death with the relevant State or Territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
2. Funeral Arrangement Documentation
Your chosen funeral director will assist with legal paperwork required for cremation or burial, including obtaining the necessary authorisations and permits.
3. Informing Government Services
You may need to notify services such as:
- Centrelink and My Aged Care
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs (if applicable)
- Medicare and private health funds
- Banks, insurers, and superannuation funds
A funeral director or estate lawyer can help with this.
Can You Plan Ahead for a Death in Aged Care?
Yes. In fact, planning ahead can significantly reduce emotional and financial stress on the family. Many aged care residents choose to:
- Create a prepaid funeral plan
- Appoint a power of attorney or legal representative
- Record their funeral wishes (burial vs cremation, service preferences, etc.)
Families are encouraged to have conversations early, and eziFunerals offers a free planning tool to help document your wishes and compare providers before a death occurs.
How eziFunerals Can Help
At eziFunerals, we understand that losing a loved one in aged care is never easy. We offer support by helping you:
- Compare funeral directors in your area
- Request quotes and understand pricing
- Find services that align with your loved one’s values
- Plan ahead with funeral wish documentation
- Access trusted providers Australia-wide
We’re independent and family-owned, and we never take commissions from funeral companies — which means we work solely in your best interests.
What to Do Next
If your loved one has just passed away in a nursing home or aged care facility:
- Take a moment to breathe — it’s okay to feel overwhelmed.
- Contact family members or support people.
- Call eziFunerals or use our platform to compare funeral providers.
- Let the nursing home know who your chosen funeral director is.
- Begin the process of planning a farewell that honours your loved one.
Contact eziFunerals for Support
If you’re unsure of what to do next, you’re not alone. We’re here to guide you through each step.
Call us on 1300 236 402 or visit www.ezifunerals.com.au
Email: support@ezifunerals.com.au
