Losing a loved one is never easy, and when it happens in a hospital or nursing home, the process can feel overwhelming. In Australia, these settings come with specific steps, timelines, and decisions that differ from a home death.
At eziFunerals, we’re here to break it down for you—arming you with the knowledge to navigate this challenging time with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re searching for “what to do when someone dies in hospital” or “nursing home death procedures Australia,” this guide has you covered.
Immediate Steps After Death in a Hospital or Nursing Home
When a loved one passes away in a medical facility, staff will typically take the lead initially. In a hospital, doctors or nurses confirm the death and issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), assuming the cause is natural and known—think cancer or heart failure.
If the cause is unclear or unexpected, the death may be reported to the coroner, delaying arrangements. In a nursing home, staff notify the family and the deceased’s GP to certify the death, though similar coronial rules apply.
Your first move? Contact a funeral director. Hospitals and nursing homes don’t store bodies long-term—usually 24–48 hours max before transfer to a mortuary or funeral home. At eziFunerals, we connect you with trusted, independent funeral directors across Australia who can step in swiftly, whether you’re in Sydney, Perth, or rural Queensland.
Key Documents You’ll Need
Paperwork is unavoidable, but knowing what’s required keeps things smooth. The MCCD is critical—it’s what funeral directors use to register the death with the state’s Births, Deaths, and Marriages office.
You’ll also need the deceased’s ID (passport, driver’s license) for legal steps. If the coroner’s involved—common in sudden deaths or accidents—expect delays until an autopsy or investigation concludes. Pre-planning tip: if your loved one had a funeral plan via eziFunerals, details like their wishes and prepaid arrangements can streamline this process.
Handling the Body: What Happens Next?
Hospitals and nursing homes follow strict protocols. After certification, the body is moved to an on-site morgue or cooling facility. You might have a short window to view your loved one—hospitals may allow this before transfer, while nursing homes vary by policy.
Then, your chosen funeral director takes over, transporting the body for burial, cremation, or further preparation. Costs kick in here: a basic transfer might start at AUD 300, with full funeral services ranging from AUD 4,000–15,000 depending on your choices (e.g., direct cremation vs. elaborate burial).
Emotional and Practical Considerations
Grief hits hard, and the clinical setting can make it tougher. Hospitals might offer chaplains or counselors, while nursing homes may lean on staff familiarity for support—ask what’s available. Practically, you’ll need to clear personal belongings fast—hospitals often push for same-day removal, while nursing homes might give you a few days. Don’t rush into funeral decisions; use eziFunerals’ online tools to compare quotes and options at your pace.
Coroner Involvement: When and Why?
If your loved one’s death was sudden, unnatural (e.g., a fall), or the cause isn’t clear, the coroner steps in. This happens more often in nursing homes with elderly residents—about 10–15% of cases, per Australian stats. The coroner decides if an autopsy is needed, which can delay funeral plans by days or weeks. eziFunerals can guide you through this, linking you with directors experienced in coronial cases.
Costs and Planning: Save Stress and Money
Funeral costs in Australia vary widely. A hospital death might add fees for morgue storage (AUD 100–200/day if delayed), while nursing homes rarely charge extra.
Cremation’s the budget pick—starting at AUD 2,000 via eziFunerals’ network—while burials climb higher with plot prices (AUD 5,000+ in cities). Pre-planning is a game-changer: if your loved one prepaid or left wishes, you’re spared last-minute haggling. No plan? Our platform lets you request quotes instantly, ensuring transparency and affordability.
Why Choose eziFunerals?
Navigating a hospital or nursing home death is complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. eziFunerals empowers you with free resources, expert advice, and a network of independent funeral directors tailored to your needs—whether it’s a simple cremation in Melbourne or a memorial in Brisbane. Search “funeral planning Australia” or “eziFunerals reviews” to see why families trust us.
Final Takeaway
When a loved one dies in a hospital or nursing home, knowledge is your lifeline. From paperwork to practicalities, understanding the process lets you focus on farewelling them your way. Start with eziFunerals today—because even in loss, you deserve choices that honor their life and ease your burden.
Peter Erceg
Peter Erceg is the Owner and Founder of eziFunerals. He has had a long history within the funeral industry, and is a published author of ‘What Kind Of Funeral: A self help guide to planning a meaningful funeral’. Prior to eziFunerals, Peter worked in the public sector and health industry for more than 30 years. The views and opinions expressed on posts are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of eziFunerals and members.
