What to Do When Someone Dies: A Guide for Melbourne Families

The death of a loved one is a very sad and challenging time. Whether their passing happens suddenly or you have known it may be coming, it can occur at any time — during the day, overnight, on a weekend or on a public holiday.

In the first few hours after someone passes away, it is normal to feel unsure about what to do next. Give yourself time. You are not expected to know the process, and you do not need to make every decision immediately.

This guide provides clarity on the first steps to take when someone dies and what to expect in the hours and days that follow.

At Hall’s Funeral Services, we support families and loved ones 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We provide reassurance, clear guidance and compassionate care whenever you need us.

What Should You Do First When Someone Dies?

Every situation is different, and there is no perfect way to respond when someone you love passes away.

During what can be an incredibly difficult and emotional time, try to take things one step at a time.

Some important things to remember are:

• You have time to make plans. You do not need to make every decision straight away.
• Help is available at any hour, day or night.
• You are not expected to know the process. It is our job to guide you through it.
• A funeral director can support you and your family through each stage.

Hall’s Funeral Services is here to provide compassionate and empathetic care throughout the journey of saying goodbye to your loved one — from the moment you call through to their funeral or celebration of life.

What Happens If Someone Passes Away at Home?

What happens when someone dies at home depends on whether their death was expected or unexpected.

Expected Death at Home

If your loved one was under the care of a doctor, hospital or palliative care team, the first steps generally include:

• Contacting their GP, treating doctor or palliative care team.
• The doctor looking after your loved one providing the necessary certification.
• Once this has occurred, contacting your chosen funeral director.

Your funeral director can then guide you through what happens next.

Unexpected Death at Home

If your loved one’s death was sudden or unexpected:

• Call emergency services immediately and explain what has happened.
• Police may attend the home to complete the required procedures.
• Once the appropriate authorities have completed their role and clearance has been provided, the funeral director can be contacted.

Hall’s Funeral Services can then arrange for your loved one to be respectfully transferred into our care.

What If Someone Dies in Hospital or Aged Care?

If your loved one passes away in a hospital or aged care facility, the process will be different from a death at home.

Hospitals and aged care facilities already have policies and procedures in place for when someone passes away.

Generally:

• Hospital or aged care staff manage the immediate procedures following the death.
• The family is notified.
• Once the necessary procedures are complete, the funeral director is contacted.
• The facility and funeral home coordinate the transfer of your loved one.

The period immediately after someone passes away can feel overwhelming, but there may be less urgency than you expect.

You can have time to gather with family, ask questions and decide when you would like the funeral director to attend.

Can You Contact a Funeral Director Overnight or on Weekends?

Yes. Hall’s Funeral Services is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our support includes:

• Overnight assistance if your loved one passes away during the night.
• Availability on weekends and public holidays.
• After-hours transfers.
• Immediate guidance and support over the phone.

No matter the day or time, when you call Hall’s Funeral Services, you can speak with a compassionate and caring team member who can explain what happens next and help organise the assistance you need.

What Happens After Your Loved One Is Transferred Into Care?

Once your loved one is safely in our care:

• We care for your loved one with dignity and respect.
• You will have time to meet with your funeral director.
• You can make funeral arrangements over the following days.
• Required documentation is completed.
• You and your family are supported throughout each step.

You can take the time you need. There is no pressure to make every decision immediately.

We are here to care for your loved one, assist with planning and provide clear guidance throughout the journey.

Common Concerns Families Have After Someone Dies

Do We Need to Decide Everything Tonight?

No. You don’t need to make every funeral arrangement immediately.

Arrangements are usually made in the days following the passing of your loved one, giving you time to gather your thoughts and speak with your family.

Can Family Members Say Goodbye Before the Transfer?

Yes. Families can spend time saying goodbye to their loved one before the transfer if they wish.

Will Someone Answer the Phone After Hours?

Yes. Hall’s Funeral Services is available to answer calls at any time of the day or night.

How Quickly Does Everything Need to Happen?

There may be less urgency than you expect.

Your funeral director can guide you through the timing and explain what needs to happen and when.

What If We Don’t Know What to Do?

You are not expected to know what to do.

Your funeral director is there to explain each step clearly, answer your questions and guide your family through the process.

How Hall’s Funeral Services Supports Families 24/7

Hall’s Funeral Services provides compassionate and reliable support whenever you need us.

Our support includes:

• Availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• An experienced, professional and caring team.
• Prompt attendance across Melbourne.
• Clear and respectful communication throughout the funeral planning process.
• Guidance and support from your first phone call through to the funeral service.

From the moment you reach out to Hall’s Funeral Services, you are supported by compassionate people who understand the process and genuinely care for you, your loved one and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do If Someone Dies Overnight?

You can call Hall’s Funeral Services overnight. We can explain the next steps and help organise the assistance you need.

Can I Call a Funeral Director After Hours?

Yes. Our team is available 24/7, including overnight, on weekends, public holidays and outside regular business hours.

What Happens If Someone Dies on a Weekend?

The process generally remains the same. If your loved one passes away in a hospital or aged care facility, staff will follow their procedures and notify the family. A funeral director can then attend when appropriate.

How Quickly Does a Funeral Home Attend?

Attendance is coordinated with the family and any authorities or facilities involved.

Hall’s Funeral Services can guide you through the timing and arrange the transfer of your loved one into our care when appropriate.

Do Funerals Have to Be Arranged Immediately After Someone Passes Away?

No. You don’t need to arrange every aspect of the funeral immediately.

Funeral arrangements are typically made in the days following the death, allowing families time to gather, consider their wishes and make decisions together.

Here When You Need Us — 24 Hours a Day

Losing a loved one is never easy and can be one of the most difficult times in your life.

Whether their passing was expected, unexpected or occurred overnight, Hall’s Funeral Services is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide compassionate guidance, immediate support and respectful care whenever you need us.

We are honoured to support you and your family through the journey of saying goodbye to your loved one.