The First Stages After Someone Dies
At Rounce Funeral Services, we understand how overwhelming and emotional it can be when a loved one passes away.
We’re here to support you every step of the way, offering gentle guidance and care during this difficult time.
When Someone Dies at Home or in a Nursing Home
If your loved one passes away at home, the first step is to contact their doctor or the doctor on call. In most cases, they will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
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For those who pass away in a nursing home, the staff will contact the doctor on your behalf.
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If the death was sudden or unexpected, the doctor may refer the deceased to the Coroner to determine the cause of death. This is a routine process, and we will guide you through every step of it.
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Once the doctor has attended, your next call should be to us. We will gently and respectfully bring your loved one into our care, ensuring they are treated with the utmost dignity.
The Last Offices:
A Gentle Guide to Laying Out Your Loved One
The last offices, or laying out, is the care and preparation given to a loved one after they have passed away. This is usually carried out by a nurse, but practices can vary between hospitals, cultures, and families. It is a moment of quiet respect, ensuring your loved one is looked after with dignity and care.
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When to Contact Rounce Funeral Services
We understand that this is a deeply personal and emotional time. After the death has been verified, you may choose to spend some quiet moments with your loved one before calling us. Please know that we fully support you in taking the time you need for reflection and farewell.
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Once you call us, our removal team will typically arrive within 1–2 hours if you are in Sussex. If you are further away, it may take longer. While we make our way to you, there are some gentle steps you can take if you feel comfortable doing so.
Laying Out Your Loved One
If a nurse has not performed the last offices, we kindly ask that a family member consider carrying out this process. This ensures that your loved one is cared for with the utmost dignity while awaiting our arrival. We understand that this may be difficult, and we are here to support you in any way we can.
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Steps to Follow
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Allow Time for Respect – It is customary to leave your loved one undisturbed for up to an hour as a mark of respect before beginning any preparations.
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Adjust the Room – Turn off any heating in the room, as a cooler temperature is best now. Close all windows to prevent any insects from entering.
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Positioning – If possible, gently lay your loved one flat on their back with their arms at their sides. If this feels too difficult, a single pillow under their head is acceptable.
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Eye and Jaw Care – Gently close their eyelids. If necessary, provide support for the jaw using a pillow or cushion.
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Dentures and Personal Items – If they wore dentures, leave them in place unless inappropriate. If there are items of jewellery or a watch you would like to keep, now is the time to remove them for safekeeping.
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Final Clothing – If you wish for your loved one to be dressed in specific attire for their final journey, please set these clothes aside to provide to our team upon arrival.
When Someone Dies in Hospital
When a loved one passes away in hospital, we will liaise with hospital staff and handle all necessary arrangements on your behalf, including the legal formalities.
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The nursing staff will guide you on how to collect any required certificates and your loved one’s personal belongings.
Please ensure that the next of kin advises the Hospital Bereavement Team that Rounce Funeral Services will be conducting the funeral of your loved one.
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From there, we’ll take care of the rest, offering you peace of mind at every turn.
Making the Call to Your Funeral Director
The decision to contact a Funeral Director can feel daunting, but we are here to help ease your burden.
Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to offer support, guidance, and compassion whenever you need us.
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Choosing Rounce Funeral Services means placing your trust in a team that genuinely cares.
As proud members of the local community, we are here to serve you with dignity, professionalism, and kindness.
What Happens Next?
After you call us, we’ll:
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Arrange to bring your loved one into our care from their home, nursing home, hospital, or other location.
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Schedule a time that suits you to make the funeral arrangements.
Whether you prefer us to visit you in the comfort of your own home or would like to meet in our welcoming arrangement room, we are here to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible.
When Someone Dies Suddenly
If your loved one’s passing was sudden or unexpected, it is natural for this to feel particularly overwhelming. In these cases, the doctor may refer the death to the Coroner for further investigation.
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The Coroner’s role is to ensure that the cause of death is fully understood. Most referrals confirm natural causes, and a Medical Certificate will be issued to the Registrar.
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If the death is referred to the Coroner, you can rely on us to handle all the legalities on your behalf. We will keep you updated every step of the way, so you never feel lost or uncertain during this process.
Here for You, Every Step of the Way
At Rounce Funeral Services, we understand how difficult these first moments can be.
You don’t have to navigate them alone—we’re here to provide gentle guidance, practical support, and a compassionate presence whenever you need us.
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Please reach out to us at any time, day or night. Let us help you with care, dignity, and understanding.
