What to Do When Someone Dies at Home?

Jun 25, 2024

Death is never an easy thing to deal with, especially when it occurs unexpectedly at home. In those initial traumatic moments, it may not be clear what steps to take first or who to call for help. 

As the grieving process begins, practical concerns will need addresses among the emotional turmoil. 

This guide aims to provide a compassionate overview of the important actions and contacts required when faced with an in-home death, from securing the scene properly to initiating cleanup with trained professionals.

Staying Peaceful in Panic:

Even in the midst of shock and sorrow, keeping one’s composure is key in the early moments of an unexpected loss at home. The first reflex may be to contact emergency services straight away if there is any doubt as to the time or cause of death. 

Dialing 911 will summon medical professionals who can officially pronounce life extinct and offer perspective on next steps. 

Their arrival is crucial to help answer questions in the midst of anguish with a clear mindset.

Guiding Loved Ones with Care:

After receiving confirmation from emergency responders, the next important call should be to arrange pick up and care of the deceased through a local funeral home.

Directors at these establishments are well-versed in compassionately aiding those grieving unexpected loss. They can transport the deceased with utmost dignity and submit the necessary paperwork, like filing death certificates with the health department. 

Having their professionals take the reins allows those mourning to begin finding footing during an otherwise confusing transition.

Contact Death & Trauma Cleanup Services:

After the initial panic subsides and formalities are in motion, attention turns to properly addressing the location of the health emergency. 

Searching online directories can provide contact information for trauma cleanup companies operating nearby. 

Many funeral homes offer guidance if one is uncertain where to begin, as they frequently work alongside disinfection specialists.

It is wise to select a service specializing explicitly in biohazard mitigation following death scenes. One highly recommended option is SCU Services, which has been serving parts of Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana for more than 5 years. 

With their 24/7 response line at 866-614-1638, SCU offers professional death cleanup and operates a rigorous decontamination process.

Comparing multiple options allows evaluating each company’s experience level, techniques practiced, and pricing structure upfront. 

Seeing availability calendars helps schedule a thorough cleansing when it is most practical for the family’s restoration from hardship. 

Requesting references assists with making the best choice for site sanitization done professionally and memorably.

Why contact death and trauma cleanup services?

Contacting specialists serves critical purposes in the sensitive aftermath:

  • Thoroughly extract potentially hazardous materials left behind, such as bodily secretions or remains, in order to sanitize every surface with hospital-grade disinfectants.
  • Properly equip themselves with heavy-duty protective gear and sterilizing tools meant to reach any contaminated area seamlessly.
  • Undergo extensive instruction in handling biocontainment and decontamination safely and supportively.

Peace of mind knows that proper neutralizing of hard-to-access spots is addressed comprehensively. 

Loved ones deserve not only to mourn freely from additional concerns, but to recall their home without enduring memories that might resurface from sites not thoroughly mitigated by adept professionals. Closure begins with entrusting purification to skilled teams.

Dealing with Well-Meaning Friends and Family:

In the initial stages following an in-home passing, it is best to request limiting interaction with well-wishers until services can respond. 

Their generous sentiments understandably want to comfort, yet the space demands privacy whilst professionals methodically address the scene. 

Reach out to trusted companions instead, as a listening ear can ease the mind during shock.

Taking Care of Yourself During Difficult Time:

Likewise, self-care must be prioritized even in responsibilities required after such overwhelming life events. Outlets providing calm refuge and compassion are important to frequent, whether through faith, journaling feelings, or just resting. 
Grief takes time and patience to process in a healthy way. Give sorrowful moments their due while relying upon others to lessen the burden until the surroundings are restored to a place of serenity once more.