Important Tips to Remember Following a Death
You will want to remember these important tips following a death, depending on where the death occurs.
If the death occurs at home:
- If it was expected, (ie. the individual was terminal/palliative and wanted to die at home), call the attending medical professional, who will confirm the death and complete the medical certificate of death.
- If it was unexpected, call 911 and emergency services/police will attend and contact the coroner to confirm the death and complete the medical certificate of death.
- The deceased had arranged for Medical Assistance in Death (MAID), in which case, the attending doctor or nurse practitioner will confirm the death and complete the medical certificate of death.
If the death occurs in a hospital or nursing home:
- Nursing staff will arrange for a doctor or coroner to issue the death certificate.
- You’ll be advised when to call the funeral centre to begin arrangements.
Please note that regardless of whether the death took place at home, a hospital or nursing home, a funeral home can proceed with the transport only after the medical certificate of death is signed.
If the death occurs outside Ontario:
- The death must be registered in the municipality where the death occurred. A doctor will usually issue the death certificate.
- Contact a local or home-based funeral centre to help arrange transport and return.
If you're outside Canada:
- Contact the nearest Canadian Consulate/Embassy for help with arrangements and documentation.
Before meeting with the funeral centre:
- Gather important documents such as ID, the will and any personal or medical records.