Who to Call When Someone Dies at Home on Hospice in Utah
Losing someone you love is never easy, even when their passing is expected. If your loved one is receiving hospice care at home, you may be wondering what happens next, who you should call, and what arrangements need to be made.
At Spring Creek Mortuary, we believe families deserve clear answers, compassionate guidance, and the time they need to say goodbye.
This guide explains what to do when a loved one passes away while receiving hospice care in Utah, and how we can help you through each step.
Step 1: Contact Your Hospice Nurse
When your loved one passes away at home while under hospice care, your first call should generally be to their hospice provider.
For an expected hospice death, you typically do not need to call 911.
Your hospice team is trained to handle these situations and will guide you through the process.
When you call, your hospice provider will typically:
- Send a nurse to your home to confirm and pronounce the death.
- Notify the appropriate medical professionals.
- Complete or initiate the necessary medical documentation.
- Help coordinate with your chosen funeral home.
- Answer questions about what happens next.
If the death was unexpected, involved an injury, or you believe someone needs emergency medical assistance, call 911.
Step 2: Take the Time You Need to Say Goodbye
One of the most important things we want families to understand is that you do not have to rush through these moments.
After the hospice nurse has arrived and completed the necessary procedures, you can generally spend some time with your loved one before they are brought into the care of the funeral home.
Some families choose to sit quietly together. Others may want to invite close family members to say their final goodbyes, share memories, offer a prayer, or simply hold their loved one's hand.
There is no single right way to say goodbye.
Your hospice nurse and funeral director can help you understand any timing considerations, so you can make decisions without feeling unnecessarily hurried.
Step 3: Contact a Funeral Home
Once the hospice team has been notified, the next step is to contact the funeral home of your choice.
If you have already selected a funeral home, let your hospice nurse know. They can help coordinate the transfer.
If you have not chosen a funeral home, that is okay. You can take time to ask questions, understand your options, and select the provider you feel most comfortable with.
At Spring Creek Mortuary, we are available 24 hours a day to help families throughout Utah County.
When you contact us, we will:
- Explain what happens next.
- Coordinate with your hospice provider.
- Arrange for your loved one to be brought into our care once the necessary authorization is received.
- Answer any immediate questions you may have.
- Help schedule a time to discuss funeral or cremation arrangements.
You do not need to have every decision made before calling us. Our responsibility is to help you understand your options and guide you through the process.
Step 4: Your Loved One Is Brought Into Our Care
After the hospice nurse has completed the required procedures and authorized the release, our team will coordinate a time to bring your loved one into our care.
We understand how meaningful and emotional this moment can be for families.
Our team approaches every transfer with dignity, professionalism, and respect. We believe the way someone is cared for after death matters just as much as the way they were cared for in life.
You are welcome to ask questions about what will happen when we arrive.
Step 5: Begin Making Funeral or Cremation Arrangements
After your loved one is in our care, we will arrange a time to meet with you and your family.
During this meeting, we will discuss your loved one's wishes, your family's preferences, and the available options.
These may include:
- Traditional funeral services with a viewing.
- Graveside services.
- Cremation with or without a memorial service.
- Personalized celebrations of life.
- Assistance with obituaries, death certificates, and necessary paperwork.
Our goal is not simply to arrange a service. It is to help your family create a meaningful tribute that reflects the life, personality, relationships, and story of the person you love.
We will also explain pricing and available options so your family can make informed decisions without unnecessary pressure.
Step 6: Let Us Help With the Details
There are many details to manage following a death, but you do not have to navigate them alone.
Our funeral directors can assist with coordinating arrangements, obtaining certified death certificates, communicating with cemeteries, and preparing for the funeral or memorial service.
Your hospice provider may also offer bereavement resources and grief support for your family.
At Spring Creek Mortuary, our care does not end when the funeral is over. We believe families deserve continued compassion, guidance, and support in the days and months that follow.
Here When You Need us
Spring Creek Mortuary — A New Standard of Care.
Contact us any time, day or night, for guidance or immediate assistance.
Whether your loved one is currently receiving hospice care or has recently passed away, Spring Creek Mortuary is here to help.
We understand that choosing a funeral home is an important decision. We are committed to providing compassionate care, transparent pricing, and meaningful services that honor each individual's life and story.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice Deaths in Utah
Do I call 911 when someone dies on hospice?
Generally, no. If your loved one's death was expected and they were enrolled in hospice care, contact their hospice provider first. The hospice team will guide you through the appropriate steps. If the death was unexpected or emergency medical assistance is needed, call 911.
How long can my loved one stay at home after passing away?
Families can generally spend some time with their loved one following an expected hospice death. However, the appropriate amount of time depends on the circumstances and any applicable care or transportation requirements. Your hospice nurse and funeral director can help you plan.
Does hospice contact the funeral home?
Hospice providers commonly help coordinate with the funeral home selected by the family. You can also contact your preferred funeral home directly.
Can I choose any funeral home if my loved one is on hospice?
Yes. Your family can choose the funeral home you prefer. You are not required to use a particular funeral home simply because your hospice provider recommends it.
What if we haven't made funeral arrangements yet?
That is completely okay. Many families do not make funeral arrangements until after a loved one has passed. A funeral director can explain the options, provide pricing information, and help you make decisions at a comfortable pace.
Who handles the death certificate when someone dies on hospice?
The hospice team coordinates the necessary medical information and certification with the appropriate medical professional. When you use a funeral home, the funeral director generally assists with filing the death record and obtaining certified copies for your family.
Can Spring Creek Mortuary help if our loved one is on hospice in Eagle Mountain, Provo, or Springville?
Yes. Spring Creek Mortuary serves families throughout Utah County, including Springville, Provo, Orem, Spanish Fork, Mapleton, Payson, Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, and surrounding communities.
