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Home care
Find out about care at home, adaptations and technology to help you to stay independent in your own home for longer.
Home care near you
Use our directory to find local home care agencies anywhere across the UK.
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Carers & caring
Learn about the benefits, support and rights you have as a carer to help you through this difficult time.
Cost of care and eligibility in England
Use our simple tool to find out how much care might cost and what financial support is available.
Care costs in your area
Financing care
Learn about funding options for home care, home adaptations and care homes, together with Attendance Allowance, gifting assets and Power of Attorney.
Cost of care and eligibility in England
Use our simple tool to find out how much care might cost and what financial support is available.
Care costs in your area
Housing options
Consider your options and learn about sheltered housing, retirement villages and care homes.
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End of life
Guidance to help you through the emotional and practical steps of losing a loved one, from coping with bereavement to arranging a funeral.
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What to do when someone dies

We take you through what you need to do when someone close to you dies, from how to register a death to what happens if a coroner is called in.

First steps when someone has died

Read about the first steps that need to be taken immediately after someone has died, whether this was at home, in a hospital or in a care home.

Getting a medical certificate

If the death was expected, and the cause of death is clear, a GP will need to issue a medical certificate to confirm the cause of death.

Preparing to register a death

We explain how to formally register a death and what information you’ll need.

Registering a death

After the medical certificate of death has been issued, the next stage is to register the death. Here, we explain what happens.

Checklist: what to take with you when registering a death

Our checklist of what to take with you when registering a death will help this upsetting experience run smoothly.

Tell Us Once

This government-run service allows you to report the death of a loved one to most departments in one go, so you don’t have to contact each separately.

If your loved one dies abroad

If your loved one dies abroad, you will need to follow the regulations of that particular country. See our guidance on what you will need to do.

Coroners and post-mortem examinations

If it’s not clear why your loved one died, the death may be reported to a coroner who will decide if a post-mortem examination is needed.

Checklist: what to do when someone dies

Follow our checklist for the steps to take and things to do when a loved one passes away.

Further reading

Coping with grief

You may be coping with your own grief as well as that of a parent or other close relative or friend. Here, we explain ...

Funeral plans

We offer advice on how to plan the funeral service for your loved one, exploring the options available, including ...

Getting bereavement support

Charities, trained volunteers and professional counsellors can offer additional support during the grieving process.

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