What to do when someone dies at home in Nova Scotia

Coping with the loss of a loved one in Nova Scotia can feel overwhelming. This guide outlines crucial steps to take immediately, including ensuring safety, obtaining a pronouncement of death, and making necessary arrangements. It also provides guidance on handling practical matters and finding support.

Immediate Actions: Ensuring Safety and Pronouncement of Death

1. Check for Danger: If the death was unexpected or accidental, ensure the scene is safe. Contact emergency services (911) immediately if you suspect foul play or if the cause of death is unknown.
2. Pronouncement of Death: A formal pronouncement of death is required. Contact one of the following:

• The Deceased's Doctor: If the death was expected due to illness or the deceased was under hospice care.
• Emergency Services (911): If the death was unexpected or the person wasn't under medical care. A medical professional, such as a paramedic or medical examiner, will pronounce the death.

Specifics for Palliative Care in Nova Scotia

If the deceased was receiving palliative care at home:

• Contact the Palliative Care Team: They will guide you through what to expect and facilitate a doctor or nurse visiting to formally pronounce the death.
• Funeral Home Arrangements (Optional): If you've chosen a funeral home in advance, you contact them now. The palliative care team might assist with coordination.

Next Steps After Pronouncement of Death

1) Contact a Funeral Home

• Pre-Arrangements: If the deceased had pre-planned funeral arrangements, the designated funeral home will be specified in the plan.
• Choosing a Funeral Home: If there are no pre-arrangements, select a reputable funeral home in your area. Search online, get referrals, or consult the Funeral Service Association of Nova Scotia (https://www.fsans.com/).

2) Arranging Transportation

• The funeral home will carefully and respectfully transport the deceased from your home to their facility.

3) Obtaining the Medical Certificate of Death (MCD)

• The doctor, paramedic, or medical examiner completes the MCD, stating the cause of death.
• You'll need several copies of the MCD for various administrative tasks. The funeral director can advise you on how many to obtain.

4) Registering the Death

• The funeral home normally registers the death with Nova Scotia Vital Statistics on your behalf. This must be done within 5 days of the death date.
• You'll receive a Registration of Death form, which serves as proof for settling the deceased's affairs.

Practical Matters in the Following Days

• Notifying Others: Inform family, friends, employers, and any relevant organizations about the passing. The funeral home can assist with obituaries.
• Sorting Through Affairs: Gather important documents like the will, insurance policies, financial records, and contact information for accounts of the deceased.
• Accessing Support Systems: Reach out to your support network, grief counselors, or faith-based communities for emotional support.

Additional Considerations

• Government Benefits: Explore eligibility for funeral assistance or survivor benefits through Nova Scotia Seniors or by contacting Service Canada.
• Estate Matters: Consult an estate lawyer if necessary for assistance with wills, probate, and managing the deceased's assets.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Give yourself ample time to grieve. Don't hesitate to ask for emotional support or practical help from those around you.

Important Resources

• Nova Scotia Vital Statistics: Registers births, deaths, and marriages (https://beta.novascotia.ca/programs-and-services/vital-statistics).
• Funeral Service Association of Nova Scotia (FSANS): Organization regulating funeral services in Nova Scotia (https://www.fsans.com/).
• Government of Canada - After a Death: Information on benefits and settling affairs (https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/notify-government-death.html).

Remember:

Losing a loved one is a profoundly difficult experience. While attending to these necessary tasks is essential, remember to prioritize your emotional well-being and seek support from your network during this time. Allow yourself the space to grieve and heal.