What to do when someone dies at home in Ontario, Canada

Dealing with the death of a loved one in Ontario can be a daunting experience. This guide details the immediate steps to ensure safety, secure a pronouncement of death, and manage necessary arrangements. It also offers advice on addressing practical matters and seeking support during this challenging period.

Immediate Actions: Ensuring Safety and Pronouncement of Death

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

• The Deceased's Doctor: If the death was expected and under a doctor's care (e.g., terminal illness, hospice).
• Emergency Services (911): If the death was unexpected or the deceased was not under a doctor's care. A medical professional (paramedic or coroner) will attend to pronounce death.

When the Deceased Was Under Palliative Care

If the deceased received palliative home care, the process is generally more streamlined:

• Contact Palliative Care Team: They are prepared for this scenario and will guide you through the necessary steps. They will likely arrange with a doctor or nurse to attend and pronounce death.
• Funeral Home Arrangements (Optional): If you have a pre-selected funeral home, you can contact them. The palliative care team may be able to assist with this, too.

The Next Steps After Death Is Pronounced

1. Contact a Funeral Home

• Pre-Arrangements: If the deceased had pre-planned funeral arrangements, the funeral home will be specified in the plan.
• Choosing a Funeral Home: If there are no pre-arrangements, select a reputable funeral home. Ask for referrals, search online, or consult the Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals (https://oacfp.com/).

2. Arranging Transportation

• The funeral home will respectfully transport the deceased from your home to their facility. This typically happens once they arrive after you've contacted them.

3. Obtain Medical Certificate of Death

• The doctor, paramedic, or coroner will complete the Medical Certificate of Death (MCD). This is an official document stating the cause of death.
• You will need multiple copies of the MCD for various administrative tasks. The funeral director can advise on how many copies to order.

4. Registering the Death

• The funeral home will typically register the death with ServiceOntario on your behalf. This must occur within 5 days of the death.
• They will provide you with a Proof of Death Certificate, used for settling the deceased's affairs.

Practical Matters in the Following Days

• Notifying Others: Inform extended family, friends, employers, and any relevant organizations (banks, insurance companies, etc.). The funeral home may help with obituaries.
• Sorting through Affairs: Begin gathering important documents like the will, insurance policies, financial information, and contact details for any relevant accounts or services.
• Accessing Support Systems: Reach out to your personal support network, grief counselors, or faith-based communities if needed.

Additional Considerations

• Government Benefits: Check if you're eligible for survivor benefits or funeral assistance. ServiceOntario or your funeral director can provide guidance.
• Estate Matters: Consult an estate lawyer if needed. They assist with wills, probate, and administering the deceased's assets.
• Self-Care: Give yourself time to grieve and process emotions. Don't be afraid to ask for practical help and emotional support.

Important Resources

• Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO): Regulates the funeral industry in Ontario, offering consumer protection (https://thebao.ca/)
• What to do when someone dies (Ontario.ca): Provides official government guidance (https://www.ontario.ca/page/what-do-when-someone-dies).
• Government of Canada – After a Death: Information on benefits and settling affairs (https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/notify-government-death.html).

Final Note:

Losing a loved one is immensely painful. While the practical steps outlined here are necessary, remember to be patient with yourself during the grieving process. Prioritize seeking emotional support and lean on your loved ones as you navigate this difficult time.