Promisedland Casket
A death at home is often more disorienting than one that happens in a hospital, simply because there is no medical team already present to guide the family through the next steps.
Whether the death was expected after a long illness or happened suddenly, knowing who to call first and what to leave untouched can make the hours that follow far less stressful.
This guide walks through what to do when a loved one passes away at home in Singapore. It expands on Step 1 of our complete guide to what to do in the first 24 hours after a death.
This guide is part of our complete first 24 hours after a death guide -- covering every step families in Singapore need to take, from confirming the death to arranging a funeral director.
Begin here
Stay Calm and Check on Everyone Present
Before making any calls, take a moment to check that everyone else in the home is safe, especially elderly relatives or young children who may be present.
If you are alone, consider phoning a close family member or neighbour to be with you while you make the necessary calls. Having support nearby makes the following steps easier to manage.
Step 1
Was the Death Expected or Sudden?
The correct next step depends heavily on whether the death was anticipated, such as after a prolonged illness under medical care, or whether it happened unexpectedly.
This distinction affects who you should call first and whether the police need to be involved before the deceased can be moved.
Step 2
If the Death Was Expected
When a loved one has been under the care of a regular doctor, hospice team or home nurse, contact that doctor as soon as possible. They will generally be able to attend and certify the death, or advise on the correct procedure.
If the family had been receiving palliative or hospice care, the care team may already have a clear protocol to follow. Speak with them first, since they can often guide the family through each subsequent step.
Once the death has been certified, you can begin arranging for the deceased to be transferred into a funeral director's care.
Step 3
If the Death Was Sudden or Unexpected
If the death was sudden, unexplained, or the circumstances are unclear, call 999 for an ambulance and the police. This is required in Singapore so that the death can be properly assessed before the body is moved.
Do not move the deceased or disturb the surrounding area unless instructed to do so by emergency responders. The attending officers will determine whether further investigation or a coroner's inquiry is needed.
Try to stay as composed as possible and answer the officers' questions honestly. This process, while difficult, is a standard part of confirming an unexpected death.
Important
What Not to Do
- Do not move the body before the appropriate doctor or authorities arrive, particularly in a sudden death.
- Do not clean or rearrange the surrounding area if the death was unexpected.
- Do not discard medication, containers or personal items until officers have confirmed it is appropriate to do so.
- Do not make major decisions about the deceased's belongings or finances during the first few hours.
- Do not feel that every family member needs to be informed at the same moment. Focus on immediate next of kin first.
Step 4
After the Death Is Certified
Once a doctor or the authorities have certified the death, the family can contact a funeral service provider to arrange the transfer of the deceased from the home.
A funeral director can advise on the paperwork required, help coordinate the transfer respectfully, and explain what happens next, including care of the deceased, Singapore casket selection and wake arrangements.
Read our guide on how to choose a funeral director if you are comparing providers for the first time.
Need Help Arranging a Transfer?
Our funeral directors can be reached at any hour to help arrange a respectful transfer and guide your family through the next steps.
Step 5
Gather Identification and Medical Documents
While waiting for the doctor, funeral director or authorities to arrive, it can help to locate the deceased's NRIC, any medical records and details of their regular doctor.
A full list of what is typically needed is covered in our guide on what documents are needed after a death.
Step 6
Inform Immediate Family Members
Once the essential calls have been made, begin informing immediate family, starting with the deceased's spouse, children and parents.
It often helps to appoint one family member to coordinate calls and updates so that the closest relatives are not repeatedly answering the same questions during an already difficult time.
Our complete checklist after a loved one passes away covers this step and the ones that follow in more detail.
Practical reference
Death at Home Checklist
Use this short checklist as a reference while the situation is still unfolding.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I call first if someone dies at home in Singapore?
If the death was expected and the person was under a doctor's care, call that doctor first. If the death was sudden or unexpected, call 999 for an ambulance and the police.
Can I move the body before the doctor or police arrive?
It is best not to move the deceased or disturb the surrounding area, particularly in a sudden death, until the appropriate doctor or authorities have attended and given instructions.
When can I contact a funeral director?
Once the death has been certified by a doctor or the authorities, you can contact a funeral service provider to arrange the transfer of the deceased and begin funeral planning.
What documents will I need?
Start with the deceased's NRIC and any medical records available. Read our guide on what documents are needed after a death for a full list.
What should I do about the rest of the family?
Inform immediate next of kin first, ideally through a personal call rather than a message. Our checklist after a loved one passes away covers this in more detail.
Final guidance
Take Things One Call at a Time
A death at home can feel overwhelming, particularly if it happens without warning. Focus on the immediate priorities: the safety of those present, the correct call to make first, and waiting for certification before moving forward with funeral arrangements.
Once the essential steps are complete, our funeral directors can support your family through the remaining decisions with care.
Read the complete first 24 hours after a death guide or contact our funeral directors for assistance.
Continue Your Planning
What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Death
The complete step-by-step guide covering every stage of the first day, from confirming the death to contacting a funeral director.
Read article
Checklist After a Loved One Passes Away
A broader checklist covering notifications, belongings and administrative matters beyond the first day.
Read article
How to Choose a Funeral Director
Questions to ask when comparing funeral service providers, including availability and coordination support.
Read articleCompassionate Funeral Support When Your Family Needs It
Speak with our funeral team for guidance on the immediate next steps, funeral arrangements and wake planning.