When someone dies in a facility

When Someone Dies in a Facility

1. If the person was on hospice

This is the easiest and most straightforward situation.

Here’s what you do:

Call the hospice nurse.

That’s it.

They will:

• come to the home

• confirm the death

• handle the medical side

• contact us (if you tell them you’re using Covenant)

• guide you through the next steps

You don’t have to call 911.

You don’t have to call the police.

You don’t have to make any urgent decisions.

Hospice takes the lead, and we coordinate directly with them.

2. If the person was not on hospice

This is still straightforward — just a different workflow.

Here’s what happens:

• A nurse or physician confirms the death.

• The facility completes their internal documentation.

• They ask which funeral home you want to use.

• When you say Covenant, they call us.

You do not need to call 911.

You do not need to call the police.

You do not need to leave the room.

You do not need to make decisions immediately.

The facility handles the medical side.

We handle the rest.

3. You don’t have to rush

Just like at home, you can take your time.

After the death is confirmed:

• you can sit with your loved one

• you can wait for family

• you can have a moment of quiet

• you can breathe

There is no timer.

There is no pressure.

There is no “we need to move them right now.”

You set the pace.

4. What the facility staff will do

Every facility is a little different, but generally they will:

• notify the physician

• complete required paperwork

• prepare the room

• ask which funeral home you’re using

• contact us on your behalf

• help with personal belongings

Some facilities will ask you to sign a release form.

Some won’t.

Either way, it’s routine.

Nothing is urgent.

Nothing is complicated.

Nothing requires you to make big decisions in the moment.

5. When we arrive

When Covenant arrives, we move quietly and respectfully.

We will:

• introduce ourselves

• answer questions

• give you space

• explain what happens next

• move at your pace

We coordinate with the facility staff so you don’t have to manage anything.

You don’t need to step out unless you want to.

You don’t need to help.

You don’t need to prepare anything.

We handle it.

6. What you don’t need to do

You do not need to:

• rush to the facility

• gather paperwork

• make decisions about cremation or services

• clean out the room immediately

• feel embarrassed about emotions or silence

• apologize for anything

Facilities see this every day.

Nothing you do or don’t do is “wrong.”

Your only job is to be present in whatever way feels right.

7. What happens after we leave

Once your loved one is in our care, we handle:

• transportation

• sheltering

• permits

• Social Security notification

• preparing the death certificate

• guiding you through decisions

• answering questions as they come up

You don’t have to figure out the next steps alone.

We’ll walk you through each one, calmly and clearly.

If You Remember Nothing Else

Remember this:

When someone dies in a facility, the staff handles the medical side.

You don’t have to rush.

You don’t have to manage anything.

And once they call us, we take it from there — gently, clearly, and at your pace.