What to Do in the First 48 Hours After a Death in Kansas City

If death occurs at home, expected (hospice)

If your loved one was under hospice care, call the hospice nurse or agency first — not 911. Hospice staff can pronounce death and will guide you through next steps, including which funeral home to call. There is no need to rush; you're allowed time with your loved one before anyone arrives.

If death occurs at home, unexpected

Call 911. Paramedics or police will need to confirm the death, and in some cases the county medical examiner may become involved if the death was unexpected or unattended by a physician. This is standard procedure in both Missouri and Kansas and does not mean anything is wrong — it's simply how unattended deaths are handled.

If death occurs in a hospital or care facility

Hospital or facility staff will handle immediate steps and typically ask which funeral home you'd like to use. If you haven't chosen one yet, that's the moment to call us — we can help you find a nearby option that fits your family's needs within the hour.

What needs to happen today

• Contact a funeral home (or call us and we'll connect you with one) to arrange transfer of your loved one into their care.
• Notify close family members so they aren't hearing secondhand.
• Locate any pre-arranged funeral plans, insurance policies, or a will, if known.
• If your loved one was employed, notify their employer when you're able.

What can wait a day or two

• Writing and publishing an obituary.
• Choosing between cremation, burial, or a memorial service format.
• Notifying extended friends, social groups, or community organizations.
• Canceling subscriptions, memberships, or notifying banks and utility providers.
• Requesting certified copies of the death certificate — the funeral home will file for these, but they typically take several business days regardless.

Paperwork you'll eventually need

You'll want several certified copies of the death certificate for closing accounts, insurance claims, and estate matters — most families need 8–12 copies in total. Your funeral home will typically handle the filing in either Missouri or Kansas; just confirm which state's office applies based on where the death occurred.

There is no rule that says everything must be decided today. The only truly time-sensitive step is arranging for your loved one to be brought into care — everything else can happen at a pace that feels right for your family.

If you're not sure where to start

That's normal, and it's exactly why we exist. Call us any hour and we'll walk through your specific situation, then connect you with a nearby funeral home that can take it from there.