Arizona Home Natural Death Procedures: A Guide for Families

When a death from natural causes occurs in the home, whether anticipated--for example, under hospice care--or unanticipated, as in the case of a heart attack, people are often unsure what to do. It helps to have final arrangements written down in advance, so if your family experiences this situation, they will know how to handle it.

Anticipated Death

• Notify hospice of the death. If you know which funeral home you wish to use, inform them of that information as well. Hospice will send a physician to examine the decedent and certify the cause of death.

Unanticipated Death

• Call 911. Medical personnel will be dispatched to your home, where they will examine the decedent and transport the body to the county medical examiner's office for certification. In most cases, an autopsy will not be required.

Religious Practices

• If the decedent's religion requires certain practices in connection with burial arrangements, such as no embalming, be sure to mention those to the police or physician before the body is transported to the funeral home.