What to Do If Someone Passes Away at Home

The death of a loved one often comes unexpectedly. Even if we try to prepare ourselves, the emotional shock at the moment of loss can be overwhelming. When logical thinking becomes clouded, we may feel confused and unsure of what to do next. Consultants at Vilnius Funeral Home have prepared a brief guide outlining what is important to know, which bureaucratic steps must be taken to officially register a loved one’s death, and how to prepare for the funeral and plan the budget.

Confirmation of Death

If a person dies at home, immediately call the general emergency number 112. It is very important to remember that until the death has been officially confirmed, the body must not be touched.

Upon arrival, medical personnel will issue a temporary medical certificate. This document must be presented to the family doctor, who will then issue the official medical death certificate. Based on this certificate, the Civil Registry Office will automatically register the death.

If a loved one passes away in a hospital, doctors issue the medical death certificate. If the cause of death is unclear, hospital staff contact forensic medical experts and wait for their conclusions (in such cases, the forensic experts issue the death certificate).

If the person had been ill and was under medical care, the cause of death is usually clear. However, if the death occurs unexpectedly, forensic medical experts determine the cause and issue the medical death certificate.

If a person dies in a public place, call 112. The operator will dispatch the necessary emergency services.

If a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania dies abroad, the medical death certificate is issued by the authorities of that country. The Lithuanian embassy accepts applications to register the death of a Lithuanian citizen abroad and forwards the information to the Civil Registry Office in Lithuania. Applications may be submitted by relatives, family members, or any other interested party. Vilnius Funeral Home can also arrange transportation of the deceased’s remains from abroad.

To apply for the funeral allowance, contact the municipal administration (local eldership) according to the deceased person’s declared place of residence, or, if it was not declared, according to their last place of residence. The person arranging the funeral may also apply according to their own declared place of residence. Under Lithuanian law, the funeral allowance must be applied for no later than 12 months from the date of death registration. Currently, the one-time funeral allowance equals 8 basic social benefit amounts (from January 1, 2024 – €440). A funeral service provider can also assist with preparing the necessary documents for the allowance.

Preparing for the Funeral

Once the relevant authorities have officially confirmed the death, it is time to begin preparing for the funeral. Discuss with family members how you would like the body to be prepared – whether you prefer traditional burial or cremation, where the deceased will lie in state, and where the burial will take place. It is also worth checking whether the deceased expressed their wishes in a will or a similar document.

All matters related to body preparation, funeral allowance documentation, the viewing, the farewell ceremony, and burial arrangements can be professionally handled by the staff at Vilnius Funeral Home. By contacting funeral organizers, you can focus on your grief and mourning while we ensure a smooth and dignified funeral process.

How to Plan a Funeral Budget?

According to funeral organizers, the main funeral expenses typically include viewing hall rental, body preparation (cremation, urn, casket, clothing, makeup), the burial site, and memorial luncheon costs. We always recommend taking your time and choosing a funeral organizer who understands your needs—someone who will not only handle the necessary arrangements but also support you by managing documentation, preparing the body, selecting a private viewing hall for a respectful farewell, and understanding your emotional pain.

When planning the memorial meal, consider with whom you would like to share memories of your loved one. This will help you estimate the number of attendees and the potential budget (a helpful tip is to plan for an additional 3–5 guests).

Some people prepare for funerals in advance, creating a plan and setting a budget, thereby easing the burden on their loved ones. However, when death occurs unexpectedly or no preparations have been made, long-term practice shows that the most reliable way to manage all funeral arrangements is to entrust them to a professional funeral service provider.