Guidance on what to do when someone dies

At Asian Funeral Care we provide compassionate support in Stanmore, Mitcham, and Harrow, helping you navigate the difficult time when a death occurs.

For all-hours assistance speak to our team on:

020 8909 3030

Understanding the initial steps

When a death occurs, it can be an overwhelming experience for those left behind. At Asian Funeral Care we understand the emotional turmoil and aim to provide the necessary support during this difficult time. Our team is here to guide you through the initial steps, ensuring that you are not alone in navigating the complexities of funeral arrangements.

Whether it is registering the death or arranging transportation, we offer a helping hand 365 days a year. Our compassionate approach sets us apart, and our team is available throughout Stanmore, Mitcham, and Harrow.

Deaths at home

If a death occurs at home (an expected death), you should call their GP surgery as soon as possible so that you can receive a medical certificate from the on-call doctor. After surgery hours, you should ring 111. You can arrange for a funeral service once the doctor has seen your loved one’s body. In case your loved one didn’t have a GP or if you’re unsure, arrange an ambulance via 111 to assist you.

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Deaths in care

If your loved one dies at a hospital or in a nursing home, the hospital staff or care home staff should advise you on the next steps. There should be a specialist bereavement or patient affairs unit in all hospitals, which helps those whose loved one died in that hospital.

They will handle initial paperwork, advise on registering the death, help you find a funeral director, hand over any personal items, and provide information on local support services.

Sudden deaths

When a death occurs unexpectedly, the police and/or an ambulance will need to be called. If the cause of death is unclear, paramedics will make a call to the coroner’s officer to make necessary arrangements to take the deceased to the mortuary.

The police might want to visit the place where the death took place for examination. Their visit depends on the cause of death and they must visit if the death was caused by an accident or a criminal act. If you are present at the address, do not disturb the surrounding area.

Registering the death

It is essential to register the death with the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths within five days. If a coroner is required, this cannot be done until you have their sign-off.

The registrar will require the following details about the individual: their full name (including maiden name if applicable), date and place of birth and death, usual address, occupation, and the name, occupation, and date of birth of their spouse (if applicable). You will also need to provide documentation relating to pensions paid from public funds.

Once this is done, the registrar will supply a certificate for burial or cremation (unless a coroner has already done so). These should be passed to our team so that the funeral can take place.

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      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 46 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Karan Thakur 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are deeply grateful to Asian Funeral Directors for their compassionate and professional support during the passing of my father. A heartfelt thank you to Nikhil and the team for guiding us with kindness and care through this difficult time. Their empathy and attention to detail made a world of difference to our family.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Havisha Patel 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are deeply grateful for your love and support during this difficult time. Your presence at MADHUBHAI PATEL funeral, your kind words, and your thoughtfulness mean so much to us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
Especially to nikhil bhai and Yash maharaj who was excellent in hindu rituals.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kalpa Gajjar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely amazing services and perfect goodbye.  Throughout the process of my Mother in law Kalabai Lawji's funeral services (16/05/2025) was really good.  We as a family really appreciated your team work to arrange everything smoothly.  It was truly peaceful and touching services.  Thank you to all of the staff who helped us.

And how can I forget about the Priest Yashbhai Bhatt . Priest was provided by funeral services.  Thank you for such a beautiful and comforting funeral services for my Mother in law Kalabai (16/05/2025). Plus conducting a all the rituals (19/052025) . You have explained everything in details , which is really appreciated by all of us as a family.  Yashbhai you are such a lovely person and very knowledgeable.  We pray that God will continue to bless you and strength you. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and it would have been impossible without your support.
God bless you all .
Thank you.
Kalpa Gajjar & Family.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   martin madanadeva 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently had to arrange a funeral with Asian Funeral Care, Harrow, and from the very first contact to the final farewell, their service was nothing short of exceptional. At such a difficult time, their professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail made an incredibly challenging process much more bearable.

In particular, Nikhil, was absolutely amazing. From the moment I met, he treated us with the utmost kindness, patience, and understanding. He took the time to listen, offering gentle guidance without ever being pushy. His empathy was genuine, and he went above and beyond to ensure every detail was handled with care—whether it was personalising the service, coordinating with third parties, or simply being there to reassure us when we needed it most.

The entire team was outstanding—supportive, efficient, and respectful at every stage. The funeral itself was conducted flawlessly, with a level of dignity and warmth that truly honoured our loved one.

I cannot recommend Asian Funeral Care highly enough, especially Nikhil, whose dedication and compassion made such a difference during this emotional time.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   amish patel 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really great service from Asian funeral care. Nikhil and the team. 🙏

The communication was really good, they handled everything for us.

No rush in making payment even after the funeral which I really think is a nice service, a personal touch which  they offer.

Definitely a company that I would recommend to use for a funeral.

We would like to say thank you to Asian funeral care for giving our mum the send off she deserved.
Mum would have been happy with who we choose for her, they treated mum and us with lots of respect.

Amish Patel & family
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Vik 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Asian Funeral Care, Harrow provided exceptional service for my father's funeral. A key factor in my decision was the need for a larger chapel to accommodate my extended family for the necessary pooja. After exploring local options, I found that Asian Funeral Care Harrow could comfortably host up to 70 people.

I am deeply grateful to Anis Rajpoot for their invaluable guidance throughout the process, including recommending Bella Petals for beautiful floral arrangements. I also extend my sincere thanks to Yash Bhatt, who conducted the pooja both at the Asian Funeral Care Harrow chapel and at St Marylebone Crematorium in Finchley. Pandit Yash Bhatt's performance of the Hindu pooja vidhi was truly excellent.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ashutosh Fatania 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They dealt with the funeral arrangements on our behalf swiftly and without hassle or issue, and were helpful throughout, especially Nikhil. Thank you
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Galina Bel 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Recently my beloved husband has passed away. It was a very stressful time with a lot of sorrow for my loss. On the top of this I needed to organise funeral service and cremation. I didn’t know really how to start until I contacted ASIAN FUNERAL CARE. Next day I was invited to come into their office. Everybody was so compassionate, helpful, respectful and the most important sensitive.
They helped me to organise cremation of my husband in the best way. It was absolutely stress free and relaxing to deal with this highly professional company. They were assisting me on every step: starting from documentations, choice of coffin, hearse, flowers and dealing with mortuary. I am very grateful for their support and care in such difficult time.
I would highly recommend using ASIAN FUNERAL CARE service. You will meet respect, care and professionalism. Don’t hesitate to come there, just give them a call and you will get help from first minute. THANK YOU for Nichil and SanJay for their politeness and perfectionism.
Galina Davis
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sanjeev Loomba 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mum was beyond precious to us and only an amazingly beautiful, caring, loving handling of the entire process and ceremony would have given us the deepest satisfaction in her progression from this world. Nikhil and the team did just that and beyond. We can't thank you enough - you were sensitive, understanding and all the time extremly contructive and responsive. Nothing seemed a problem for you and smoothed it for us and the family not only professionally but personally. Thank you and bless you.