Bringing a Loved One Home After Death
In Victoria, Australia, we are privileged be able to bring a loved one’s body home after death.
For some families, this is a welcome opportunity to spend a little more time with their person who has died. It can create space for quiet goodbyes, shared memories, and simply sitting together in a familiar place.
With thoughtful preparation and the right support, keeping a loved one at home after death can be a meaningful and gentle part of saying goodbye.
Is it legal to bring a loved one home after death in Victoria?
Yes. In Victoria, it is legal for a person’s body to be brought home after death.
Families can contact a funeral director, who will transport their person from the place of death, e.g. a hospital or aged care residence, to the family home.
Many funeral directors are familiar with supporting families who wish to spend time with their loved one at home before the funeral or final arrangements take place.
Note: Transport of a loved one is a service some funeral directors provide, separate to the whole funeral arrangements. A funeral director can be engaged solely to provide transport, whilst you take more time, if required, to choose which funeral director will be engaged for a funeral service.
How long can someone stay at home after death?
In Victoria, there’s no legal limit on how long a loved one can remain at home after death. Families can take the time that feels right – this could be a few hours, a day, or several days — as long as the body is cared for respectfully and all necessary paperwork is in place.
It is most common for families to keep their loved one at home for up to five days. During this time, the family becomes the temporary carers of the body. This means keeping the room cool and ensuring their person is cared for safely and respectfully.
Some families choose to:
• sit quietly beside their person
• invite close friends or relatives to visit
• share stories and memories
• play music or read aloud
• simply spend time together in the same space
There is no single “right way” to spend this time. Each family finds their own rhythm.
Caring for the body at home
If you choose to bring your loved one home, there are some practical considerations.
The room should be kept cool, using air conditioning, fans, or other cooling methods if needed. Depending on the circumstances, additional cooling supports may be recommended.
An experienced guide, such as an End-of-Life Doula, can help families understand how to care for the body and what to expect during this time.
Having someone explain the practical steps ahead of time often brings reassurance and confidence.
When death was sudden or unexpected
Sometimes families wish to bring their loved one home after a sudden or unexpected death.
In these situations, the person’s body will most likely be taken to the Coroner. When this happens, it is generally recommended that their person be transferred to a funeral director upon their release from the Coroner.
The funeral director can then prepare the body for transport and help arrange for the person to be brought home safely and respectfully.
Another option: private time before the funeral
Not every family is able to care for a loved one’s body at home for a variety of reasons.
In this event, an alternative is to arrange for the person to be brought to the venue where the funeral or farewell will be held a little earlier than the scheduled start time. This allows close family members to spend some quiet, private time with their loved one before guests begin to arrive.
Sometimes families choose to sit together for an hour or two, share stories, say prayers, play music, or simply be present.
Even a short vigil like this can offer an important moment to pause, gather together, and say a final goodbye.
Creating space for goodbye
Bringing a loved one home after death is not something every family will want. Every situation is unique.
For some people, however, this time at home can feel deeply meaningful. It allows space for quiet moments, final conversations spoken aloud, and the gentle reality of saying goodbye.
Part of my role as an End-of-Life Doula in Victoria is helping families understand the available options. When people know what is possible, they can choose the path that feels most supportive and right for them.
And sometimes, creating even a little more time to be together can make all the difference for those who carry on.
If you would like guidance on caring for a loved one after their death, you are invited to contact Melanie at The Practical Doula.
Photo acknowledgement: Clement Proust