Practical and immediate
How do I get their belongings from a hospital or care facility?
Short answer
Call the facility and ask who handles personal belongings for deceased patients. Bring ID and, in some cases, a death certificate. Ask them to inventory the belongings before you pick them up — document what you receive.
What this usually means
Call the facility and ask who handles personal belongings for deceased patients. Bring ID and, in some cases, a death certificate. Ask them to inventory the belongings before you pick them up — document what you receive.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.