When Death Occurs
Immediately following the death of a loved one, there are many decisions that must be made. At this time, you may find your emotions are heightened, and for that reason it is a good idea to ask for help in making all the arrangements. Our staff is here to assist you and your family in making the best decisions possible. This information can help guide you and your family through the process.
Contact The Proper Authorities
Before any arrangements and decisions can be made, a legal pronouncement of death must be declared. If your loved one passes inside of a medical or nursing facility like a hospital or nursing home, the staff will handle getting this declaration made. If your loved one passes at home, you need to immediately contact local emergency officials. Hospice staff can make a declaration of death for your loved one who was on Home Hospice Care. This legal declaration must be made before the family can proceed with making any funeral arrangements or handling any legal affairs.
Begin To Make Arrangements
Once the legal pronouncement of death has been declared, you and your family can proceed with making funeral arrangements. At this time, call the funeral home to arrange for us to bring your loved one into our care and to set up an appointment to begin the process of arranging funeral services. If your loved one had pre-planned services, you and your family should first look into those choices. If pre-planned arrangements weren’t made, the funeral director will guide you and your family through all of your options during the arrangement conference.
Information Funeral Directors May Need
Once you call the funeral home, our staff will advise you on any information or paperwork needed for the death certificate or to proceed with making final arrangements
Information Required:
- Full name and address
- Marital status
- Race/Ethnicity
- Date and city of birth
- Highest level of education
- Father’s name, mother’s maiden name
- Name of spouse
- Occupation and employer
Documents Funeral Directors May Need
Funeral directors will need important documents to complete any legal paperwork. These documents include:
- Beneficiary designations
- Life insurance policies
- Military discharge papers (form DD 214)
- Social Security number
Taking Care Of Personal Property
Following the death of your loved one, there are few things you need to attend to involving the deceased’s personal life. First, secure your loved one’s property. Make sure their home and vehicle are properly secure. If your loved one has a pet, make the necessary arrangements for the pet to be taken care of by family or friends. Any mail that comes to your loved one should be forwarded to a family member that plans to handle the deceased’s estate. Any mail that piles up at a vacant home only alarms potential intruders that a home is empty. Make sure to contact the deceased’s boss and inform them of the death. If your loved one had any upcoming appointments, make contact to notify them about the death and to cancel the appointment.
