What happens next?
When a loved one passes away, it can be an overwhelming experience, leaving you uncertain about what steps to take and who to contact first. The strong emotions of grief, disbelief, and numbness can cloud our ability to think clearly and make decisions.
Knowing what to do ahead of time can significantly ease the burden, reducing feelings of stress and confusion. The actions you need to take may differ depending on whether the death occurs in a healthcare setting or at home. In either situation, it is crucial to notify the proper authorities followed by contacting the funeral home to begin making arrangements.
To help guide you through this difficult time, we’ve provided a video that discusses how to navigate this uncertain time with care and consideration.
What to do?
If a loved one passes away at home and is not under hospice care, the family will need to call 911. Emergency service personnel will respond to verify the death. In certain circumstances, a medical examiner may need to take jurisdiction and assume responsibility for the deceased.
When a loved one passes away, it is the family’s responsibility to contact the funeral home. If the individual passes away while under the care of a long-term healthcare facility, the staff may offer to call the funeral home or follow pre-established instructions to do so. When a death occurs at home under hospice care, a staff member will contact the funeral home on behalf of the family.
Upon calling the funeral home, families will be asked to set up a date and time for an arrangement conference. This meeting is intended to gather detailed information and discuss various aspects of funeral planning, including deciding between burial and cremation, and selecting services according to the family’s preferences and budget.
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