In the Event of Death: What To Do
In the event of death, what happens? What does a family need to do?
Families need to feel prepared. We have compiled a list of next steps based on common circumstances relating to death.
When a Planned Death Occurs at Home:
- The family will receive a contact sheet from the attending medical practitioner.
- Family is to notify the medical practitioner when the death occurs.
- The medical practitioner will attend to complete the necessary paperwork.
- Contact the funeral provider.
- The funeral home will arrange for the transfer into their care immediately.
When an Unexpected Death Occurs at Home:
- The family will need to call 911 to alert the coroner.
- The attending coroner will arrive to announce the passing.
- Once the coroner has arrived to pronounce the death, the funeral home can be contacted.
- They will arrange for transfer into their care immediately.
The only instance where the transfer to the funeral home will be delayed is if the coroner deems it necessary to perform an autopsy. The deceased will then be transferred in their care until it is released to the funeral home. This can sometimes take approximately 3-5 days.
When a Death Occurs at a Long Term Care Facility:
- The family will be notified by the staff at the care facility.
- The care facility staff will also be in touch with the funeral home staff.
- Family may also choose to be in contact, depending on the circumstances.
- The funeral home will need to obtain verbal permission from your loved ones in order to arrange the transfer into our care.
- Once the attending doctor at the facility has completed the necessary paperwork, the funeral home will arrange for transfer into their care immediately.
When a Death Occurs at a Hospital:
- The hospital will notify the family of the passing.
- The family will need to get in touch with our staff to notify us.
- We will confirm that all the necessary paperwork has been completed.
- With the family’s permission, we will then transfer into our care.
If a family requires assistance, we invite them to reach out to our professional and knowledgeable staff. We understand that it’s an overwhelming time and are here to help you through the process. Contact us for immediate need or to learn more about the funeral process.
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