WHEN DEATH OCCURS

When Death Occurs

If you are in need of immediate assistance, please call  . We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


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 decisions and arrangements. Additionally, the funeral home’s staff is ready to assist you and your family in making the best decisions possible.

If the death occurs at a facility (hospital / nursing home)

When your loved one's death occurs at a facility such as a hospital, nursing home, or hospice, you need to inform their staff which funeral home you would like to use. They will then contact our staff when your loved one is ready to be released. We will respond as quickly as possible to bring your loved one into our care, typically within 60 to 90 minutes of receiving the call - day or night.

If the death occurs at home

When your loved one receiving hospice care dies at home, family and caregivers should not call 911 or emergency services. If you believe your loved one has died, first call your hospice provider. Hospice staff will come to confirm the death and call the funeral home. We will respond as quickly as possible to bring your loved one into our care, typically within 60 to 90 minutes of receiving the call - day or night.


If your loved one is NOT under hospice care, you should contact the local emergency services. A police officer will come to confirm the death. The local medical examiner may also send staff. Once your loved one is released, we will respond as quickly as possible to bring your loved one into our care, typically within 60 to 90 minutes of receiving the call - day or night.

Information Funeral Directors May Need

The following information is typically needed for the funeral arrangments:

  • 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 also need important documents to complete any legal paperwork. These documents include:

  • Account statements
  • 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 employer 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.