When a Loved One Passes Away

A legal pronouncement of death must be made before any arrangements can begin. In a hospital or nursing home, the staff will handle it. Under hospice care, the hospice staff can make the pronouncement.

If your loved one dies at home, contact local emergency officials.

First, check whether your loved one pre-planned any services. If not, contact the funeral home you have chosen and meet with a funeral director.

Together you will decide on burial or cremation, the type of service, the time and place, the casket or urn, the obituary, and details such as music and who will speak. If your loved one served in the military, ask about veterans benefits.

The funeral director will need details for the death certificate: full name and address, marital status, date and city of birth, highest level of education, parents' names, spouse's name, and occupation.

Helpful documents include life insurance policies, beneficiary designations, account statements, military discharge papers (DD 214), and the Social Security number.