get in touch
Immediate Need
Whether it happens unexpectedly or after a prolonged illness, the death of a loved one is a trying and emotional experience. In addition to coping with grief and loss, there are also practical matters that need to be taken care of, but many don’t know the immediate steps to take when a loved one dies.
Every situation is unique, and some steps may vary depending on individual circumstances, but this general overview can help you navigate the initial stages of dealing with a loved one’s death.
When Death Occurs at Home Unexpectedly
When a loved one passes away
at home without prior hospice arrangements, the first thing to do is to contact your local authorities or emergency services. While awaiting their arrival, refrain from moving or altering anything in the home. If there's an Advance Directive or do-not-resuscitate (DNR) in place, please inform first responders upon their arrival. They will assess the situation, and, if necessary, contact the local coroner or medical examiner to officially declare the death. In some cases, the coroner may require additional time to complete an investigation into the cause of death. Please feel free to contact us by phone at any point during this process so we can provide guidance.
When Death Occurs at Home with Hospice
For those who had
end-of-life home services in place, such as hospice, we recommend first reaching out to the hospice agency so they can come to confirm the home death. Often the hospice nurse will make the initial call to the funeral home on the family’s behalf once their official pronouncement is complete. If that is not the case, please call us so we can provide assistance in arranging transportation and care for your loved one right away.
When Death Occurs at a Healthcare Facility
If the death occurs at a hospital or nursing facility or inpatient hospice, medical staff will help with immediate arrangements and may notify us on your behalf. It is important to clarify whether they will make the initial contact with us, or if you should call us directly. The timing of your loved one's release into our care may vary depending on facility protocol, but our staff will keep you informed throughout the process. Most hospice facilities have pre-arranged end-of-life plans in place and will handle all necessary details after a death occurs.
When Death Occurs Out of Town
When someone passes away while away from home, it's important to understand that first responders or local authorities must confirm and investigate the death before releasing the deceased to the funeral home. In such cases, a funeral home near the location of the death may need to be contacted for immediate arrangements. To relieve families of the burden of handling that detail, Henry Funeral Home will gladly coordinate those arrangements on your behalf. Just make the first call to us, and we’ll take care of everything. We will work closely with the local funeral provider to coordinate the transportation of your loved one into our care or make alternative arrangements as needed. Rest assured, we are here to support you during this challenging time, no matter where it occurs.
