The First 24 Hours
A step-by-step guide to navigating the immediate requirements when a loved one passes away.
Immediate Steps & Actions
Phase 1
Initial Notifications
- At Home: If the death was unexpected, call 911. If under hospice, call the hospice nurse.
- In a Facility: If at a hospital or nursing home, the staff will usually notify the necessary authorities.
- Legal Pronouncement: Ensure a legal pronouncement of death is made by a qualified professional.
Phase 2
Transfer Into Care
- Contact Funeral Homes Direct or your chosen provider to arrange transportation.
- Inform the facility or hospice nurse which funeral home will be handling the transfer.
- The transfer usually occurs within a few hours of the initial call.
Phase 3
Document Gathering
- Social Security Number & Birth Certificate.
- Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) for veteran honors.
- Recent photograph for identification or obituary purposes.
- Pre-arranged funeral plans or insurance policy details.
The Arrangement Conference
Once the initial 24 hours have passed, you will meet with a funeral director to finalize arrangements. This is a time to discuss your loved one's wishes, whether they preferred burial or cremation, and what kind of memorial service best honors their life.
Remember, you have the right to request a General Price List at the beginning of this meeting to ensure complete transparency in costs.