When a death occurs, the order in which things need to be done often depends on where the death occurred. But, one thing should always be remembered: your heightened emotional state upon the death of a loved one. That's why we suggest that you ask a friend for help - someone who is more able to think clearly, and give you the support you need.
At Home or at Work
When a death occurs at home or in the workplace, a family member or co-worker should contact emergency personnel and the person's physician if he or she was under a doctor's care. If the death occurs at home with family or friends present, and the person is under a physician's care, the family will want to call us directly.
However, if the death occurs in a residence and no one is there at the time of death, the police will need to be notified and respond to the residence before the deceased is removed from their home.
If in any case you are not sure of who to notify or what to do, you may call (515) 989-3510 or 515-961-2215 , and we'll assist you in notifying the proper agencies.
While Under Supervised Care
When a death occurs in your loved one's care facility, such as hospital or nursing home they will notify you and any necessary authorities. If the name of their funeral home has been left with them then it is likely that they will also contact those who are listed right away so we can help proceed accordingly.
Handling Grief
Losing a loved one is always a difficult time. You may be feeling a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, disbelief, and loneliness. It can be hard to know what to do next or how to even begin to cope with your loss. It is important to allow yourself time to grieve. This is not something that you can just 'get over'. Grief is a natural process that takes time. Try to be patient with yourself and don't expect to feel better overnight. Cry when you need to, talk about your loved one with family and friends, and take some time for yourself if you feel like you need it. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, so do whatever feels best for you.
What's Next?
Funeral or cremation planning is a difficult and sensitive process, made all the more challenging by the fact that it often takes place during a time of grief. However, there are some basic steps that can help to make the process a little easier.
The first step is to contact a funeral home and arrange for a consultation. This will give you an opportunity to discuss your loved one's wishes and start to plan the details of the funeral or cremation service. You will also need to decide on key features such as the date, time, and location of the service, as well as who will deliver the eulogy. Once these details have been finalized, you can begin making arrangements with the funeral home. They will be able to provide guidance on everything from ordering flowers to ordering memorial stationery. With careful planning, you can create a beautiful and fitting tribute for your loved one.
However, as we’ve said before, one of the best ways to make sure that all of your questions and desires are taken care of is to make pre-arrangements. This is as simple as outlining your wishes to having all of the details written down and the financial arrangements prepaid. Please contact one of our staff at (515) 989-3510 or 515-961-2215 to learn more about pre-arrangement.