what to do when someone dies

where did they die?

  • licensed facility? hospital?

    will pronounce death and release body.

  • under hospice care?

    will pronounce death and release body.

  • residence? alone? not under medical care?

    unfortunately, 911 must be called. medical examiner will then pronounce death and release body.

do they have pre-arrangements or other death plans?

  • pre arranged at a funeral home?

    contact the funeral home. they will transport the body.

  • body donation?

    contact the donation facility. they will transport the body.

  • home funeral/burial plan?

    see their plans. this may include personally transporting the body. contact us if the need for a funeral director arises. (no fees, just community care.)

  • no plans?

    discuss with those closest to the deceased regarding the next course of action. research funeral homes. discuss your options. consider cost. (some funeral homes will transport and hold the deceased's body for no fee, some for a fee.)

notify

  • friends, family, loved ones

  • employers

  • landlord

  • social security, if applicable

  • va, if applicable

arrange

  • caretakers for kids, pets, parents, etc

  • phone calls- cancel bills, utilities, services, etc

  • deactivate social media, email, accounts, etc

  • for help. don't go it alone.

  • grief support

documents

  • appointment of persons

  • durable power of attorney

  • insurance paperwork

  • advanced directive

  • disposition paperwork

  • birth certificate/vital statistic info

death certificates

who handles them?

  • vital statistic information is filled out by funeral service practitioner, or person acting as the funeral service practitioner.

  • medical information is filled out by medical professional (primary doctor, medical examiner, nurse practitioner).

  • filed and printed by the county of death

oregon & washington

  • long form

  • short form (no cause of death)

may be needed for:

  • closing accounts

  • transferring ownership

  • proof of death

  • life insurance, employment benefits

  • taxes

  • banks

terms to know at the funeral home

  • funeral

    service with body present.

  • memorial/celebration of life

    service with no body present.

  • viewing/visitation

    being with person's body, formally or informally.

  • direct cremation

    body is cremated with no services or viewings.

  • witness cremation

    you are present as cremation takes place.