The period after the death of a loved one can be difficult, painful, and disorienting, particularly if you are present at their time of passing or responsible for handling their affairs. Having a clear set of steps to follow in the wake of a loss may make the process less overwhelming. Here’s a guide for how to proceed from the immediate aftermath to the funeral arrangements. 

Steps to Take After the Death of a Loved One

Seek Help Immediately

If your loved one has passed away at home, summon a hospice nurse or call for emergency help. Medical professionals will then make a legal pronouncement of death. You should also contact your loved one’s doctor or the county coroner to let them know of the death. 

Check Available Documents & Arrange Transport 

Gather any relevant paperwork, such as advance directives or a will that may indicate your loved one’s preferences. Though it may be hard to consider in the midst of your grief, check to see if your loved one was an organ donor; it’s imperative to respect their wishes, so contact your local hospital to notify them of your loved one’s choice to donate. Hospital staff will help you make arrangements. After that, you’ll need to work with a funeral home or crematorium to transport the body from the home or the hospital, unless an autopsy is required. The funeral home will also help you prepare and file a death certificate. 

Notify Family, Friends & the Community 

Once you’ve handled these essentials, it’s time to begin notifying other immediate family members, and ensuring that dependents and pets are looked after. Ask other family members to help with the task of calling close friends and others who may wish to pay their respects at the funeral or be involved in making funeral arrangements. 

Plan the Funeral 

After you’ve handled the most pressing tasks, it’s time to think about the funeral arrangements and memorial service. If no funeral pre-planning documents were left, talk to other family members to see if anyone is aware of your loved one’s desires. Consider your own beliefs about what your loved one would have wanted. You may wish to write an obituary to let community members know of your loved one’s passing and provide service details. 

Working with a respected funeral home like Jacqueline M Ryan Home for Funerals in Keansburg, NJ, will make it easier to handle the aftermath of a loss. Serving the community since 1947, this funeral home is available to assist with everything from funeral arrangements to the memorial service. The warm staff has long been a comfort to those in grief. You can reach the funeral director by calling (732) 787-1177 or by visiting their website.