Have you experienced a loss?
What are the first steps you should take when a family member or friend dies?
When someone we know dies, and we are responsible for overseeing their arrangements, it can be a confusing time, regardless of how prepared we may be. Below you will find a short list of “things to know” when a death has occurred to assist you in dealing with what may be a very difficult task.
- When someone dies at home and they are not under hospice care, you will need to call 911. Once the police have released the decedent to the funeral home or coroner, you may then call the funeral home.
- However, if someone is under hospice care, you must contact the hospice agency first so that a hospice nurse can come to the home. The funeral home would then be contacted after the hospice nurse has been to the home and released the patient.
- Should someone die in a hospital or nursing home, the funeral home will likely be contacted by the facility. That said, when you are prepared to speak with a director, a follow up call to the funeral home would be appropriate.
Feel free to contact us at 215-927-5800 anytime, day or night. Our phones are answered 24/7 by a member of our staff or our answering service.
Should there being anything we need to arrange for immediately (ex. shomer/watcher), please let us know so that we make any necessary arrangements.
Next Steps:
- Find out if they had a pre-arrangement
- Contact the appropriate family and friends
What to bring to the funeral home
When you come to the funeral home or contact us to make the necessary arrangements for the funeral you will need to have some important information.
If a pre-arrangement was made much of this information will already be known to the funeral home.
- The deceased’s and their parents’ Hebrew names (if you want it used during the funeral)
- Their military service, including which branch as well as their discharge papers for military benefits and honors
- Whether you plan to do a traditional washing and dressing, embalm, or cremate
- How many death certificates you will need to provide to financial institutions, lawyers, or companies, etc.
- The clothing you would like your loved one to wear for burial
Important Information to Bring to the Funeral Home to Make Arrangements:
Legal Name
Sex
Social Security #
Age
Date of Birth
Country of Birth (If not US)
City & State of Birth (US Only)
County of Birth (US Only)
Legal Address
County of Residence
Township or City/Borough of Residence
# of Years at Residence
Ever in Armed Forces or Widow of
Marital Status
Spouse’s Name (Maiden if wife)
Father’s Name
Mother’s Name (Maiden)
Highest Level of Education
Of Hispanic Origin?
Race
Occupation
Industry
Informant Name
Informant Address
Informant Phone Number(s)
You May Also Need to Provide the Following:
All living children and siblings, along with their spouses as well as their contact information such as address, phone and email.
Names of any grandchildren and great grandchildren, along with their spouses.
