A death has occurred
Take a breath. You can do this one step at a time.
If you are not sure where to start, call. Maria can walk you and your family through it in English or Korean.
What to do right after a death
- Have the death pronouncedIn a hospital or care facility, staff handle this. If your loved one was on hospice at home, call the hospice nurse. If the death was unexpected, call 911.
- Tell the familyReach the relatives who will make decisions with you first. This is also the time to ask whether a pre-need contract already exists.
- Choose a funeral home and request transferThe funeral home will come to bring your loved one into their care. If you have not chosen one yet, you do not have to rush. A hospital can usually hold the body for a short time.
- Gather information for the death certificateLegal name, date and place of birth, Social Security number, parents' names, occupation, education, marital status, and military service.
- Make arrangements with the funeral homeBurial or cremation, the type and date of the service, the casket and flowers. Ask for the itemized price list before you decide.
- Arrange the cemeteryBurial needs a separate cemetery contract. If a plot was already purchased, find the deed.
When you are in a hurry it is easy to accept whatever is suggested. Ask for the price list, and remove items you do not need. To see typical amounts first, go to funeral costs.
If death is near
- Ask your parent what they want: burial or cremation, and where they wish to rest.
- Find the pre-need contract, cemetery deed, insurance policies, and will.
- Agree as a family on who will pay and how.
- Get price lists from one or two funeral homes in advance.
After the funeral
Death certificates, Social Security, banks and insurance are covered in thechecklist for after the funeral.