Immediate Planning
When A Death Has Occurred…
When someone you know dies, the order in which things need to be done depends on where the death occurred. But, one thing always remains the same: your heightened emotional state. That’s why so many families are relieved knowing they have found a trusted friend and advisor in Daniel Funeral Homes. However, if you would feel more comfortable, we encourage you to ask a friend, relative, or even a neighbor to come to our funeral home with you.
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 in any case you are not sure of who to notify or what to do, you may call Daniel Funeral Homes, and we’ll assist you in notifying the proper agencies.
While Under Supervised Care
When a death occurs in a care facility, such as a hospital or nursing home, the professional staff will notify you and the necessary authorities. If the name of the funeral home has been left with them, the institution will notify the funeral home at the time of the death. The funeral director can contact you immediately (unless you request a phone call first thing in the morning) following their notification to help you proceed. (However, we suggest you contact our funeral home immediately if you prefer, so you’ve got the reassurance you need that all is taken care of properly. One of our funeral directors is always available 24 hours each day of the year).
If a loved one was in the care of a hospice program, a hospice representative will give family members instructions and procedures to follow. The medical examiner will be notified by hospice. Following their release the hospice will contact our funeral home. It is always a good idea for the family to contact us immediately so that we will be aware of the pending call from hospice.
While Out of Town or Out of State
Contact the funeral home where funeral services will be held. Do not make the mistake of contacting a funeral home in the area where death occurred if they will not be holding the funeral services. This can unnecessarily lead to two sets of charges. The funeral director of the funeral home of choice will make the necessary arrangements in the area of death.
Widening the Circle
Our staff members are experienced professionals who can provide much of the information you need, emotional support and compassionate guidance.
While you may ask our director any questions at this time, you will be able to discuss the arrangements in detail later when you meet in person. During this initial call, our funeral director will gather information to be able to transfer your loved one to our care.
Our funeral director may ask you several questions, including whether your loved one made any pre-arrangements. Our director will also schedule a date and time for you to meet at our funeral home and will let you know what you should bring with you.
Others you will need to call are:
- Family members and friends
- Clergy or other spiritual advisors (our directors can handle this for you after our arrangement conference)
There are several other questions that you may have in regards to the death of your loved one:
- Do I have to have embalming?
- Do I need to purchase a casket?
- What about cemetery arrangements?
- Does the family have to engage the services of a minister?
- What type of service should we have?
By contacting our staff, we’ll be able to help answer your questions and assist in making the appropriate plans. You can reach us at (800) 358-3313.
However, 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 (800) 358-3313 to learn more about pre-arrangement.
What to Expect When You Arrive
When you visit us, our funeral arranger will provide you with price lists and guide you through the entire arrangement process, explaining how you can create a memorable personal celebration of your loved one’s life.
The arrangement process may include:
- Preparing and filing the official death certificate
- Scheduling the location, date and time of services or events
- Selecting a casket, urn or other items
- Preparing an obituary notice
- Scheduling vehicles
- Selecting pallbearers
You may also sign necessary authorizations or make arrangements to have them signed by the appropriate family members.
Feel free to bring any photos, music or memorabilia so that you and our funeral arranger can discuss how you would like your loved one to be remembered. More and more people today choose to personalize the funeral services they plan for their loved ones. A favorite song, a favorite gathering place, even a favorite activity can all become part of the service. Our funeral arrangers will listen and assist you in planning a loving tribute that captures the spirit of the person whose life you wish to honor.
The following checklist will help you remember what information about the decedent and items will be needed when meeting with a funeral arranger.
- Full legal name
- Home address
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Father’s name
- Mother’s maiden name
- Veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214)
- Recent Photograph
- Highest education
- Occupation
- Place of burial (if applicable)
- Clothing
- Clergy name and phone number
- Survivors (name and relationship)
- Insurance policies (if applicable)
A staff member of Daniel Funeral Homes will be honored to explain all of the options available to you.