When Death Occurs
What To Do When Death Occurs
Immediately following the death of a loved one, there are many decisions that must be made, often at a time when you feel least prepared to face them. Whether the loss was expected or sudden, it can be difficult to know what to do first. The information below is intended to help guide you and your family through these first steps, and our staff is always available to answer questions and offer assistance along the way.
What to Do First
When a death occurs, certain medical and legal procedures must be completed before your loved one can be brought into our care. The steps involved will depend on where the death occurred and whether your loved one was receiving medical or hospice care.
If your loved one passes away in a hospital or nursing facility, the staff will handle the necessary procedures and documentation. Simply let them know that you have chosen Robarts Family Funeral Home.
If your loved one passes away at home while receiving hospice care, contact the hospice provider. Their staff will guide you through the necessary steps and can assist in notifying the funeral home.
If your loved one passes away unexpectedly at home, or you are uncertain whether they have passed away, call 911 and follow the instructions provided by emergency personnel.
If the death was expected but your loved one was not receiving hospice care, contact their attending healthcare provider for guidance on the appropriate procedures.
Once the necessary procedures have been completed and your loved one is released into our care, we will coordinate transportation and assist your family with the arrangements that follow.
Making Funeral Arrangements
Once you have contacted Robarts Family Funeral Home, we will arrange a convenient time to meet with you and your family to discuss the arrangements. During this meeting, we will listen to your wishes, answer your questions, and explain the options available to help you make decisions that are right for your familyOnce you have contacted Robarts Family Funeral Home, we will arrange a convenient time to meet with you and your family to discuss the arrangements. During this meeting, we will listen to your wishes, answer your questions, and explain the options available to help you make decisions that are right for your family.
Some families may have already discussed their loved one's wishes or made arrangements in advance, while others may be facing these decisions for the first time. Whatever your circumstances, we will take the time to explain your choices, answer your questions, and help you make arrangements that reflect your loved one's wishes and your family's needs.
Together, we may discuss:
- Whether your loved one expressed any final wishes or made arrangements in advance
- Burial or cremation preferences
- Funeral, memorial, or graveside service options
- Visitation and gathering arrangements
- Personal touches, music, photographs, and meaningful tributes
- Obituary information and service announcements
- Available merchandise and memorial options
Every family is different, and there is no single right way to honor a life.
Our commitment is to help you create a meaningful tribute that reflects your loved one's life, your family's wishes, and your individual circumstances..
Information Needed For Arrangements
During the arrangement process, we will need to gather certain information about your loved one to complete the death certificate and other necessary documents. Having some of this information available may be helpful, but there is no need to have everything prepared before meeting with us. We will guide you through what is needed and assist you along the way.
Some information we may request includes:
- Full legal name
- Date and place of birth
- Social Security number
- Marital status and spouse's name, if applicable
- Parents' full names, including mother's maiden name
- Current or most recent address
- Occupation and industry
- Highest level of education completed
- Military service information, if applicable
- We will explain what is needed and help you work through any information you may be unsure of.
Documents That May Be Helpful
Depending on your loved one's circumstances, certain documents may be helpful during the arrangement process. These may include:
- Funeral prearrangement or prepayment documents, if applicable
- Life insurance policies or funeral funding information
- Military discharge papers (DD Form 214), for veterans
- Other documents related to your loved one's final wishes or arrangements
We will let you know if any additional information or documentation is needed.
Caring for Important Personal Matters
In the days following a death, there are often practical matters that require attention beyond making funeral arrangements. While some things may need to be addressed right away, others can be handled in the days and weeks ahead.
A few things to consider include:
- Ensuring your loved one's home and vehicles are secure
- Making arrangements for the care of any pets
- Notifying close family members and friends
- Reviewing upcoming appointments or commitments
- Gathering and safeguarding important personal documents
- Contacting financial institutions, insurance providers, or legal professionals when appropriate
You do not have to manage everything at once. Consider asking trusted family members or friends to assist with some of these responsibilities.
We're Here When You Need Us
We understand that every family's circumstances are different, and questions may arise throughout the days ahead. Whether you need guidance with arrangements or simply have a question about what comes next, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Robarts Family Funeral Home
