These decisions are generally included within the obituary, mentioned during any funeral ceremonies or shared online if using an online memorial service like LifeWeb360.

It’s very common these days for friends and family to express their condolences by purchasing flowers, making donations to a designated charity or sending other sympathy gifts in lieu of flowers. Decide on a couple charities that honor your loved one’s legacy These days, its also widely accepted to use online technology to better allow for digital participation or attendance of end of life celebrations for family or friends who live far away or otherwise have medical or age-related challenges with attending in-person. Like most things these days, there are incredible resources online, like funeral marketplace Ever Loved, which can be an excellent starting place for guidance, support and inspiration. For those who prefer a personalized approach, it can be really helpful to work with an independent funeral consultant such as 805 Funerals.Įither way, these resources can be tremendously helpful in understanding available options, saving time & money, and allowing the family to focus more energy towards honoring one's life and taking care of one another. Identify and work with a funeral home, crematory or cemetery to plan for and facilitate any end of life celebrations or funeral ceremonies. Select appropriate funeral, burial, or cremation provider to plan ceremony If no wishes have been documented or otherwise communicated, discuss options with the closest family members in order to make a decision on what arrangements seem most appropriate.īe sure to take into account any religious preferences or cultural norms.

Other times, these wishes may have been communicated verbally to one’s significant other, children, or even healthcare staff such as their doctor, nurse or a death doula. Many individuals express their wishes for end of life arrangements ahead of time with a last will & testament, advance directive, or other medical document. Welcome any offers from others to help share the news with others who will want to know. Afterwards, contact any known friends, co-workers or employers. It’s typical to notify family first, starting with those family members who had the closest relationship. If so, quickly call the nearest hospital as certain organs must be collected within a limited time-period in order to ensure a successful donation.Īrrange for the immediate care of any people or pets that your loved one was responsible for until further long-term arrangements can be made. Offer your support when able, but be sure to protect your own emotions and natural response as well.ĭepending on whether a loved one passed away in their own home, hospice, or in a hospital, different plans may need to be made in order to arrange proper care of the body.Ĭheck any driver’s license, living will, or advance directive to verify whether she or he was an organ donor. Every family is different and there is no right process for who should be called first except that sharing the news “sooner, rather than later” is generally the best practice.Įmotions and others responses to the news may vary widely. This can be a difficult first phone call or message, both to make or to receive. Check in with immediate family and get support Here is the ultimate checklist for all of the important things that need to be considered after losing a loved one. Whether these tasks apply to you as a close friend or family, or you’re assisting the named executor who is formally in charge of managing the estate. While everyone processes grief differently, it’s fairly typical for most people to get confused or be uncertain around what “next steps” may be required legally.

The experience often comes suddenly and is certain to cause a flood of overwhelming emotions. Losing a loved one can be incredibly difficult, both emotionally and logistically.

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