When Death Occurs

There are several things that need to be considered when a death occurs. The order in which things need to be done usually depends on wherever the death occurred at a residence, a public place, a care center or in a hospital.

Today a large number of people choose to be at home with Hospice or with a Home Health Care provider assisting the family until the death occurs. Usually the family will notify their Hospice group and Hospice will notify the proper people. They will contact the physician, the Medical Examiner's office, and the families funeral provider of choice.The Medical Examiner's office needs to be notified when a death occurs in a residence. With Hospice or a Home Health Care Provider involved, a simple phone call is the only notification that the Medical Examiner needs. The Medical Examiner will not need to come to the residence to review any information.

If Hospice or a Home Health Care Provider is not involved, but the person is under a physicians care, and family or friends are present, the family may want to call the funeral home directly. If 911 is called and an ambulance responds, the ambulance crew will notify the police and they will respond to the residence. The police will complete an investigation, and thethe funeral home needs to be notified.. However, if the family calls the funeral home first, the funeral home will notify the proper authorities by a phone call and no police agency will need to come to the residence.

• If the death occurs in a residence and no one is there at the time of death, the police will need to be notified and respond to the residence before the deceased is removed from their home.
• If the death occurs in a hospital or care center, the name of the funeral home must be left with them, and the institution will notify the funeral home at the time of the death. The funeral home will respond and at the most convenient time for the family, will get the deceased to the funeral home. The family will need to set up a time for an arrangement conference to discuss funeral particulars with the director. The family should not give out potential service times to the public, until the meeting has occured at the funeral home.

There are several other questions that you may have in regards to the death of your loved one, such as is embalming necessary? Do I need to purchase a casket, what about cemetery arrangements, does the family have a minister, do we want cremation, visitation? By contacting Hippensteel Funeral Home, we will be able to assist you in answering any of your questions. However, pre-planning gives everyone, you, your family, and your funeral director a clear, informed idea of what you desire. Financing or pre-payment is not necessary in order to pre-plan your service, although there are some financial benefits to doing so, it is not a stipulation. Call your funeral director today for more details.