Losing a loved one is a difficult time, and knowing what steps to take can help ease the burden. Here's a comprehensive guide to navigate this challenging process.

Immediate Steps

Get a Legal Pronouncement of Death
- At Home Under Hospice Care: Call the hospice nurse to declare death and arrange transport.
- Unexpected Death at Home: Call 911. Have a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) document if available to avoid emergency procedures.

Arrange for Body Transportation
- Contact a mortuary or crematorium. Request pricing information by phone.

Notify the Doctor or County Coroner

Inform Close Family and Friends
- Delegate this task to reduce your burden.

Take Care of Dependents and Pets

Contact the Person’s Employer
- Ask about benefits, any final pay, and life insurance policies.

Within a Few Days After Death

Plan Funeral or Memorial Services
- Check for prepaid plans or instructions in documents. Prepare an obituary.

Contact Relevant Groups
- Military organizations, fraternal, or religious groups may offer burial benefits or assistance.

Secure the Deceased’s Home
- Ask someone to monitor the home, collect mail, water plants, and maintain heat to prevent damage in winter.

Within 10 Days After Death

Obtain Death Certificates
- Multiple copies are needed for financial institutions, government agencies, and insurers.

Submit the Will for Probate
- File with the appropriate city or county office according to state laws.

Open an Estate Bank Account
- If required, the executor should set up an account to manage the estate.

Notify Key Contacts
- Trust and Estate Attorney: For probate and asset transfer.
- Police: Request checks on a vacant home.
- Accountant: Determine tax filing needs.
- Banks: Locate accounts and safe deposit boxes.
- Life Insurance Agent: File claims.
- Social Security and Veterans Affairs: Stop payments and inquire about survivor benefits.
- Utility Companies and Postal Service: Stop or transfer services, forward mail, and manage subscriptions.
- DMV and IRS: Prevent identity theft.
- Social Media Platforms: Memorialize or remove accounts.

Planning Ahead

For elderly loved ones, ensure preparedness:
- Document Location: Know where to find the will, Social Security info, insurance policies, and financial records.
- Funeral Preferences: Discuss burial or cremation wishes.
- Advance Directives: Ensure living wills and healthcare proxies are completed and shared.
- DNR Orders: Arrange if desired.
- End-of-Life Care: Understand options like hospice or palliative care and verify insurance coverage.

Special Considerations During COVID-19

• Follow CDC guidelines for virtual funerals and memorials.
• Use bereavement resources offered by hospices or mental health organizations for support.
• Review CDC's grief and stress coping strategies here.

Take each step one at a time, and don’t hesitate to seek support from trusted friends, family, or professionals.

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