#44 - Steps to Take After a Death, Wherever It Happens
Reluctant Executor News
Unless you're a nurse or EMS, you likely won't often be around someone at their time of death. But if this happens to you, what do you do? In this post we'll look at some different places where people die, and the immediate steps to take. Keep in mind that this is only a guide, and you may have specific requirements depending on your local laws.
Hospital
A hospital is probably the easiest place to determine next steps after a death. When deaths occur at a hospital, the staff is well equipped to confirm the death and notify family. They also can move the body to the hospital's mortuary until next steps are confirmed.
The family will be responsible for contacting a funeral director, making arrangement for burial. They also will need to confirm they receive the right paperwork for the death certificate from the hospital.
Home
If someone dies at home, your first step should be to call 911. The 911 operator will send the proper authorities, which could be paramedics, police, or a medical professional to pronounce the death. These authorities will guide you on the next steps, which typically involve contacting a funeral director to move the body and begin funeral arrangement.
If the deceased was on hospice care, it may be ok to contact the hospice nurse first. However, call them quickly and confirm that no other authorities need to be contacted.
On a Flight
When someone dies during a flight, there is not much you can do until the plan lands. The flight crew or a medical professional on board will assist in moving the body to a secluded area if possible. Upon landing, you'll be met with local authorities and possibly a representative from the airline. They will help with next steps, which usually includes making travel arrangements.
Away From Home But Within The United States
If a loved one dies away from their home, the immediate steps are similar to if they died at their home or local hospital. However, you'll need to quickly determine how to transport the body home. In this situation, it's critical to know if your loved one wanted to be buried, cremated, or had pre-arranged funeral plans.
If they wished to be cremated, you can work with a funeral home where the person died to arrange cremation. You can then transport the ashes back to their home by car, plane, or even mail, with minimal restrictions. If they wished to be buried, you will need to coordinate between a funeral home where the loved one died and a funeral home at their home location. This process can take longer and be more expensive since it requires paperwork such as a death certificate and burial transit permit before moving the body. Finally, if your loved on pre-planned with a funeral home, their package may include transportation. Check with the funeral home they pre-planned with to confirm transportation details.
Outside of the United States
When a U.S. citizen dies outside of the United States, first contact local authorities. If you don't know how to do this, try notifying your hotel, tour guide, or other local interaction you have on your trip. Next it is best to work with the US Consulate or Embassy to understand local regulations. You may have the same options as within the US, such as cremating the body and transporting it back to the US. However, each country may have their own processes that you'll want to understand.
Estate Organization
How do you know if your loved one had funeral arrangements, or wished to be cremated vs. buried? You don't need to wait until your next family vacation to talk about these subjects. Reluctant Executor can guide your family through this conversation with a process built to reduce the negative surprises your family might experience after a death.
When you're ready to feel relief and stop putting this off, schedule a call with us. And if your Aunt happens to die in her sleep while on a cross country road trip to Wally World, please DO NOT tie her to the top of your car and leave her at your cousin's with a note.