What Steps to Take When a Family Member Dies

Handling the death of a loved one is never an easy thing to do. Whether it occurs suddenly or after a long bout of terminal illness, the finality of death can bring down a torrent of emotions like grief, sadness and even hopelessness. But in the midst of the grief brought about by the sad development, what steps do families need to take in the aftermath of a death? What follows is a look at what to do, besides calling a Chanhassen, MN funeral home, when a loved one dies. 

Immediate Aftermath

If the death occurred in a medical care facility like a hospital or a hospice, then the family ought to notify one of the medical professionals on duty about what has occurred. If it happens in another location such as in the person’s home, then the family should reach out to a doctor or even the police. If it has already been decided that a direct cremation will be the body disposition method, then it’s important that the family call the death care service provider so that the body can be picked up and transported to where the cremation will take place.

Body Disposition Plan

This is where preplanning and prepaying come in. If the deceased has made proper arrangements, then the family need only follow through. But if no such arrangements have been made, then the family will have to decide what to do and how to pay for it. The two most common body disposition options are cremation and traditional earth burial. The former tends to be less expensive than the latter, and direct cremation is the cheapest type of cremation. Cheap, fortunately, relates to the cost, rather than the quality, of the body disposition method.

Dot the I’s and Cross the T’s

There are documents that families have to sign before a direct cremation or any other body disposition method can be performed. The best thing to do is to enquire about the steps from a death care service provider since such a business will be able to provide all of the applicable details and may even be able to facilitate the process on behalf of the family.

Write the Obituary

The obituary is the death notice. It informs the community that a death has occurred. It lists the deceased person’s name, the names of immediate family members, the time and place of death, some life accomplishments, and when and where the body disposition will take place. Again, families can ask for some tips from a death care service provider on writing an obituary.

Scott County Cremation is a funeral home in Chanhassen, MN that specializes in direct cremation. Since that’s the only body disposition method that we do, we are experts in the practice and have experience helping families with their body disposition needs. We can be reached by phone at (952) 402-9000 or in person at 833 S. Marschall Road, Shakopee, MN 55379. Death is an event that sends shock waves through families. Let the experts help during life’s most trying times.