After Loss Checklist

Get a legal pronouncement of death *Required for obtaining a death certificate

How to obtain legal pronouncement of death:

• Hospital or Nursing Staff: Staff will handle
• Hospice Care: Contact hospice nurse
• Expected home death (No hospice): Call deceased’s primary care physician to ask for guidance
• Unexpected home death: Call 911 as soon as you can

• Identify 1-2 people to help you
• Decide who will be the point person for communication
• Start a simple notes tracker (phone note or notebook)

• Arrange care for Children/Dependents and/or Pets
• Secure home/property: lock doors/windows, secure vehicles, safeguard valuables

The funeral home will usually handle local transportation of your loved one. If the death occurred in another city or country, additional coordination is needed. A funeral home can help arrange this or refer you to a transport service.