When death occurs

No matter if a death is sudden, or if it something that was expected, the loss of a loved one makes us feel emotional and overwhelmed.  No amount of preparation can fully prepare you for the initial shock of losing of a loved one.  When you are in a emotional situation, even the most basic decisions can seem staggering.  The following is a rough guideline of what needs to be done within the first 24 hours after death.

When death occurs at home or away from home

If the person was not under medical care, the police will have to be notified immediately.  The police will be dispatched to the home and place the call to the coroner/medical examiner.  From there the coroner/medical examiner will take the body and determine whether further investigation is necessary.  The coroner/medical examiner must release the body before a funeral home can do anything. If the person was under palliative care, contact the medical representative (PSW, nurse or doctor) if they were not already present. They will notify and guide family members of what the proper procedures are to follow.

When a death occurs at a hospital/nursing home/hospice facility

The staff of a care facility such as a hospital or a nursing home will notify you and the necessary authorities immediately after a death has occurred.  If the name of a funeral establishment has been provided to the hospital or nursing home, they too will be notified at the time of death. Once we at Essentials are notified of someone's passing, it is our procedure to make contact with the family right away. We will ask a few questions about your loved one's wishes and set up a time for you to come to our location, to make arrangements. 

Informing a Funeral Director

Once everything has been cleared with the proper authorities, the next call you place should be to a licensed funeral director.  Funeral directors are here to help guide you, transport your loved one, and in the event pre-planning was not done, select a casket/urn. We will walk you through the procedures and which events you can expect to be taking place.  At Essentials, we will also help you notify the government of your loved one's passing and also assist you with government paperwork. We are here to help and advise you, and we promise that we'll do whatever we can to take care of you and your loved one. 

Meeting a Funeral Director

You should meet with a funeral director typically within 24 hours of the death taking place, to begin to make final arrangements for your loved one.  Deciding on these final arrangements may seem like a very daunting task, especially when you are in an emotional situation.  Krystal has years of experience helping families through this time, and she will strive to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Making Arrangements

Krystal will gather information required for the provincial death registration. 

This includes:

• Full Name and Address
• Marital Status
• Date and City of Birth
• Father’s Name, Mother’s Name (including maiden name)
• SIN
• Is there a Will? If so, who is the Executor?
• Name of Spouse (if married or widowed)
• Occupation and Employer

At Essentials Cremation and Burial Services, it is our role to help arrange for:

• Cremation or burial services
• Choosing funeral products
• Order flowers
• Make an appointment for the family to choose a
  cemetery plot or monument
• Preparing an obituary notice
• Scheduling transportation arrangements

Often times families will plan their own private or public service or gathering.

Families should arrange for: 

• Type of gathering, visitation, service, Mass or Celebration of Life
• An appropriate location
• Date and time that is convenient for the family

It is encouraged that families do something special to memorialize their loved one. These events can be personalized! Where did your love one spend time? Is there a location or space that would be more sentimental for a gathering or memorial?  Did your loved one have a favorite sports team?  What was their favorite type of music?  What activity was your loved one known best for?  Recalling fond memories assists with the grieving process and will help honour the life of your loved one.

Have a question? Ask the Director