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Steps to Take at Time of Death
Depending on where the death occurs and under what circumstances, this explains what you should do when the death occurs:
- Death in an Institution: When the death occurs at a hospital or nursing home the medical staff should take care of notifying the funeral home. You simply need to advise the medical staff that Johnson-Danielson is the funeral home assisting with arrangements and they will have you sign any necessary release papers.
- Anticipated Death at Home or Elsewhere: If death would occur with an individual who is currently under the care of a physician for a chronic illness or in a Hospice program, you would be advised to first consult your funeral director or Hospice. In certain cases, the body may need to be examined by the coroner at the location of death, in order to determine the cause.
- Unanticipated Death at Home or Elsewhere: In these situations, immediately call 911. The police and emergency medical personnel will then determine the appropriate steps to be taken. Often, the police can release the human remains directly to our funeral home. However, in certain cases, the body may need to go to the Medical Examiner’s office so that they can determine the cause of death.
- Death out of state: If the death occurs outside of Indiana or the immediate area, you should call Johnson-Danielson prior to calling a funeral home at that location. We can coordinate with a local funeral director at the place of death. Being a member of several national associations, Johnson-Danielson can often save families money by having our firm make the arrangements. If you travel often, it would be wise to let us tell you about our Travel Protection Plan, which would cover most costs associated with a death away from home.
Funeral Arrangement Conference
To assure that one of our funeral directors is immediately available and can devote the personal attention and time needed to make the arrangements, we would request that you call to schedule a mutually convenient arrangement time. Although the majority of funeral conferences take place at our funeral home during normal business hours, we are available to come to your residence or meet in the evenings or weekends. One of our directors is always on duty 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
When you come to the conference, you may want to bring with you, if they apply; the following items:
- Recent photograph for newspaper or preparation purposes.
- Clothing – all normal items including undergarments, other than shoes. For women, an outfit closed at the neckline, long sleeves and her personal cosmetics are preferred. Do not feel formal clothing such as a suit and tie or dress is required. Any usual or comfortable items of clothing are acceptable.
- Glasses or dentures
- Jewelry & personal items – these items can either be brought to the arrangement conference, or on the day of the visitation. Please advise us as to what items, if any, should be removed prior to burial or cremation.
- Military Discharge Papers (Form DD214)
- Life Insurance Policy
