Funeral Planning Checklist

Death is never easy to handle for loved ones. While many times the unfortunate news is unexpected, sometimes with prolonged terminal illness, there is a forewarning. Despite all the forewarning, it can still be very difficult to take in the news of death of loved ones. While time and support of family and friends are the best ways to allow for natural healing to happen over time, there are some things that one can still do when there is enough time to prepare for a loved one’s death.

Preparing well in advance could also be necessary since in times of acute grief, there may not be enough strength to think clearly to carry out the required tasks with respect to the funeral.

Here is a checklist to help prepare as much as possible for the funeral:

• Obtaining a death certificate will be necessary as a first step when death occurs outside the hospital. Paramedics, doctors or police are qualified to pronounce death. You can call 911 if there is no paramedic or police present.
• A no obligation transporter can move the loved one to the required location. Save the phone numbers of such transporters.
• Make a list of family members and friends who were dear to the loved one so you can inform them.
• If your loved one had a pet, arrange for pet services or foster homes to care for the pet until you can make other arrangements. It would also be better to identify friends, family members or others who would be willing to adopt the pet after the death of the loved one.
• If the loved one was employed, inform the employer.
• If there was a will made and you are aware of the same, read it to know if there were any specific funeral arrangements and plans made by the loved one.
• Research and select the appropriate mortuary or funeral home, and the funeral director.
• Select the funeral casket, flowers and other requirements as per your loved one’s wishes.
• Decide who will be the single point of contact to coordinate with the funeral director.

With a little pre-planning you can ensure that the end-of-life care and the funeral are carried out in a manner that reflects the love and respect you have for your loved one.

Thanks for reading,

Karen