When someone you love passes away, it can be hard to think clearly. You may feel shocked, sad, or overwhelmed. In those first moments, it is normal to wonder what you are supposed to do next.
If you are searching for guidance on what to do when a death occurs in Columbus, Ohio, this checklist is here to help. We will walk you through each step in a calm and simple way. You do not have to figure this out alone.
Before you do anything else, take a breath. It is okay to pause. It is okay to cry. It is okay to sit with your feelings for a moment.
There is no rush. The steps in this guide can wait a few minutes while you gather yourself. Be gentle with yourself during this time.
When you are ready, you can begin working through the checklist below.
These are the first things you will need to do after a death occurs. The steps depend on where your loved one passed away.
Step 1: Call 911 or a Doctor
If your loved one was not under hospice care, call 911. Emergency responders will come to the home to confirm the death and determine if any further action is needed.
If your loved one was under hospice care, call the hospice nurse instead. They will come to the home to pronounce the death and help with next steps. Hospice staff are trained to guide families through this process.
Step 2: Do Not Move the Body
Wait for medical or emergency personnel to arrive before moving your loved one. They will need to assess the situation and complete any required paperwork.
Step 3: Contact a Funeral Home
Once the death has been confirmed, you will need to call a funeral home. The funeral home will send staff to transport your loved one into their care.
At Evergreen Funeral Cremation and Reception, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call us at any time, and we will be there to help.
Step 1: Speak with the Staff
Hospital or nursing home staff will guide you through the initial steps. They will confirm the death and begin the process of completing the death certificate.
Step 2: Decide on a Funeral Home
The facility will ask which funeral home you would like to use. If you have not chosen one yet, take a moment to think about your options. You can also ask the staff for time to make a decision.
Step 3: Contact the Funeral Home
Once you have chosen a funeral home, call them to let them know. They will coordinate with the hospital or facility to transport your loved one.
If the death was sudden, unexpected, or no one was present when it happened, call 911 right away. In some cases, the coroner or medical examiner may need to be involved.
This can take extra time, and that is okay. The authorities are there to help determine the cause of death and ensure everything is handled properly.
After the immediate steps are taken care of, there are a few more things to do in the first day or two.
Reach out to immediate family members and close friends to let them know what has happened. You do not have to call everyone yourself. Ask a trusted family member or friend to help spread the word.
It is okay to keep the message simple. You might say something like: "I wanted to let you know that [name] passed away. We are still making arrangements and will share more details soon."
You will need certain documents in the coming days. If you can, try to find:
Do not worry if you cannot find everything right away. Your funeral home and attorney can help you figure out what is needed.
Within the first day or two, you will meet with the funeral home to begin making arrangements. This is when you will discuss:
At Evergreen, we take the time to listen to your wishes and guide you through each decision. We are here to make this process as easy as possible for you.
In the days following the death, there are additional tasks to take care of. You do not have to do everything at once. Take it one step at a time.
Let the person's employer know about the death. If your loved one was retired, you may need to contact their pension provider or former employer.
You should also notify any clubs, organizations, or groups they belonged to.
If your loved one was receiving Social Security benefits, you will need to report the death. In most cases, the funeral home can do this for you. Benefits should stop, and in some cases, surviving family members may be eligible for additional payments.
Contact the person's bank, credit card companies, and other financial institutions. They will need a copy of the death certificate to close or transfer accounts.
Over time, you will want to cancel services your loved one no longer needs. This may include:
There is no rush on these items. Handle them when you feel ready.
An obituary is a written notice that shares news of the death and details about the person's life. It can be published in local newspapers and online.
At Evergreen, we help families write meaningful obituaries. You can also view obituaries and share memories on our Obituaries page.
Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things you will ever go through. At Evergreen Funeral Cremation and Reception, we are here to support you every step of the way.
24/7 Availability: Death does not wait for business hours. Our team is available around the clock to answer your call and begin helping your family.
Compassionate Guidance: We know this is overwhelming. Our caring staff will walk you through each decision with patience and kindness. No question is too small.
Personalized Services: Every life is unique. We offer burial, cremation, and memorial services tailored to your wishes. We will help you plan a service that truly honors your loved one.
Help with Paperwork: From death certificates to Social Security notifications, there is a lot of paperwork involved. We can help you understand what is needed and guide you through the process.
When a death occurs, it is easy to feel lost. But you do not have to figure everything out by yourself. Lean on family, friends, and professionals who can help.
For more guidance, visit our When a Death Occurs resource page. You will find helpful information to guide you through this time.
If you have questions or need support, please contact us. Our team is here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will help you take the next step with care and compassion.
You are not alone. Evergreen is here for you.
