From a Death to the Funeral Home

Every death is hard to deal with, and this difficulty includes both the loss itself and the stressful preparation that needs to take place between the death and a funeral home in Reserve, LA. The best way to be prepared when faced with a loss is to be familiar with the process and various important steps.

The first step is to report the death to the proper authorities. If the death is at a hospital, nursing home, or hospice, the officials there will know what to do and will make the report for you. If you are at home, or have no other options, call 911. You also have to prepare to work with a funeral director. You will need the assistance of a funeral director to complete the death certificate, transport and store the body. Take note if the deceased made pre-arrangements for his or her funeral or cremation and be prepared to relay these wishes to the director.

Next, pick a service. There are several service options you need to be prepared to choose from like funerals, in which the service is held before the body is cremated or buried and the body is present; and memorials in which the service is help after the body is buried or cremated and therefore not present. If you choose to inter the remains after the funeral or cremation, you will need to make cemetery arrangements. Decide where the burial will take place, and if necessary, purchase a plot. If you’re unsure where to start, your funeral director or cremation assistant will most likely be affiliated with a cemetery and can help you find a plot. You could also check with your church, synagogue or other place of worship for further guidance.

Feel free to get creative when making memorial or funeral service arrangements to make the service personal and meaningful. Flowers, music, pre or post service events and other special touches help make the service personal for you and the deceased.

There are other necessary details including formal transportation and death notices. You will need to make arrangements for the body to be transported from the place of death to the funeral home, and also to the cemetery if you choose burial. Personally inform all close family, friends and loved ones of the death, ideally over the phone or in person. If you’re nervous, take the time to write a script to help you make key points. Don’t forget to write and release a death notice to notify the rest of the friends, coworkers, associates etc.

To keep yourself organized, make a list of what you need to accomplish before the service to help you stay organized and not forget anything important. This list could include your attire, personal items or collecting photos.

Millet Guidry Funeral Home is a Reserve, LA funeral home here to assist you in your time of loss. We can help you with all these steps and more. Give us a call today.