What to Do When Someone Dies
One of the most difficult and emotional times in one's life is arranging a funeral for a loved one. Having a funeral planning checklist will help make the process easier. A checklist ensures you can do everything that is required without leaving anything out in the confusion that sometimes accompanies such events. The following are some of the things that can be part of a funeral planning checklist.
First, you need to notify the relevant authorities. If the deceased passed on anywhere else other than in a nursing home or hospital, it is family's responsibility to notify the local authorities and complete a death certificate. This has to be done within 5 days after the death.
Choose an appropriate funeral home. This has to be in direct correlation to the budgeted cost of the funeral. If the deceased had a specific wish that they wanted to be made upon their death that relates to where they wanted their body kept before their funeral, this should be followed completely.
If there is no will specifying a funeral home, then it is up to family to choose this. It must be clear who will pay for these costs and how payment will be made.
Next, the funeral planning check list should provide for a meeting of friends and relatives to discuss the actual formalities including the cost of a funeral. Iron out the logistics on people coming for the funeral from further away areas. This would entail facilitating accommodation at a nearby hotel or arranging hosting by persons that live near the funeral venue.
Communicate dates and times to all and for every key event once it has been agreed upon. A common way for relaying such information is by publishing an obituary in the newspaper. You cannot completely rely on this one method as not everyone expected will read the newspaper. Follow up with a phone call for family and close friends.
The funeral planning check lists should include identifying the person that will read the eulogy. Most families settle for a member of the immediate family, a close friend or a religious leader. The person given this task should be told well in advance so that they can make the necessary preparation.
