When Death Occurs

There are several things that must be considered when a death occurs. The order in which things need to be done usually depends on where the death of a loved one has occurred.

At Home:

Today a large number of people choose to be at home with Hospice or a Home Health Care provider assisting the family until the death occurs.

If Hospice or a Home Health Care provider is involved – contact them and they will notify the proper people in the correct order. They will contact the physician, the Medical Examiner's office, and they will call the funeral home. (The Medical Examiner's office needs to be notified of all deaths that occur in a home. With Hospice or a Home Health Care provider involved, a simple phone call is the only notification that the Medical Examiner needs. The Medical Examiner will not have to come to the residence to review any information.)

If Hospice or a Home Health Care provider is not involved, but the person is under a physician’s care, and family or friends are present – seek the advice of the physician.

If the death occurs in a residence and no one is there at the time of death – contact the police. They will need to be notified and respond to the residence before the deceased is removed from their home.

At a Hospital or Health Care Center:

If the death occurs in a hospital or care center, the name of the funeral home may be left with them, and the institution will notify the funeral home at the time of the death. The funeral home will respond and at the next practical time, review matters with the family.

Out of State:

If the death occurs outside of our region, the family should call Brown Funeral Home first at our toll free number, 800-723-0254. We can coordinate with a local funeral director at the place of death and can often save families a considerable amount of money by having our firm make the arrangements.