A Death Has Occurred

If you were present during the final moments in a loved one’s life, then you’ve been fortunate. We believe that while nothing prepares you for being present at the death of a loved one, bearing witness to their passing can bring new insights into your own capacity for selfless love and caring, renewed or intensified bonds with other family members, a new respect for siblings, or a healing of old emotional wounds. It is a priceless gift – but it’s one you may not truly value until much later.

So, Who Do You Call First?

Whether you were sitting right next to the bed, or were unfortunate enough to get a 2:00 a.m. call with news of a death of someone you loved, chances are your first feelings were of “being numb” and confused. But, if you're responsible for making the funeral arrangements or executing the will, you really can’t give into the shock or grief - you have to move forward and take care of things.

What to do first depends on the circumstances of the death. When someone dies in a hospital or other care facility, the staff will usually contact the funeral home you choose.  The local exception to this practice is the Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, NY.

Regardless, you or a designated family member or friend will need to notify others. It may be easier on you if just a few phone calls are made to other relatives or friends where you ask each of them to make a phone call or two to specific people. In that way, the burden of spreading the news isn't all on you.

And if you are facing this situation alone, ask a friend or neighbor to keep you company while you make these calls. In that way, you may be better able to cope with the first hours following the death of your loved one.
 
One of the first calls which should be made is to a licensed funeral director. Naturally, we'd like you to contact the Wilson Funeral Home.  But whether you choose to one of our trusted and experienced funeral professionals to care for your loved one, or select a different funeral home, you should know that the funeral director should help you:

• Transport the body
• Obtain a death certificate
• Select a casket, vault and/or urn
• Arrange the funeral, memorial and/or burial service, or coordinate the cremation
• Prepare and publish an obituary

Other services offered by Wilson Funeral Home funeral directors include:

• Helping to notify the deceased's employer, attorney, insurance company and/or banks
• Offering access to grief support resources

• Directing you to other helpful resources
   

Don’t Forget to Call the Employer

Was your loved one employed? Then, you'll need to call his or her employer immediately, to let them know of the passing, and the resulting change in their staffing arrangements.

At some later point (most likely when the funeral is over) you should ask about the decedent's benefits and any pay that they may be owed, including vacation or sick time.

Also ask if you or other dependents remain eligible for benefit coverage through the company. And you might ask whether there is a life insurance policy through the employer, who may be designated as the beneficiary/ies, and how to file a claim.
 

Call the Life Insurance Company

If your loved one had a life insurance policy, locate the related paperwork, including the insurance company contact information and policy number. Call the agent or the company and ask how to file a claim. Usually the beneficiary (or the beneficiary's guardian, if a minor) must complete the claim forms and related paperwork.  Wilson Funeral Home funeral directors can help guide you through the process as well.

You'll need to submit a certified copy of the death certificate and a claimant's statement to establish proof of claim. Remember to ask about payment options. You may have a choice between receiving a lump sum or having the insurance company place the money in an interest-bearing account from which you can write checks.  You may also complete an Insurance Assignment at the funeral home, which enables the insurance company to pay the funeral bill directly to the funeral home and frees you of this burden.

For more information on what's involved with funeral planning click here or contact us.