What To Do When A Loved One Dies

Your priorities may vary, but survivors want to assure their loved one's end of life wishes are met, as well as have the opportunity to say goodbye.

When a death occurs you should notify:

 
  • Emergency Services 911 (when a loved one dies at home)
  • A Nurse (if you are present when your loved one dies in a hospital, nursing facility or hospice)
  • Loved ones, family and friends
  • Parish Priest
  • Funeral Home
  • Catholic Cemetery
 
 
 

Survivors' Checklist

Use this list to help guide you through who to contact and what important documents are necessary when a loved one passes away.

 

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Making Arrangements

Use this simple guide to help you through difficulty of losing a loved one.

 

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After Care Process

Take care of yourself:

  • Eat and rest as much as possible
  • Spend time with friends and family, accept offers of help
  • Involve yourself with meaningful tasks, delegate the others
 

Support groups:

  • Aftercare programs such as grief ministry are available through many parishes
 
 
 
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The people were kind, compassionate, and very helpful. Everything being in one place made my life easier at a very trying time. Thank you for providing this service.

 

Helpful Tip

Losing a loved one can be overwhelming. It is important to remember to take care of yourself. Learn more about what to do when a loved one dies.