What do I do when a death occurs?
What do I bring to the funeral home when making arrangements?
Who can sign a cremation authorization?
Does the deceased have to be embalmed? Is it required by law?
What is the purpose of embalming?
What should I bring to dress the deceased?
What do I do when a death occurs?
Depending on where the death occurs will determine what is necessary. If the death should occur in a hospital or nursing home the health care facility will direct the family on what needs to be done. If the death should occur at home and hospice is not involved, simply dial 911. They will guide you on what needs to happen. Most facilities will ask you which funeral home you wish to be called.
What do I bring to the funeral home when making arrangements?
The funeral home will need certain information to complete the death certificate and assist with veterans benefits.
- Social security number
- Veterans discharge papers DD214
- Racial/ethnic background
- Deceased level of education
- Fathers name, mother's maiden name
- Date of Birth
- Place of Birth
- Occupation
- Marital status
Who can sign a cremation authorization?
If the deceased has not made prearrangements or cremation is not mentioned in his/her will, the right to control disposition of remains will be in the following order:
- The surviving spouse
- The surviving adult children of the deceased
- The surviving parents of the deceased
- The surviving siblings of the deceased
- A person acting as a representative of the deceased under signed authorization
Does the deceased have to be embalmed? Is it required by law?
No, what is required by law is that the family decides whether the deceased will be embalmed or refrigerated. If remains are to be transported from one state to another by common carrier embalming is required, embalming for any viewing is a family preference.
What is the purpose of embalming?
Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body, retards the decomposition process and enhances the appearance of a body disfigured by traumatic death or illness. Embalming makes it possible for a public viewing and lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, thus allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them.
What should I bring to dress the deceased?
Whatever the family wishes or the deceased may have had a favorite outfit or something arranged ahead of time. If you are not sure if the clothing they have may fit, the funeral home will make the alterations, if possible. We suggest you bring under garments, and shoes are optional. If the deceased had a favorite cap, blanket, tie please be sure to bring.
Email:info@marlattfuneralhome.com
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