After losing a loved one, the last thing you want to do is complete a list of to-dos. The pain and loss alone are overwhelming enough. Taking time to work through your grief is crucial. Yet there are, unfortunately, a number of tasks that need to be taken care of, at different intervals after the person’s passing.
To ease this process, we’ve compiled a simple checklist and timeline of items to address.
What Do I Need to Do After My Loved One Passes Away?
Immediately after death:
- Obtain the legal pronouncement of death by a medical professional. In a hospital or nursing home, this will automatically be taken care of. In the case of a death at home, call 911 for transport to the hospital for the pronouncement.
- Notify family and friends. Use whatever means is most comfortable for you. You can contact one person and ask them to spread the word, or it may be more cathartic for you to speak with each person yourself. Use email or social media if that works best for you. There is no right or wrong way to accomplish this.
- Contact the funeral home of your choice (or, if final wishes were preplanned, your loved one’s choice) to advise them of the death.
Within a few days:
- Work with the funeral home, the person’s religious organization, and, if applicable, the Veterans’ Administration, to finalize plans for the service.
- Determine who you would like to assist with funeral-related tasks, such as writing the obituary, serving as pallbearers, helping with thank-you notes, and making arrangements for a post-funeral gathering.
- Make long-term arrangements for any pets.
- Lock up any valuables in the home and remove any perishable food.
- Contact the post office for a forwarding order for the person’s mail.
In two weeks:
- Obtain ten copies of the person’s death certificate (or, ask the funeral home to take care of this for you).
- Make a list of all assets and bills, and cancel accounts: phone, internet, electric, streaming services, etc.
- Locate the person’s will and determine who the executor is.
- Take a copy of the will to your city or county probate court office to begin the process of ensuring the person’s wishes outlined in the will are followed and that all outstanding debts are taken care of.
- Contact a CPA to arrange for a final tax return to be filed.
- Meet with an attorney to discuss estate settlement.
- Notify the Social Security Administration, life insurance company, bank and financial advisors, a credit bureau such as Equifax, and the DMV. Most of these organizations will require a copy of the death certificate.
- Close the person’s email account, and either close or memorialize their social media account(s).
Independence-4-Seniors Home Care is here to help you through this difficult time, particularly if the person leaves behind an elderly spouse. Our caregivers can step in to fill any gaps in care while you take care of the many final tasks and arrangements needed. Contact us any time at 630-323-4665 for assistance in the DuPage County area.