What To Do When A Death Occurs
When someone you know dies, the order in which things need to be done depends on where the death occurred. But, one thing always remains the same: your heightened emotional state. That’s why so many families are relieved knowing they have found a trusted friend and advisor in Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation where residents have been served with dignity and compassion for over 100 years. We encourage you to ask a friend, relative, or even a neighbor to come to our funeral home with you.
At Home or In The Workplace
When a death occurs at home or in the workplace, a family member or co-worker should contact emergency personnel and the person’s physician if he or she was under a doctor’s care. If in any case you are not sure of who to notify or what to do, you may call Ballard-Sunder, and we’ll assist you in notifying the proper agencies.
While Under Supervised Care
When a death occurs in a care facility, such as a hospital or nursing home, the professional staff will notify you and the necessary authorities. If the Ballard-Sunder name has been left with them, the institution will notify the us at the time of the death. A Ballard-Sunder staff member will contact you immediately following their notification to help you proceed. One of our staff members is always available 24 hours each day of the year, so you’ve got the reassurance you need that all is taken care of properly.
If a loved one was in the care of a hospice program, a hospice representative will give family members instructions and procedures to follow. The medical examiner will be notified by hospice. Following their release the hospice will contact our funeral home. It is always a good idea for the family to contact us immediately so that we will be aware of the pending call from hospice.
Widening the Circle
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation staff members are experienced professionals who can provide much of the information you need, emotional support and compassionate guidance.
While you may ask our specialist any questions at this time, you will be able to discuss the arrangements in detail later when you meet in person. During this initial call, our director will gather information to be able to transfer your loved one into our care.
Our director will ask you several questions, including whether your loved one made any pre-arrangements. Our director will also schedule a date and time for you to meet at one of our facilities and will let you know what you should bring with you.
Others You Will Need to Call Are:
o Family members and friends
o Clergy or other spiritual advisors (our directors can handle this for you after our arrangement conference)
There are Several Other Questions that You May Have in Regards to the Death of Your Loved One:
o Do I have to have embalming?
o Do I need to purchase a casket?
o What about cemetery arrangements?
o Does the family have to engage the services of a minister?
o What type of service should we have?
By contacting our staff, we’ll be able to help answer your questions and assist in making the appropriate plans. You can reach us at (952) 492-2818.
However, one of the best ways to make sure that all of your questions and desires are taken care of is to make pre-arrangements. This is as simple as outlining your wishes, to having all of the details written down, and making financial arrangements in advance. Please contact one of our staff at (952) 492-2818 to learn more about pre-arranging.
What to Expect When You Arrive
When you visit us, our arranger will provide you with a price lists and guide you through the entire arrangement process, explaining how you can create a memorable personal celebration of your loved one’s life.
The arrangement process may include:
o Preparing and filing the official death certificate
o Scheduling the location, date and time of services or events
o Selecting a casket, urn or other items
o Preparing an obituary notice
o Scheduling vehicles
o Selecting pallbearers
You may also sign necessary authorizations or make arrangements to have them signed by the appropriate family members.
Feel free to bring any photos, memorabilia so that you and our arranger can discuss how you would like your loved one to be remembered. More and more people today choose to personalize the services they plan for their loved ones. A favorite song, a favorite gathering place, even a favorite activity can all become part of the service. Our arrangers will listen and assist you in planning a loving tribute that captures the spirit of the person whose life you wish to honor. To learn more about personalizing the service, please read the Honoring Life section of this web site. Our specialist will discuss personalization with you during your arrangement conference.
The following checklist will help you remember what information about your loved one and items will be needed when meeting with us.
o Full legal name
o Home address
o Social Security number
o Date of birth
o Place of birth
o Father’s name
o Mother’s maiden name
o Veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214)
o Recent Photograph
o Highest education
o Occupation
o Place of burial (if applicable)
o Clothing
o Clergy name and phone number
o Survivors (name and relationship)
o Insurance policies (if applicable)
A staff member of Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation will be honored to
explain all of the options available to you.