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After a loved one passes away, it can feel impossible to think of doing anything but grieving and processing your loss. In the moments after their death, that is precisely what you may do. Unfortunately, however, there will also be some necessary tasks that must be undertaken in the following hours and days. Whether they have chosen a traditional burial or cremation services near Dale City, VA, for themselves, you must complete these steps.
The first thing that needs to be done after a person passes away is to contact either their doctor or emergency medical services. If they have passed within a hospital or a medical facility, this will not be necessary. The reason this must be done is so that a qualified person can make the final declaration of death, with the time of death noted. This is necessary for obtaining a death certificate, which will be required for many things in the days to come. If the person has passed away at home alone and was discovered later on, the authorities must be notified so that they can assess the scene.
After this, you will likely want to begin informing immediate family of your loved one’s passing. This may be one of the most difficult things you have to do, so don’t be afraid to ask a trusted family member or friend for help. Many people choose to make a post on social media, after immediate family have been informed. This provides a quick and simple way to let many people know the unfortunate news, without having to search out and contact each and every one of them.
You will also need to get in touch with your funeral home or provider of cremation services. Hopefully, they will have your loved one’s established arrangements already on hand. Otherwise, you and your family will need to begin making some decisions with regards to your loved one’s final arrangements.
It’s important not to forget about your loved one’s home and belongings. If they had any pets, you will need to make sure that someone is available to care for them, and you will eventually need to find them new and permanent homes. You might need to have their mail forwarded to your address, and someone will have to clean out their fridge and trash and any other perishable items from their home.
These are just a few of the issues that must be addressed in the hours and days following your loved one’s passing. Every circumstance will be different. Whether they wished to be buried or cremated, you’ll have to begin making decisions when it comes to their final arrangements. Your funeral home or provider of cremation services near Dale City, VA, can also help you through this difficult time. Once they begin the process of putting together your loved one’s arrangements, they will be there every step of the way to ensure it all goes smoothly. That way, your family will be able to focus on being together and processing your loss.
