08/04/2022

What to do after the death of a loved one

By Christopher Taktak

What To Do When Someone Dies

Losing a loved one can be devastating. It is important to note that the first few hours after their death are crucial, and will affect how you approach decisions for them later on. When making arrangements, it's best to prioritize some tasks over others so you don't get overwhelmed with everything at once. This article discusses what steps should be taken in the first few hours following the death of a loved one so that your family doesn't have to worry about anything but grieving.


If your loved one passed away at home, the first thing you should do is call 911. If they were in a hospital or nursing home, notify the staff immediately. They will help guide you through the next steps.

If your loved one passed away at home, the first thing you should do is call 911. If they were in a hospital or nursing home, notify the staff immediately.

Next Steps After the Death of a Loved One

Once emergency personnel have arrived and taken care of your loved one, it's time to start thinking about what to do next. If you are in shock or grieving, it may be best if one of your loved ones takes charge during this process. Once you've made sure everyone is safe and secure, there are certain items that should take priority over others so that things can move forward without delay.

The first few hours after the death of a loved one are crucial for the following reasons:

  • To protect them from further harm
  • To begin notifying people of their death
  • To make decisions about their care and final arrangements

Top 5 Things To Do After the Death of a Loved One

  • Notifying family members
  • Making the funeral arrangements
  • Notifying employers or clients
  • Contacting their lawyer or estate executor
  • Calling your loved one's pastor, faith leader, rabbi etc. to coordinate spiritual care for them and give you guidance on how best to support the family during this time of loss. You can also ask if they would like to say a few words at the funeral.

Grieving is a process that takes time, so don't try to do everything at once.

There are other items that will need to be taken care of in the coming days and weeks, but these are the most important ones to address in the first few hours after death. Grieving is a process that takes time, so don't try to do everything at once. Take things one day at a time and lean on your loved ones for support. They will be there for you during this difficult time.

If you have any questions or need assistance with anything, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help in whatever way we can. You can reach Pisces at (310-861-4505) for the arrangement of you or your loved one’s end-of-life needs.

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Christopher Taktak

Christopher is a licensed Funeral Director and Crematory Manager in the state of California. He is also a graduate of Columbia University. Christopher believes in ethical means, professional behavior, and sustainable methods. His favorite pastime is reading.