Meeting With the Funeral Home
Within the first 24 hours of a death occurring, you may need to meet with a funeral home to begin the final arrangements. This will be a difficult time for you and your loved ones. The funeral home staff will be there to guide you in making decisions and help make this difficult time a little bit easier.
Who Will Go With You?
One decision that will need to be made when a death has occurred is who will go with you to the funeral home. Do you have a list of people that are available within the first 24 hours to make the final arrangements? We strongly recommend that you don't come alone. Having someone that you know with you can really help you get through the process easier.
Who Will Make the Decisions?
There are some options and decisions regarding the details of the funeral arrangements that will have to be made, which can be challenging, but not impossible. The funeral home will help you in providing the answers to questions you may have. They will help you understand what is involved in planning a funeral and be there to support you in any way that you need. Something you will need to think about is who will be making the decisions? Will it be you? Will it be someone with you at the funeral home?
Who Else is Involved in the Arrangements?
Does the deceased have children, friends, family that would like to be a part of arranging the funeral? Do you know how the deceased felt about funerals or what their final wishes were? Have you received any input from your Rabbi?
Do you have the information gathered for the paperwork?
When a death occurs, it is a legal matter that requires paperwork. To better prepare yourself for the arrangement at the funeral home, it may be helpful to gather information and documents needed. Below are a list of items and documents needed when a death has occurred:
- Social Security Number
- Military Discharge Papers
- Hebrew name (including parent's Hebrew names)
- Cemetery plot information (deed)
- Out of town Funeral Home information
- Out of town cemetery information
- Picture for an obituary
- City & date of birth
- Copies of life insurance policies
- Copy of a will (in case of cremation. Only required in some cases)
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