What to do if a loved one dies suddenly: A practical guide
Losing a loved one is a devastating experience, and if their death is unexpected, it can be overwhelming. Not only are you dealing with a flood of emotions, but you also have to take on the responsibility of planning a funeral and tying up loose ends. Here’s a checklist of basic steps that can help you in such a difficult situation.
Arrange for a death certificate
To start with, you need to obtain a death certificate. This document is the legal record of the person’s death and is filed with county officials and the California Department of Public Health’s electronic registry. A death certificate is required for several purposes, including funeral arrangements and life insurance claims.
Under state law, the attending physician generally fills out the necessary medical information and signs the certificate, and the funeral director submits it to the registry. However, they may need your help to fill out the sections of the certificate with personal information about the deceased, such as age, occupation, education level, and parents’ names.
If the death occurred at a medical facility, the doctors there will generally handle this paperwork. If it occurred at home, call 911, and the police and paramedics will investigate and make a declaration of death. The medical team will help you decide whether an autopsy is necessary or if you should call a funeral home.
Notify the community
Once you’ve arranged for a death certificate, you’ll need to notify the deceased’s family and friends. If there isn’t already a list of people who need to be notified, make a list and call, text, or email them as per your comfort. How you communicate depends on the person’s circumstances before and after the death and how they grieve.
If you don’t have the capacity to make phone calls, ask someone you trust to make the calls for you. Ask the people you’re notifying to spread the word to others connected to the deceased. You can also announce the person’s death on social media or publish an obituary.
Handle organ donation
If the deceased wanted to be an organ donor, their wish may be difficult to fulfill, as vital organs cut off from a supply of oxygenated blood for more than 20 to 30 minutes are no longer suitable for transplantation. If your loved one registered as a donor, that choice can’t be overridden. If not, the survivors will need to make the decision on your loved one’s behalf.
Seek Mental Health Professionals
After losing a loved one suddenly, it is natural to feel stressed out and overwhelmed. It might help to talk it out with someone who is not a part of your family circle. You can find mental health professionals who offer grief support in your area.
Related Facts
• The cost of an Average funeral in the U.S is around $7,640.
• Religious funerals can be much more expensive than secular funerals.
• If your loved one is an organ donor, hospitals are legally obliged to notify the Organ Procurement Organization in your area.
Key Takeaway
Losing a loved one suddenly can be overwhelming and stressful. With this guide, you can easily navigate through the process of arranging for a death certificate, notifying the community, handling organ donation, and seeking grief support to handle it better.
Conclusion
The sudden loss of a family member or a close friend can be an emotionally draining experience. However, the above checklist can help you deal with some of the responsibilities that come with the process. It might be a good idea to seek the help of a professional grief counselor to cope with the intensity of the emotional trauma that comes with losing a loved one suddenly.
