After someone close to you passes, you are probably at your most vulnerable. That’s why it’s essential to have a list ready of steps to take so that you can maneuver the process on automatic pilot. Knowing what to do immediately versus three days versus one week is an enormous help, especially as you handle grief.
First, focus attention on the funeral or cremation arrangements. Ensure you have a legal pronouncement of death, which is the first step in obtaining a death certificate. Your hospice nurse will handle this, as can the hospital if your loved one dies there. If they died at home unexpectedly, you’d need the declaration of death before you can plan the funeral.
To avoid theft, secure the home and lock up valuables, especially if you live far from your loved one. Forward the mail so that it isn’t piling up, and ensure someone can take care of any pets left behind.
These items will keep you busy the first few days after they pass. Once you secure a death certificate, you can begin to tackle financial matters. AARP offers an extensive list of the tasks at hand so that you don’t have to recreate the wheel.
Read HERE to know what to do when someone close to you passes on. It can thankfully alleviate hurtful anxiety at a stressful time.