After-death care generally proceeds smoothly when a patient dies while on hospice. At the time of death, the family is instructed to call the on-call hospice nurse, who makes a visit and pronounces the patient (24 hours a day, seven days a week). While there is some variability by county, most counties do NOT require notification of the coroner for an anticipated death (as in hospice).
Funeral Planning
A hospice social worker or spiritual care coordinator can help you and your family think about funeral options. Our goal is to help you be prepared and supported during this difficult time.
As you and your family think about funeral planning, these are some questions you may want to consider:
- Do you have a preferred funeral home? AZ State law requires a licensed and registered funeral director to be involved in the care, transportation and preparation of a deceased person.
- Does your loved one want to be cremated or buried?
- If burial, does your loved one own a burial plot? Or have a preferred cemetery?
- If cremated, what does your loved one want to be done with his or her ashes?
- Do you want to have a graveside service or something immediately after your loved one’s death? Would you prefer to have a gathering at a later date?
- Is there a clergy person you would want to lead a service? Are there other individuals (friends or family) who would want to speak at a service?
- Are there particular readings, poetry or music that is important to your loved one or your family that you’d want to include.
Common Agencies to Notify After Passing
- Social Security/Government Agencies (VA)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – remember to take care of any final tax return matters by April 15th of the next year
- Newspaper – if you wish to place an obituary, mortuaries can also assist
- Life Insurance Holder – most policies require a copy of the Death Certificate
- Lawyer – for wills or trusts
- Bank Accounts – including joint accounts, it’s important to notify the Bank
- Other Accounts, Memberships, and Subscription Billing – auto-renewal bills may accumulate under your loved one’s name if not notified
- Debtors – this will let bill collectors know to stop calling
- Direct Marketing Association (DMA) / Deceased Do Not Contact Registration – A family member can register a loved one as deceased to discontinue any mail under that person’s name. Mail may still be received by companies that follow different guidelines, but a large portion of mailings should stop. Visit dmachoice.org and click Register the Deceased