What To Do
What To Do
When someone we care about dies, whether the death is expected or unexpected, we find ourselves unprepared for what steps need to be taken. The following are some guidelines to follow when a loved one dies.
General Information: When someone dies, regardless of the time or place, call McDowell Funeral Home L.L.C. Our Contact information is below. We have someone available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your calls. We will help answer any questions you may have and give advice on what steps need to be taken.
There are 4 key things you should have ready when you call a funeral representative:
- The name of the deceased
- Their place of death
- Your name and relationship to the deceased
- Phone number where you can be reached
At that time, day or night, we will make immediate arrangements with you to pick up your loved one from the residence, hospital, or nursing facility. At your earliest you can contact the funeral home to set an appointment that is convenient for you and your family members to come to the funeral home to discuss the funeral arrangements.
There are 7 things that you should bring with you to your appointment:
- A recent photograph (preferably within the last 5 years)
- Birth Certificate, if available
- Clothes for the deceased to wear, include undergarments, socks or stockings (shoes are optional)
- Social Security, if available
- Cemetery Documents
- Military Records
- Insurance Policy(s) to be verified and assigned for payment of services.
Please note: We ask that you bring these items at the time of the initial arrangement appointment in order to immediately begin the service process, including preparation for viewing if you desire viewing. If you do not have the information and/or items, you may provide them as soon as possible.
There are 5 things to have ready to answer in your arrangement appointment:
- Date of Service
- Time of Service
- Place of Service
- Place of Burial
- Viewing, Visitation or Wake Service
Hospice
When a person dies at the hospital or at home who is a hospice patient, the family should call hospice provider and wait for the hospice nurse to arrive in the room or home. The hospice nurse needs to pronounce the death of the patient. The hospice nurse should then call McDowell, Funeral Home, L.L.C. at (254)754-3151 to make arrangements for picking up your loved one.
Hospital and Nursing Home
When a person dies at the hospital or nursing home, the nurse will contact the funeral home to transport your loved one to the funeral home.
Out of state
Should a death occur away from the deceased’s home state and a funeral service is desired to be held in the home city, then transportation will need to be arranged. McDowell Funeral Home, L.L.C. will be able to arrange for you the most economical choice for you. We advise that you contact us first, so that the family will not have to encounter fees that can be avoided.
Residence
When a person dies at home and was not a hospice patient, you must notify your local Police Department. The Police Department has to be called in order to make a death or incident report for the Justice of the Peace, Medical Examiner or Coroner. The Police Department will notify the funeral home to pick up your loved one.