Many people are unsure what steps to take when a death occurs, and at Caring Cremations, we are committed to ensuring that the families we serve are well-informed of their options. The necessary steps usually depend on the location and circumstances. It is important that you understand what can be done, and we want to make sure that you have the necessary information required to make these important decisions.

Unanticipated death at home or elsewhere  In these situations, you should immediately contact 911; police and emergency medical personnel will then determine the appropriate steps to take. Generally, the authorities can release the remains directly to our Caring Cremations providers almost anywhere in the United States and in some parts of Canada. Call in a timely manner so that so that preparations may begin. In some situations, however, the remains may need to be taken to the Medical Examiner’s office; this occurs when the cause of death may not yet be known.

If death occurs in an Institution Should the death occur at a hospital or care home (nursing/convalescent), the medical/nursing staff should handle all necessary legal steps. You simply need to inform the staff that Caring Cremation will provide a cremation specialist that will make the removal of the remains and start the cremation process. You may have to complete any legal release paperwork at the place of death.

Anticipated death at home  Today, more people with terminal illnesses are more comfortable at home under the care of Hospice in the final stages of their illness. In this situation, you should inform Hospice that Caring Cremations will provide a local funeral services specialist to cremate the remains. The hospice personnel may want to contact Caring Cremations ahead of the anticipated death. Please feel free to provide them with our phone number so that we may make a smooth start and smooth overall cremation process. Hospice will then supervise the necessary legal requirements. Often, when someone is faced with a terminal illness, the family will decide to make arrangements in advance - saving them the time and emotional decisions needed at the time of death.

Death out-of-state If the death occurs out of state, you should call us at our main office. We are well equipped to provide direct cremation services in most areas of the United States. We can then coordinate the transfer with a local funeral professional at the place of death. We can often save families money by making all necessary arrangements. This is a basic explanation of your options in certain circumstances. If you would like further information, please feel free to contact us via email or by phone. We are here to help and to serve you, and we will be happy to answer any questions that you might have. Your Caring Cremations Staff