"What if my loved one dies while away from home?"
Contact our funeral home and we will make the necessary arrangements with a funeral home in that area. This includes the filing of the appropriate paperwork and arranging for the transportation of the remains back to our facility.
"What do I do if my loved one dies at home?"
Contact our funeral home and we will notify the proper authorities in the county that the death has occurred. We will then immediately respond to the residence.
"What if I am not sure that a death has occurred?"
Immediately call 911 and the proper emergency personnel will respond.
"What do I need to bring to the funeral home for the arrangements conference?"
You will need to bring clothing and a complete set of undergarments. You can also bring in any jewelry or mementos that will be placed in the casket. A photograph will be needed if you plan for us to put a picture in the newspaper obituary. We also need the social security number of the deceased and military discharge papers (form DD214).
"What if my loved one has an insurance policy?"
We will assist you in completing the proper paperwork to file a death claim or an assignment of the insurance proceeds to the funeral home.
"How do I notify social security and file for benefits?"
We will file the proper form that notifies the Social Security Administration that a death has occurred and that a death claim is being made. There may be a onetime $255.00 death benefit that goes directly to the surviving spouse. There may also be benefits available for minor children. (www.socialsecurity.gov)
"What if my loved one is a Veteran of the Armed Forces?"
Honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces may be eligible for certain benefits. These may include a United States flag, government cemetery marker, and monetary burial benefits. Our funeral home will assist you in applying for these benefits. We will also arrange for military graveside services if so desired. (www.va.gov)
"What is cremation?"
Cremation is a process of preparing human remains for final disposition. It is a heating procedure, which reduces the remains to their basic elements. These basic elements are bone fragments and particles, which are referred to as cremains. This reduction takes place through heat and evaporation in a cremation chamber called a retort. The basic elements remaining after cremation usually weigh, on average, 4 or 5 lbs. The cremains or ashes are then usually placed in a permanent urn or a temporary container, which is suitable for transportation.
"Is embalming required?"
In most cases embalming is not required. However, if you select a service that includes
the viewing of the remains or an instance where the death occurred away from home and remains have to be transported by common carrier, then embalming is required.
