When Death Occurs

There are few things in life more traumatic than the death of a family member. This section will explain what to do when a death occurs.


General Guidelines

Regardless of when and where a death occurs, the family should call us as soon a possible. At that time we will ask some specific questions, such as the name and location of the family member who passed away, the name of the attending physician and the name of the next of kin. We will also ask about the type of funeral service the family is considering so that we may begin any necessary procedures as expediently as possible. If you are undecided on the type of service, you need not make any immediate decisions. We will allow you adequate time to make them and provide you with prices of various options ahead of time to assist you. Finally, we will set up a convenient appointment time to make the actual arrangements.


Death in A Health Care Facility

When a death occurs in a hospital or nursing home, there is little the family needs to do other than to call us. The medical staff at the health care facility will take the necessary steps to ensure that all legal requirements are met. Although some health care facilities will call the funeral home on behalf of the family, this is the exception rather than the rule. To be safe, it is best that the family calls us directly.


Anticipated Death Outside A Health Care Facility

Many people with terminal illnesses are now choosing to die at home in more familiar and peaceful surroundings with family and friends close by. If an anticipated death occurs outside a health care facility, the first step would be to call the hospice organization or physician under whose care the individual was receiving medical treatment. The hospice nurse or physician would then release the deceased to the funeral home.


Unanticipated Death Outside A Health Care Facility

If a sudden death occurs outside of a health care facility, the best advise is to call 911 to dispatch local police to the scene. The police will then determine the appropriate steps to take depending upon the particular situation. In the case of a nonsuspicious death of an apparently healthy individual, the police would call the State Medical Examiner's office and await instructions. The Medical Examiner, depending upon the circumstances, may require that an autopsy be performed. If the death was suspicious in nature, then the Medical Examiner would in all likelihood order an autopsy.


Out-Of-State Death

If the death takes place outside of Maine, there is no need to contact a local funeral director in that state where the death occurs. Doing so invariably results in additional expenses for the family. We can make all the necessary arrangements through agents we work with throughout the country. All you need to do is to call us toll free at 207-773-6511, and we will handle the rest of the details.


Advance Arrangements

If the death of a family member is anticipated, it is wise to begin thinking about the final arrangements in advance. We frequently meet with the family prior to the death to begin the process of gathering the needed information and discussing the services. In this way, the family is not overwhelmed with making numerous important decisions at the time of death. To the begin the arrangement process, just give us a call. Alternatively, you can start the process by filling out our on-line form.