When the time comes

We're sorry. Here's what to do first.

Take a breath. Very little has to happen right away, and nothing has to be decided tonight.

In the first hours

Call the hospice nurse. They'll come, confirm the death, and help with what's next.

Call 911. Emergency staff will come, and may ask a few questions.

The staff will guide you. They'll ask which funeral home to call, and you can take your time.

Open it to see what they wanted, who they named to be in charge, and the coverage they set aside.

When you're ready, these are the next steps. A funeral director will help with most of them.

Choose a funeral home. Any you like. You can ask for prices by phone first.
Order death certificates. Several copies. The funeral home usually orders them.
File the coverage claim. The person named on the policy contacts Ethos with a death certificate.
Tell family and friends. It's fine to ask someone to help make the calls.
Look after home and pets. Ask a neighbor or friend if you need a hand.

Grief doesn't follow a schedule. Some days will be harder than others, and that is normal.

If your loved one had hospice care, their hospice offers grief support to the family for about a year afterward. You only need to ask.

GriefShareGrief support groups that meet near you, rooted in faith
The Dougy CenterSupport for grieving children, teens and their families
988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineIf grief ever feels like too much, call or text 988, any time

Write to us any time. A real person reads every message, and there's nothing to buy.