A calm, step-by-step guide for the hours and days after a loss, written for Oakland and East Bay families who need clear direction now.
The first hours after someone you love dies can feel like a blur. You may be unsure of when, what and who to call, all while trying to absorb the loss itself. However, there’s a clearer path forward than most people realize. This guide walks you through what you must do in the first hours, what to handle over the first few days, how organ and tissue donation works and the early paperwork, so you can move forward one step at a time.
The first step depends on where the death occurred. Each situation is a little different, and our Oakland team can walk you through what to do with a single call.
For an expected death under hospice care, call the hospice or your loved one’s care provider first, then the funeral home. Most hospices provide clear guidance for families in this situation. For an unexpected death, call 911 right away, even if you’re certain your loved one has passed.
If a loved one passes in a hospital, care facility or hospice, the staff will guide your family through the immediate steps. They will confirm the pronouncement of death and ask which funeral home you have chosen. You can name a funeral home at any time and don’t have to make every decision at once.
A sudden, unattended or unexpected death is reported to the Alameda County Coroner or medical examiner. County officials may need to be involved before your loved one is released into a funeral home’s care. This is a routine step, and our team can advise you on what comes next.
Once your loved one is in our care, there are several things to handle in the days that follow. Our team will guide you at every step.
Start by notifying immediate family and close friends. Over the following days, contact your loved one’s employer, the Social Security Administration, banks, insurance companies and any pension or benefits providers. If your loved one was a veteran, let our Oakland team know; military funeral honors and eligible benefits may be available.
Arrange care for any pets, collect the mail and safeguard valuables and important papers. Family members who want to help can take on these tasks. Our team will give you a complete list of documents that carry your loved one’s full legal name, date and place of birth and Social Security number.
Our Oakland team is available 24 hours a day. One call starts the process, and no decisions are final at that point.
Many families worry that organ or tissue donation will limit their funeral options, but this is not usually the case. Donation typically does not prevent a traditional funeral, a viewing or a cremation, and the recovery process is handled with care and respect. Because donation decisions are time sensitive, they’re usually coordinated by the hospital or a regional donation organization shortly after death. If your loved one was a registered donor, those wishes are generally honored. If you’re unsure, hospital staff can help verify registration through the donor registry. After donation, the funeral home can still carry out the service your family chooses and will coordinate timing of arrangements.
One of the first documents families need is the death certificate. Our Oakland staff will help complete and file the necessary information and can order certified copies on your behalf. In this area, death certificates are recorded through Alameda County vital records. Most families need several certified copies to handle bank accounts, insurance claims and survivor benefits. More complex legal and administrative steps and probate usually come later. Our guides on obtaining a death certificate and legal and administrative steps walk through each part in detail.
For an expected death at home, call the hospice or your loved one’s care provider. For a sudden or unexpected death, call 911. If the death occurs at a hospital or care facility, the staff will guide you. In all cases, notify a funeral home once the death is confirmed. Our Oakland team is reachable any time.
You do not have to face the next steps alone. Our team in Oakland is here to guide your family through every detail with care, whenever you are ready and at any hour.
We’re here for you during this difficult time.
(510) 379-5200