If you are placed in the situation where a loved one or someone close to you has died unexpectedly at home, there are a number of things you should know that will help minimize the delays.

In most states / provinces, a doctor must be present to declare a person dead and / or state the cause of death. We strongly urge you to call your local funeral director, or any one of our Simpler Times affiliated providers. We recommend this because they will become a quick comforting voice to you and they will guide you in the steps you should take.

In most cases you should try calling your local physician if the death was caused by an expected illness. If you are unable to reach him / her, contact your local police department and they will dispatch an officer to your location immediately so you will not be alone.

If the death was sudden and unexplained, call your local police authorities. They will dispatch an officer immediately. They will make the necessary call to the local coroner to attend to the place of death. A county medical examiner or coroner may be called.

If you have not called your funeral director, you will have to consider doing so as the body will have to be removed by them or an authorized agent. Regrettably, there have been circumstances where police and or coroners have called a funeral home of their choice. While we will not speculate on the motives, often families find themselves being pressured by a funeral home who was called to the scene. You need to understand that you have the right to call a reputable funeral home of your choice. The Simpler Times program was designed to vette the market for only reputable funeral homes that will serve families in an up-front, honest manner. You can contact any one of our providers, regardless of how far they may be from your location. They will always provide you with sincere guidance without cost or obligation.

Family and friends should be notified. Call immediate family members first - parents, grandparents, children, and siblings of the deceased. Again, do not worry about waking others. Grief researchers say those close to the deceased feel left out if they aren't told about death immediately.

It's not necessary or practical for you to call every family member and friend. News of death travels quickly. Rely on others to make sure everyone is notified. Although it may be difficult to do, telling others of a death is therapeutic. By saying aloud that a loved one has died, the death is confirmed in your mind - an important step in the grief process.