Even when a passing is expected, the reality of loss can feel overwhelming. Knowing what steps to take during the first 24 hours can bring a small measure of calm to a chaotic time, allowing you to focus on your family and begin the grieving process with support.
At South Chicago Chapel, we understand how difficult these early hours can be. This guide is designed to walk you through the practical steps that need to happen, while reminding you that compassionate help is always within reach.
Step 1: Confirm the Passing and Notify the Right People
The very first step depends on where your loved one passed away. The location of death determines who needs to be contacted first.
If the Death Occurs at Home
If your loved one was under hospice care, call the hospice nurse or agency immediately. They will guide you through the next steps and make the necessary legal pronouncements. If hospice was not involved, call 911. Emergency responders will arrive to confirm the passing and determine whether further investigation is needed.
If the Death Occurs in a Hospital or Care Facility
In these situations, the medical staff will handle the official pronouncement and notify the appropriate authorities. They will also ask which funeral home you would like to contact for transportation.
If the Death Occurs Unexpectedly
For sudden or unattended deaths, local law enforcement and the medical examiner will likely be involved. This is a normal part of the process and does not reflect any wrongdoing. Be patient as they complete their work.
For more detailed guidance on this critical first step, our resource on what to do when death occurs offers helpful information you can refer to anytime.
Step 2: Contact a Funeral Home
Once the passing has been confirmed by the proper authorities, the next step is to contact a trusted funeral home. The funeral director will arrange transportation of your loved one and begin discussing the next steps with you.
If you are facing an urgent situation and need help right away, our immediate need services are available to provide compassionate, timely support. We know that this call is one of the hardest you will ever make, and we are here to listen, guide, and take the weight off your shoulders.
You do not need to have every detail figured out before reaching out. Our team will help you understand your options and create a plan that honors your loved one's wishes and your family's needs.
Step 3: Notify Close Family and Friends
After the funeral home has been contacted, it is time to inform close family members and friends. This step can feel emotionally heavy, so consider reaching out to one or two people first who can then help spread the news. You do not have to carry this responsibility alone.
When making these calls, keep the conversation simple. Share the basic information you have and let people know that more details will follow once arrangements are made. There is no need to have all the answers right away.
If your loved one had a strong faith community, employer, or close circle of friends, designate someone to notify them as well. Having a small support team helps ease the burden and allows you to focus on your immediate family.
Step 4: Gather Important Documents
In the hours following a loss, it helps to begin gathering important documents that will be needed for the funeral arrangements and legal matters. While there is no rush to complete everything immediately, having these items organized will make later steps smoother.
Documents to begin locating include:
- Social Security number
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate, if applicable
- Military discharge papers, if your loved one was a veteran
- Will or pre-planned funeral arrangements
- Life insurance policies
- Recent photographs for the obituary or memorial display
If your loved one served in the armed forces, they may be entitled to special honors and benefits. Our veteran services team can help ensure those benefits are properly arranged.
Step 5: Take Care of Immediate Practical Matters
There are a few small but important tasks that often get overlooked in the first 24 hours. Tending to these now can prevent stress later.
Secure the Home
If your loved one lived alone, make sure the home is locked and that pets are cared for. Collect any mail and remove perishable food if the home will be unoccupied for several days.
Cancel Immediate Appointments
If your loved one had medical appointments, social engagements, or recurring deliveries scheduled, cancel them when you are able. Friends and family can often help with these calls.
Allow Yourself to Pause
In the rush of phone calls and decisions, do not forget to breathe. Sit quietly for a moment, drink water, eat something small, and let yourself feel whatever emotions arise. Grief is not something to push through. It is something to move with.
Step 6: Lean on Support and Resources
You do not have to navigate this alone. Grief affects every family member differently, and reaching out for support early can make a meaningful difference. Whether you find comfort in faith, friends, counseling, or community, allow yourself to be cared for during this time. Our collection of grief resources is available whenever you or your loved ones need guidance, comfort, or simply a place to start the healing process.
We Are Here Whenever You Need Us
The first 24 hours after a loss are some of the most challenging moments a family will ever face. Please know that you are not alone. Our experienced and caring team is ready to provide gentle guidance, answer your questions, and handle every detail with the dignity your loved one deserves. If you need support right now or simply want to talk through your options, we invite you to reach out to our team at any time, day or night.
