What to do when Death Occurs
There are several things that must be considered when a death occurs. The order in which things need to be done usually depends on whether the death occurred at a residence, a public place, a hospital or hospice facility.

A large number of people choose to be at home with Hospice or a home health care provider who assists the family until death occurs. Usually, the family will notify Hospice or the health care provider, and they will contact the proper people in the correct order; the physician, the medical examiner's office (if necessary), and the funeral home.

• If death occurs in a residence and no one is there at the time of death, the police must be notified and must respond to the residence before the deceased is removed from the home. This may result in a coroner's case.
• If death occurs in a hospital or other care center, the name of the funeral home may be left with them, and the institution will notify the funeral home at the time of death. It is advisable for the family to also call the funeral home as soon as possible. The funeral home will respond immediately (we are on call 24-hours a day). At a time convenient to the family, the funeral home will review matters with the family.
• If you are uncertain who to notify when death occurs, please call us immediately in Lancaster at 393-9661; Millersville at 872-5041 or Lititz Pike at 560-5100, and we will assist you in notifying the proper agencies.

For your convenience, we have listed some of the more common places where certificates may be needed:

• Life Insurance Companies (consult your agent or insurance company)
• Credit Life Insurance (consult lending institution)
• Employee Benefits (consult employer)
• Vehicle Titles (including Auto, RV, Boat, Cycle, etc.)
• Real Estate Titles (consult county clerk, realtor, or attorney)
• Stocks & Bonds (consult financial advisor or broker)
• Income Tax Returns
• Social Security Administration
• Banks (including trust accounts and safety deposit boxes)

5. Notify insurance companies and file claims when applicable. Your insurance representative will be able to answer any questions you may have.

• Life Insurance-Your Funeral Director can assist you with this
• Medical, Health, Disability, Travel and Accident Insurance
• Pension Benefits
• Homeowners Insurance
• Notify employer of deceased

9. Apply for appropriate benefits when applicable

• Social Security Benefits-Your Funeral Director will notify Social Security of the death
• Veteran's Burial and Survivor Benefits-Your Funeral Director will apply for these benefits
• Worker's Compensation Benefits

10. Notify Stockbrokers

• Change ownership of jointly- or solely-owned stocks
• Cancel any open orders arranged by the deceased

11. Notify Bank

• Change all jointly held accounts and correct tax ID numbers (usually Social Security numbers)
• Cancel direct deposit of retirement benefit payments
• Re-establish title of safe deposit box
• Re-establish outstanding mortgages, personal notes, etc.
• Apply for all credit life insurance which may exist

Thumbies® are uniquely personal keepsakes, meticulously fashioned in precious metals from a fingerprint of your loved one. Charms are available in both yellow and white gold and sterling silver, and can be engraved as well. For infants and young children whose fingerprints are very fine, the entire handprint or footprint is used. To request a Thumbies® brochure, click here. If you have questions and would like to speak with someone, please call any one of our funeral homes or feel free to stop by to see samples.

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