what to do

What to do

When a death occurs, many people are unsure of the necessary steps to take. At Brett Funeral Home, we want to ensure you are as informed as possible, so we’ve outlined some common situations below. Our role is to guide you through this process, and we hope this information will answer some of your questions.

The actions you need to take after a death depend on the circumstances and location. It’s crucial to understand your options, and we’re here to provide the necessary information to help you make these important decisions.

Unexpected death at home or elsewhere
In these cases, you should immediately contact 911. Emergency responders will determine the next steps, and typically, they will release the body to our funeral home so we can begin service preparations. However, if the cause of death is unknown, the body may be taken to the Medical Examiner’s office first.

Death in a hospital or care facility
If the death occurs in a hospital or nursing facility, the medical staff will take care of the legal requirements. Simply inform them that Brett Funeral Home is handling the arrangements, and we will ensure all paperwork is completed.

Expected death at home
Many people with terminal illnesses choose to spend their final days at home under hospice care. In this case, inform Hospice that Brett Funeral Home is your chosen provider. They will take care of the necessary legal paperwork. Many families also choose to pre-arrange services in advance to ease the emotional burden during this difficult time.

Death outside the state
If the death occurs outside of the state, please call us at (800) 347-6688. We will coordinate with a local funeral director at the place of death. As members of several national organizations, we can often reduce costs by handling all necessary arrangements.

This is a basic overview of your options in certain situations. For more details or if you have any questions, feel free to contact us at (414) 342-0692. We are here to assist and serve you.