If someone has died and you are in need of our services right now, please accept our condolences and know we will do everything we can to help you through this difficult time.
Start thinking about the arrangements you want. Viewing? Ceremonies? Burial? Cremation? Reception? Meet with our caring staff, who will guide you through these many decisions. We will take care of important things like the completion and filing of the death certificate, helping with obituaries, etc.
In addition to providing immediate care for the person who died, you will want to begin thinking about the arrangements you want. Our staff will help you understand all the options available to you. Our On-line Vital Statistics form will make it easier when you meet with us. Feel free to complete it online or download it, print it, and bring it with you.
At Home
If death occurred at home and was sudden or unexpected and the deceased has not been under the care of a doctor, it is necessary to call 911. Emergency personnel will respond and pronounce death; they will make the necessary report to the coroner. If your loved one had been under hospice care, it is not necessary to call 911 - call the hospice nurse, who will come, pronounce death, and notify the coroner. The hospice nurse will probably even offer to call the funeral home for you. We will come to transfer your loved one into our care at any hour of the day or night - we will ask what time is best for you. Some families want this happen right away; some want to spend some quiet time either alone or gathering with other family and friends. There is no right or wrong way - only the way that is best for you and your family. We will honor your wishes either way.
At Hospital or Nursing Home
If death occurred in a hospital or nursing facility the staff there will be familiar with the necessary procedures. We will come to transfer your loved one into our care as soon as the facility is ready. A hospital will require a signed authorization from the next of kin before releasing to us. You can sign a release in our office or at the hospital.
At Coroner
If your loved one has been taken to the coroner's office, notify us and we will make arrangements to transfer your loved one into our care as soon as possible. The coroner will require a release signed by the next of kin.
Death Away From Home
If funeral services are to be held in the city where the person died, you will first contact a local funeral home, who will help with arrangements and coordinate the transfer to Cypress Lawn after local services have been held.
If no funeral services are to be held at the distant city, you can contact Cypress Lawn first. We will be pleased to coordinate arrangements with a cooperating funeral director for preparation and transfer to Cypress Lawn on your behalf.
If funeral services are to be held in the city where the person died, you will first contact a local funeral home, who will help with arrangements and coordinate the transfer to Cypress Lawn after local services have been held.
