What To Do After Someone Dies
We extend our condolences and offer our support to you.
When someone has died, you may experience a wide variety of emotions. This is okay. Every death is unique, just as every person is unique. There is no right way to feel, process, or act after a death. Give yourself permission to feel whatever you feel at this moment.
If you wish to receive our support with navigating your grief, we are here for you: 604-840-2342 (voice/text) or info@coasthospice.com.
This document provides information about the most common next steps after someone dies and a link to the Government of Canada website, which provides an online questionnaire that can generate a checklist for your specific situation based on your relationship to the deceased.
Suggested Steps to Making Final Arrangements
Promptly contact any relatives or close friends so you may have a support team during this time. There is no shame in asking for help; you deserve to be supported. If you do not have anyone to contact for support, please call Hospice.
When a person dies, a doctor or registered nurse will issue a medical certificate of death. With this completed, the next step is to locate that person's will. If the deceased appointed an executor of the will, this person should be contacted immediately, as the will may contain the wishes for a funeral/celebration of life. If there isn’t a will, someone connected to the deceased can apply for a grant of administration to manage the estate.
In consultation with those involved, decide on the time and place of the funeral or memorial service, per the instructions left by the deceased. If no preferences were documented, it may be up to you to mark their passage. This does not have to be done immediately. You have time to decide on the details and move through this process. If there is no money for a burial, the funeral home will guide you through applying for provincial assistance.
The First Few Weeks
The first few weeks may be busy with the formalities of making an announcement (obituary), event preparations, visiting, condolences, and planning. If this becomes overwhelming and you need guidance, contact your preferred funeral home or visit the Government of Canada website (canada.ca/en/services/death.html, or scan the QR code on the left) for a checklist of the necessary steps for your unique circumstance.
Devlin's Funeral Home is the only funeral home on the lower Sunshine Coast (604-886-9951, 79 Seaview Road, Gibsons).
Things You May Want to Consider in the Upcoming Weeks
Legal Matters
A wide variety of legal matters may need your attention. Again, this does not have to be the same day as the death. You can work alongside a funeral home or use the Government of Canada’s checklist(canada.ca/en/services/death.html, or scan the QR code above) to navigate the unique steps of your circumstances to begin notifying services and cancelling accounts within the first few weeks to months after death.
Taking Care of Yourself
A number of activities often occur in the weeks following a death—preparations, visits, condolences and planning. Prioritizing your well-being during this time is essential. No matter your relationship with the deceased, grieving can be a lengthy and exhausting journey. We encourage you to set aside time to process your feelings, connect with family and friends, and continue to participate in activities that bring you joy.
How Coast Hospice Can Support You
Coast Hospice is a non-profit charity dedicated to helping individuals in our community cope with grief. With a broad network of trained volunteers, we provide complimentary support services across the lower Sunshine Coast.
If you wish to receive support or if you have any questions, contact us at 604-840-2342.
We are here for you.
“Remember, there is no incorrect way to approach death, only options and instincts.”