Guidance After a Loss

1. Obtain a Legal Pronouncement of Death

• If your loved one passes away at home under hospice care, call the hospice provider. They will handle the necessary legal documentation.
• If the passing occurs at a hospital or nursing facility, the staff will provide the legal declaration of death.
• If your loved one passes unexpectedly at home, call 911. Emergency personnel will guide you on the next steps.

2. Notify Family and Close Friends

• Take time to contact immediate family members, close friends, and anyone who should be informed right away.
• If needed, ask a trusted friend or relative to assist in making calls.

3. Contact Lotus Funeral Services

• Call us at (845) 531-1673 to begin making arrangements.
• Our team will walk you through the necessary steps, whether you need immediate transportation, cremation, a traditional service, or assistance in returning your loved one to their final resting place.

Making Arrangements

4. Gather Important Documents To help finalize arrangements, you will need:

• The full legal name of the deceased
• Date and place of birth
• Social Security number
• Spouse’s name (if applicable)
• Military service records (for veterans' benefits)
• Insurance policies (if applicable)

5. Decide on Funeral or Cremation Services

Our team will help you choose a service that best reflects your loved one’s wishes, whether it’s a traditional funeral, cremation, or transportation to their home location for burial. We will handle all the details with care and respect.

6. Obtain Death Certificates You will need multiple copies of the official death certificate for legal and financial matters (insurance claims, closing accounts, etc.). We can help you obtain these.

Additional Considerations

• Notify the Social Security Administration – We can assist you with reporting the passing to Social Security if your loved one was receiving benefits.
• Contact Employers & Insurance Providers – If applicable, notify any employer about pension or benefits. Contact life insurance providers for claims.
• Secure Personal Affairs – This may include closing bank accounts, handling property matters, and ensuring final wishes are honored.

We Are Here for You

At Lotus Funeral Services, we know this is an incredibly difficult time. You don’t have to go through it alone. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to assist you with every step, ensuring your loved one is honored with dignity and care.

For immediate assistance, call us at 845-531-1673