Begin with one call
Call Alderwell at (914) 555-0148 at any hour. A funeral director will ask where the death occurred, who is present, and whether a hospital, hospice, care facility, or public authority is already involved. You do not need to choose burial or cremation during this first conversation.
When a death occurs in a hospital or care facility
The facility will usually guide the immediate clinical steps and ask which funeral home should be contacted. Give the staff Alderwell’s name and number, then call us so we can confirm the transfer and explain timing directly to you.
When a death occurs at home
If the person was receiving hospice care, call the hospice first and follow its instructions. If the death was unexpected or there is any immediate danger, call 911. The appropriate authority must complete its work before a funeral home can bring the person into its care.
Information that helps the first conversation
If readily available, note the person’s full legal name, location, date of birth, the caller’s relationship, and the name of the attending facility or professional. Do not delay the call to search for documents; most records can be gathered later.
What happens after the call
We coordinate transfer, confirm the person is in our care, and schedule an arrangement conference. Before that meeting, we provide a short list of useful documents and invite the family to identify any religious, cultural, timing, or travel considerations.
Let the urgent decisions stay small
The first hours require only a few practical choices. The ceremony, burial or cremation, obituary, flowers, and other details are discussed later with itemized price information and time to ask questions.
GENERAL INFORMATION
This article offers general funeral-planning information. State requirements, cemetery rules, contracts, insurance, veterans benefits, probate, and health matters may require guidance from the relevant provider or qualified professional.
