When a loved one dies, it can be hard to know what to do first. Even families who have planned ahead often feel unsure in the first hours. This guide walks through the first steps after a death in Sacramento, from who to call to the decisions that come next, so you can take things one step at a time. You do not have to figure it out alone.
Who should you call first?
The first call depends on where your loved one passed away.
If the death happens at home and was expected. If your loved one was receiving hospice care, call the hospice team first. A hospice nurse can confirm the death and help with the next steps, including contacting the funeral home when your family is ready.
If the death happens at home and was unexpected. Call 911. Emergency responders will come to the home, and in some cases the county coroner may need to be involved before your loved one can be released to a funeral home.
If the death happens in a hospital, nursing home, or care facility. The staff will confirm the death and notify the attending physician. They will ask which funeral home your family has chosen so they can arrange for your loved one to be transferred into its care.
There is usually no need to rush. Many families take some time to sit with their loved one, call a close relative, or say a prayer before making the next call.
When should you contact a funeral home?
Once the death has been confirmed, the next step is to contact a funeral home. The funeral home will arrange to bring your loved one into its care, whether from a home, hospital, or care facility, and can answer questions about what happens next.
At All Seasons Funeral Service, our team is available 24 hours a day at (916) 896-1910. When you call, we will ask a few basic questions, such as your loved one's name and where they are, and we will schedule a time to meet with you to talk through arrangements.
What documents and information will you need?
During the arrangement meeting, the funeral director will help complete the death certificate and other paperwork. It helps to gather the following, if you can:
- Your loved one's full legal name, date and place of birth, and Social Security number
- Their parents' names, including their mother's maiden name
- Marital status and the name of a surviving spouse, if any
- Their usual occupation and highest level of education
- Military discharge papers (DD-214), if they served
- Any written wishes, preplanning documents, or insurance policies
You do not need to have everything before you meet. Your funeral director can tell you what is still needed and help you find it.
Who needs to be notified?
In the first days, you will likely want to let close family and friends know, often by phone or in person before sharing the news more widely. It can help to ask one or two people to share the news with others, so you are not making every call yourself.
Over the following weeks, other people and organizations may need to be notified, such as your loved one's employer, banks, insurance companies, and the Social Security Administration. Your funeral director can explain which notifications are often handled as part of the arrangements and which ones your family will need to make.
What decisions come next?
After the first calls, your family will begin making decisions about how to honor your loved one. These often include:
- Burial or cremation. If your loved one shared their wishes, those can guide your choice.
- The type of service. Options include a traditional funeral, a viewing or visitation, a memorial service, a graveside service, or a celebration of life.
- Personal touches. Photos, music, readings, and other details can help the service reflect who your loved one was.
- Death certificates. Certified copies are often needed to settle accounts, claim benefits, and handle other affairs. Your funeral director can help you order them and estimate how many your family may need.
There is no single right way to say goodbye. What matters most is that the arrangements feel meaningful to your family.
Taking the next step
Losing someone you love is overwhelming, and the first steps can feel like a lot to manage. You do not have to go through it alone. Our caring team at All Seasons Funeral Service is here to guide Sacramento families through each step, answer your questions, and help you plan a farewell that honors your loved one.
If you need help now, call us at (916) 896-1910, any time of day or night.
