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When Death Occurs

The moments after someone passes away can feel completely surreal, whether the loss is expected or not. It’s common for families to experience shock, numbness, panic, or disbelief. You might find yourself unsure of what to do next or what questions to ask, and that’s OK.

You’re not expected to have all the answers at this moment. There are just a couple of simple steps to take. Iles will be there to guide you through each step at your own pace, providing clear explanations and steady support.

Need help right now?

Call us anytime. We’ll guide you through the next steps, one at a time.

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A young woman with braided hair is crying and hugging another person for comfort, seeking emotional support and empathy when death occurs.

What to Do Now

The first steps you take depend on where and how the death happened.

If Death Occurs Under Hospice Care

  • Start by calling the hospice nurse.
  • The hospice team will officially pronounce the death and help you navigate the next steps.
  • If you’d like, hospice can reach out to Iles for you.
  • There’s no need to call 911.

If Death Occurs at Home Without Hospice

  • Call 911 to report the death.
  • Emergency responders will come and make the official pronouncement.
  • After that, you can contact Iles to arrange care and transportation.

If Death Occurs in a Hospital or Nursing Facility

  • The staff at the facility will take care of the immediate medical procedures.
  • It’s up to the family to choose the funeral home.
  • Once you provide authorization, Iles will handle the coordination for bringing your loved one into our care.

If Death Is Accidental or Unexpected

  • In this case, law enforcement and the medical examiner might get involved. This is a legal requirement, not an implication of wrongdoing.
  • Iles will be there to guide you through the process once the release is authorized.

If Death Occurs Out of State or Out of the Country

  • Reach out to Iles as soon as you can.
  • We’ll assist with transportation, documentation, and any necessary approvals.
  • You don’t have to worry about managing these details on your own.

What Happens After You Call Iles

What Our Team Will Do

  • We’ll ensure your loved one is treated with the utmost respect during transportation and while in our care.
  • We’ll work closely with hospitals, hospice providers, law enforcement, or the medical examiner to coordinate everything smoothly.
  • We’ll take care of all the necessary paperwork and filings for you.

What You Can Expect

  • A calm and professional response from our team.
  • We’ll provide clear explanations about what to expect next.
  • You won’t feel pressured to make decisions until you’re ready.

What You May Be Asked Later

  • We will need basic personal information about your loved one.
  • If applicable, we’ll ask about their veteran status.
  • You can choose to provide clothing or personal items if you wish.
  • We can gather these details over time. There’s no rush to decide everything at once.

Decisions That Can Wait

Many families feel pressured to make quick decisions, but the truth is, most choices can wait at least a short time. You don’t have to rush into anything in those first few hours or even the first days.

You Don’t Have to Decide Immediately

  • Burial or cremation
  • Timing or type of service
  • Viewing or visitation
  • Urns or other merchandise
  • Memorial or celebration details

How Iles Helps

  • We break down your options in a clear and straightforward way.
  • We’re here when you feel ready.
  • Our guidance aligns with your wishes, beliefs, and budget.
  • You stay in control of the pace and the decisions.

Legal and Practical Information

Death certificates play a crucial role in various legal and financial situations, and most families find they need multiple copies.

  • At Iles, we take care of preparing and filing all the necessary information.
  • We’re here to help you figure out how many copies you will need.
  • All certificates are ordered and distributed from our office.

Medical Examiner or Coroner Involvement

  • In some cases, the medical examiner will be involved.
  • This usually occurs in situations involving unexpected or unattended deaths.
  • It’s a process that’s mandated by law.
  • Iles keeps you informed and walks you through each step.

Authorizations and Identification

  • There are certain forms we need filled out to move forward with care.
  • Iles takes care of preparing and clarifying all the authorizations.
  • We handle identification with the utmost respect and privacy.
  • Whenever possible, we coordinate everything to help ease your stress.
An older man sits on a couch with his elbows on his knees, holding his head in his hands and looking down, appearing stressed or deep in thought—perhaps grappling with grief when death occurs—in a bright, cozy living room.

The First Few Days After a Death

Grief can take a toll on your ability to concentrate, get a good night’s sleep, and make decisions. It’s common for emotions to swing from one extreme to another. This is a natural reaction to experiencing loss.

When Everyday Tasks Become a Challenge

Even the simplest tasks may feel like a mountain to climb. Our goal is to shoulder as much of that weight as we can, allowing you to focus on taking care of yourself and your family.

Whether you’re grappling with a recent loss or trying to figure out what to do next, we’re here to support you. Feel free to reach out with any questions, concerns, or just to talk about the next steps. Our mission is to offer steady guidance, clear information, and compassionate care for families in central Iowa during these challenging times.

Not sure what to do next?

Call us anytime. We’ll walk you through it, step by step.

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