We realize that at this time it may be very difficult to focus. We have put together a checklist of information that you will need to gather, so we can assist you in a timely and professional manner. Some of this information will be asked of you when you make the first call to the funeral home so our staff can assist you properly from the start. Even our service will ask you some basic questions as well.
Basic Questions asked of you:
- Name of Deceased
- Where the deceased is located (Hospital, Hospice, Home, or Nursing facility)
- Phone number or address where the deceased is located.
- Legal address of deceased
- Date of Birth, and Place of Birth
- Social Security Number
- Occupation of the Decease
- Father’s name, Mother’s name and Maiden Name
- Education level
- Marital statues
- If married Wife’s name and maiden name
- Informant’s name (person giving information), address, and relationship to deceased
- Burial plot information (Cemetery Deeds, telephone numbers of contact persons, Burial Society information)
Information to be given to the rabbi:
- Hebrew name of the deceased
- Hebrew names of the deceased parents
Information to bring with you to the funeral home:
- Veterans Discharge papers
- Clothing if it is going to be needed (Shrouds are the traditional way of burial)
- Cemetery deeds and plot information as well a cemetery maps showing locations (if you have this)
Obituary Information:
We encourage ours families to write the obituary for the deceased because the obituary will be more personable, and contain the information that you want in it. If you would rather the funeral home write the obit for the deceased, we gladly will do so.
Information needed for the obit:
- Any memberships or involvement in Service clubs, Synagogues, Fire Depts., etc……..
- Survivors of the deceased, children, grand/great children, brother, sisters, etc….
- Any family statements that you wish to have included in the obituary. If you wish, an organization which donations in memory of deceased can be made.
- The location of Shiva, if you want to mention this in the obit.
Funeral pre-planning is one of the most unselfish acts one can perform for their family. We invite you to consider meeting with one of our directors to discuss pre-planning options.
Have peace of mind with thoughtful funeral planning before the need arises. With pre-planning the services and financial arrangements always reflect express wishes.
Medicaid Planning and Pre-Paid Funeral Arrangements
When applying for Medicaid benefits for a loved one, an essential planning strategy is establishing a pre-paid funeral arrangement through an Irrevocable Trust. This allows the funds to be classified as a “non-countable” asset during Medicaid’s 60-month look-back period, ensuring that funeral expenses are covered without affecting eligibility.
Without this strategy, Medicaid may claim all available assets before funeral costs are paid, leaving the family responsible for covering expenses out of pocket.
Irrevocable vs. Revocable Trusts
- Irrevocable Trust: Required for Medicaid applicants or recipients. Once funds are placed in this trust, they cannot be refunded.
- Revocable Trust: Available for all other pre-arrangements. The purchaser may cancel the contract at any time and receive a full refund plus accrued interest.
By planning ahead with a pre-paid funeral arrangement, you can protect your loved one’s Medicaid eligibility while ensuring funeral expenses are covered. If you have questions or need assistance, we’re here to help.
What to Do When a Death Occurs at Home
The necessary steps after a death at home depend on the circumstances. We strongly recommend calling us first at (718) 494-7700, as we are available 24/7 to guide you through the process.
Death at Home – Not Under Hospice Care
If someone passes away at home without being under hospice care, the family must call 911. Emergency responders, including paramedics and police, will arrive to assess the situation and determine the next steps.
Once the paramedics officially pronounce death, they will ask if the deceased had a treating physician. If a doctor was providing care and is willing to sign the death certificate, the Medical Examiner (ME) will document the cause of death as natural.
However, if the doctor cannot be reached—especially during late-night hours—the ME may arrange for the remains to be transported to their facility until the situation is resolved. This process can be stressful for families, as it may take several hours before a final decision is made.
If no doctor is available to sign the death certificate, the ME may suggest performing an examination or autopsy to determine the cause of death. Families have the right to decline an autopsy, in which case the ME may perform an external examination before signing the death certificate, allowing the funeral home to proceed with arrangements.
To avoid unnecessary stress, we recommend reaching out to us as soon as possible if a loved one is nearing the end of life. Additionally, if your loved one is under medical care, ensure their physician can be reached in case of an emergency.
Death at Home – Under Hospice Care
If the deceased was under hospice care, the first call should be to the hospice provider. They will send a nurse to the home to officially pronounce death. Once the pronouncement is made, the nurse will typically ask for the name and contact information of the funeral home and will notify us directly.
In most cases, we can dispatch our team and arrive within one hour of the pronouncement. In some areas, particularly within the five boroughs, hospice may pronounce death over the phone, which allows us to proceed with arrangements as soon as the family calls us.
If your loved one is on hospice care, contacting hospice first ensures a smoother and less stressful process. However, we are always available to assist you at any time.
By calling us first, we can help navigate this difficult time and ensure the necessary arrangements are handled with care and compassion. Our team is available 24/7 at (718) 494-7700 to assist you.
