After a loved one's death, you'll need to make cremation or burial arrangements, and usually funeral arrangements as well, if your loved one didn't make them ahead of time.

Selecting a funeral home, also known as a mortuary, is often the first task. If your loved one passed away at home or in the hospital, you'll be asked to specify a funeral home where the body will be transferred. After you contact the funeral home, they'll arrange to come take the body.

Before you begin planning a funeral, check whether your loved one made any arrangements or communicated any wishes regarding their body or memorial; these may be noted in their will. You'll also want to find out whether they established a pre-need funeral trust to cover the costs.

Decedent Affairs Program

UCSF Health's Patient Relations team coordinates the Decedent Affairs Program, which provides guidance during this difficult time and acts as a liaison between your family and outside agencies. The program also helps with arrangements and necessary paperwork.

If you have questions or need help, please reach out to the program's staff.