You don’t need to do everything today. You just need to do the next right thing.

If the death happened at home

• Call 911 if it was unexpected, accidental, or if you are unsure.

• If it was expected and medical support was involved (home care, palliative care, nurse practitioner, physician), follow their instructions.

• Do not move the person unless instructed to do so.

If the death happened in a hospital or care facility

• Staff will guide you through the next steps and usually help coordinate paperwork and the transfer.

If the death happened outside Alberta

• Ask the local authority or facility what’s required; rules and timelines can be different. You can still choose an Alberta funeral home to help coordinate the return.

A funeral home can help with:

• Arranging transportation

• Planning burial or cremation

• Coordinating required authorizations

• Starting the paperwork process

• Helping you understand timelines and costs

If the person had preplanned, find any paperwork, a funeral home name, or notes about their wishes.

Gather what you can, even if it takes a couple of days.

Most commonly needed:

• Full legal name and date of birth

• Alberta Personal Health Number (if available)

• Social Insurance Number (if available)

• Address and marital status

• Next of kin details

• Will and executor information

• Insurance policies, pension info, and banking info (later, but start a folder)

If you can’t find everything right away, don’t panic. We work with imperfect information every day.

Burial

Usually requires choosing a cemetery, selecting a plot (if not already owned), and setting service timing.

Cremation

Cremation typically requires signed authorization and may take longer than people expect, especially around weekends or holidays.

If the death is under investigation

Sometimes the Medical Examiner or authorities are involved. That can affect timelines and what can happen right away. A funeral home can still support you and explain the process.

In the first 24 to 72 hours, focus on the “must-knows.”

• Close family and friends

• Employer (to stop benefits, ask about final pay, and get any forms)

• Facility landlord (if relevant)

• Pet care, home security, and mail pickup

Tip: Choose one person to help with calls and texts. You should not have to repeat the story 47 times.

You can have:

• A traditional service

• A graveside or committal only

• A memorial later

• A private family gathering

• No service at all (yes, that’s allowed)

There’s no “right” choice, only the one that fits your personality and your family. Remember, the service is for the ones left behind; not everyone needs the same thing, but most people need something for closure.