Top Hospice Resources for Families & Hospice Care Teams
Preparing for the Next Steps
Caring for someone in hospice can bring many questions and uncertainties. For families, it can feel like juggling overwhelming emotions while tackling unfamiliar administrative tasks. For hospice professionals, balancing the emotional and physical needs of patients and their families can be challenging.
Afterall is here to support you, whether you are a family member seeking guidance or a hospice care team member looking for resources to assist families. Below, you'll find simple, clear answers to some of the most frequently asked questions and helpful checklists and resources to make this journey a little easier. And always, our compassionate experts are here to help.
For Families
Clear answers to your family’s questions and concerns. If you need more help, call us.
At its most simple level, the next of kin is someone’s closest relative. The next of kin (abbreviated as NOK) is the person who is authorized to make certain choices after the death of their loved one. Among those is choosing between cremation or burial and filling out the appropriate legal paperwork with the funeral provider. The NOK designation can also be important for other aspects of after-life affairs if someone has died without a will (also called intestacy), like dividing their property.
Learn More: Who Has the Legal Right to Make Funeral Arrangements? State Laws Explained help you notify Social Security
You do not have to handle this alone. Your funeral provider will help you notify Social Security and file for the necessary death certificates, ensuring that all the proper steps are taken care of.
Learn more: Death Certificates 101: A Complete Guide and Social Security Benefits 101
Filling out a Vital Statistics form can seem daunting, but we’re here to help. Typically, you’ll need:
- Birth certificate
- Social Security number
- Parent names (including mother's maiden name)
- Spouse and children’s information
For a deeper understanding of why this information is needed and how it relates to a death certificate, take a look at our article: What a Death Certificate Reveals and Why You Need One.
An Advanced Directive is a legal document that outlines a person's wishes for medical treatment if they are unable to communicate those decisions themselves. If you’re unsure if your loved one has an Advanced Directive, check with their healthcare provider or ask family members if one was created. It's best to have this document in place as soon as possible to ensure your loved one's wishes are followed. For more information on important legal steps to take, read: Essential Legal Steps to Take When Someone Dies.
It’s OK not to have all the answers right away. Start with the simplest steps: Decide whether your loved one would prefer cremation or burial, and consider if there is a funeral provider you already know and trust. From there, you can explore options like traditional services, memorials, or something unique that feels right for your family. You’re welcome to reach out and talk to us at any time—just having a conversation doesn’t mean you’re obligated to use our services. We’re here to help make these decisions easier, offering care and support every step of the way. Read more about the first steps: How To Plan a Funeral.
Veterans and their families may be entitled to special burial benefits, including allowances, memorial items, and military honors. You can start by exploring options through the VA, and our team is also here to help you understand and navigate these benefits. For more information, you can read our comprehensive guide: Veterans Burial Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide. And remember, you’re welcome to reach out to us anytime for assistance —whether you choose to use our services or just need guidance.
Talking to someone in hospice about their condition and the reality of their situation can be incredibly difficult. Still, it can also open the door to meaningful conversations and allow you to connect on a deeper level. It’s important to be gentle and open, creating space for them to share their thoughts and feelings. If you're unsure where to start or how to approach these discussions, our guide offers thoughtful ways to have these critical conversations: 6 Questions to Ask Your Loved One About After-Life Planning.
Your hospice or hospital may have chaplain services available that could provide you with additional support at this time. Remember, there is no perfect way to talk about this – just being present and listening can be a comfort.
Checklists for Families
- What to do when someone dies: This step-by-step guide covers the immediate actions to take, including contacting hospice, notifying family members, and reaching out to a funeral home. View the checklist.
Additional Resources:
Our resource library offers supportive articles and guides on various topics, from grief support to planning a memorial service. Explore our resources to find answers, comfort, and encouragement.
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For Hospice Care Teams
We understand that you're dedicated to providing families with the best possible care during a difficult time as a hospice care team. We're here to partner with you and provide seamless support to both you and the families you serve. Below, you'll find answers to common questions and resources tailored to make your role easier.
Guidance for Hospice Professionals
We recommend contacting the funeral home when a family is ready to discuss arrangements or has questions about the next steps. Our team is available 24/7 to assist you and the families you serve.
Having these details ready will help ensure a smooth conversation:
- Full name of the patient
- Date and place of death
- Information about any prearrangements or preplanning that may have been made
Encourage families to consider their loved one’s wishes and discuss their priorities openly. Reassure them that there is no “right” way to plan a service—only what feels meaningful to them.
Here are some materials that might help:
Absolutely. They will guide families through all necessary paperwork, including death certificates and legal notifications. Our team will ensure that every detail is handled correctly and with care, so families don’t have to worry about missing any important steps. For a closer look at the legal process and what documents may be required, please refer to our article: Essential Legal Steps to Take When Someone Dies. You can trust us to provide the compassionate support and guidance needed during this time.
As a hospice care professional, you can support families by encouraging discussions about their loved one’s wishes and ensuring they have the essential legal documents in place. It can be helpful to designate one family member to handle communications and decision-making to avoid confusion. Understanding which documents are needed, like a will, power of attorney, or advance directives, can help families feel more prepared and less overwhelmed. For more details on these documents and how they can aid in planning, explore our guide: Funeral Planning: Essential Legal Documents Guide. Your guidance in helping families organize and prepare can make a profound difference during this challenging time.
Yes, we highly value collaboration. Let us know how we can best support your efforts in providing exceptional care, and we’ll work closely with you to create a seamless experience.
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