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Immediate Care Issues
Pets? Children? Elderly Relatives?
In many cases the deceased has dependents. For an elderly person, it may be a spouse who will need assistance, an adult child with special needs, grandchildren, or even beloved pets.
For others, it may be young children or younger siblings who will need to be cared for during the transition process. Temporary care arrangements for these dependents will need to be made immediately as well.
Always check with those most familiar with the family situation - other family members, neighbors, or friends to see what current arrangements are in place.
Depending on the level of need, determine if a family member could possibly accept responsibility, while a more permanent solution is being sought.
If there is a caretaker or housekeeper who is regularly at their home, this person may be able to assist temporarily during the transition.
Special Needs Dependents
Special Needs Dependents
Again, family, friends, or neighbors may be able to shed light on the situation of an adult child with special needs or be able to help out temporarily.
Does he/she attend a day care program for special needs adults? If so, check with that facility for options and/or recommendations on temporary full-time care.
Children - Grandchildren
For grandchildren or young children, contact their god parents and other relatives first to determine if they can accept responsibility for their care during the transition.
Otherwise, seek out neighbors or friends, who may be willing to help out during this time of need.
Remember that children are likely to need someone or something familiar to ease the transition. That might be a favorite toy, video/song, food, pet, or story. The sooner they are back in their structured routine, the quicker they will adapt
Pets
Lastly, for beloved pets, it may be that a family member is very happy to adopt them permanently or during the transition process.
If there was someone, who helped with the pets, check to see if they would be willing to help out at this time. Alternatively, pets can be boarded with a nearby kennel or vet as a last case scenario.
Take a familiar blanket or t-shirt. Pets also miss their owners.
More First Steps
Who's In Charge
The very first question when you learn of the death of a loved one, is who is in charge of carrying out their final wishes.
Wills & Lawyers
The best place to start is to find their will or their lawyer’s telephone number.
Other Featured Sections
Funerals, Etc.
Financial Details
Death Planning
Where do you start? Physical remains, funeral options, death certificates, memorial services and more
Financial Details
Financial Details
Financial Details
Next hurdle - how to handle financial records and accounts
Real Estate
Digital Footprint
Financial Details
Key reminders on securing residences - rented or owned, apartments or houses - after a loved one's death
Digital Footprint
Digital Footprint
Digital Footprint
What you need to kow to protect and eliminate the deceased's digital presence
Shared Stories
Shared Stories
Shared Stories
Funny, helpful and special stories shared by others to help you through the process
Checklists
Shared Stories
Shared Stories
For each section, download and personalize a pdf checklist