A Death Has Occurred
You do not have to figure everything out right now. We are here day or night.
What to Do When Someone Dies
If someone you love has just passed away, it can be hard to know what to do next. The first step depends on where the death occurred and whether it was expected. You do not need to make every decision now.
Find your situation below. When you are ready for help with cremation arrangements, call us at 343-227-2393. We handle transfers after hours. If you would rather start by sharing details online, use our immediate need form.
What to Do First, Depending on Where It Happened
If someone has died in a hospital
Hospital staff take care of the immediate medical requirements, notify the designated family contact, and explain next steps. Your family then chooses a licensed provider. Once you have chosen Modest Cremation Alternative, call us and we will coordinate the transfer with the hospital once authorization and release are in place.
If someone has died in long-term care or a retirement residence
Staff contact the appropriate medical professional and notify the designated family member. Then call us. The residence and our team will coordinate the transfer once the medical and authorization steps are complete.
If an expected death has occurred at home
If your loved one was receiving palliative or end-of-life care at home, follow the care plan from their physician, nurse practitioner, hospice or home-care team. A medical professional must pronounce the death before the deceased can be transferred. Once that has happened, call us, including after hours.
If an unexpected death has occurred at home
Call 911. Do not move the person or disturb the area unless emergency personnel tell you to. Paramedics, police and possibly the coroner may become involved; this is normal procedure for an unexpected death. Once the deceased has been released, we can help with the cremation arrangements.
If you are unsure which situation applies
If there is any doubt about whether a death has occurred or emergency help is needed, call 911. If the death has already been pronounced and you are unsure what to do about arrangements, call us and tell us what has happened.
Call 343-227-2393, day or night. You do not need any paperwork ready before you call.
What to Have Ready, and What Happens Next
Do not wait until you have every document. When you first call, it helps to know:
- The name of the person who died
- Where they are now, and when the death occurred
- Whether the death was expected, and whether it has been pronounced
- Whether the coroner is involved
- Your relationship to the deceased, and how to reach you
If you do not know some of this, call anyway.
What happens after you call
- We confirm the deceased can be transferred, coordinating with the hospital, residence, care team, police or coroner as needed.
- We bring them into our care, including after hours. Transfers within 50 km are included in our price.
- We complete the arrangements with you, remotely or by phone.
- We handle the documentation: registration, the burial permit, the coroner’s certificate and the cremation authorization.
- The cremation takes place, in most cases within 1 to 2 days.
- We return the cremated remains to the authorized person.
See how direct cremation works for more detail, and cremation costs for pricing. Direct cremation with us costs $2,287.05 including HST.
What You Do Not Need to Decide Right Away
Families often feel every decision must be made immediately. It does not. You generally do not need to decide right away:
- When or where to hold a celebration of life
- Where the cremated remains will ultimately be placed
- Whether the ashes will be scattered
- What permanent memorial you want
- Every detail of the estate
Focus first on what needs to happen now. Other decisions can follow.
Documents that may help later
As arrangements progress, you may need:
- Full legal name, date and place of birth, and address
- Marital status, spouse information and parents’ names
- Social Insurance Number and health card
- Driver’s licence, birth certificate and marriage certificate
- Will or estate documents
Do not delay calling because you cannot find these. We will tell you what is needed and when.
Immediate Need FAQ
Someone just died. Do I call you immediately?
If the death occurred in a hospital or care facility, speak with staff first, then call us. For an expected death at home, follow the care team’s instructions. For an unexpected death, call 911 first.
Can you help after hours?
Yes. Call 343-227-2393, day or night. We handle transfers after hours.
Do I need the paperwork before calling?
No. Call first. We will explain what information and documents are needed.
Do I need to choose an urn immediately?
No. We will explain when that decision needs to be made. Urns are selected separately from the cremation.
Do we need to plan the celebration of life now?
No. Many families choose direct cremation specifically so they can plan a memorial later.
What if I do not know what I am supposed to do?
Call us and explain the circumstances. Helping you understand the next step is our role. More answers are on our cremation FAQ.
We Will Help You Take It One Step at a Time
You do not need to understand the process, know which forms are required, or have the memorial planned. Tell us what has happened, and we will guide you from there.
In an emergency, call 911. This page is general information, not legal or medical advice. Modest Cremation Alternative Inc., 2037 McGee Side Road, Carp, ON K0A 1L0. Licensed by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, licence TS1-0014812.