A Survivor’s Guide To What To Do After A Loved One Dies
Osterhout & McKinney PA - Lance M McKinney
For more information about the author, click to view their website: Osterhout & McKinney, P.A
Mar 16, 2023
Florida - Southwest
Email US
Click to Email Us
We understand the loss of a loved one is an extremely difficult time for you and your family. You may feel overwhelmed both emotionally and logistically, and don’t know where to start. In this checklist, we have listed some action steps for you to take after a loved one passes away. You can use this as a guide as you progress through the steps. It is important to note that some of these action items are intended for the Personal Representative named in the decedent’s Last Will and Testament. Remember, the Power of Attorney is no longer valid after death.
Last Rites – Burial or Cremation
After doing some of the more obvious things like notifying parties and arranging for care of pets and dependents, you’ll want to find out about existing funeral plans. Ideally, you would know your loved one’s burial/cremation plans ahead of time. Look for your loved one’s existing Health Care Surrogate document and Living Will. If the person is still living, these documents authorize care decision making authority and end of life wishes. If they have passed, these same documents sometimes explicitly authorize burial or cremation authority and even if silent in the document, the named advocate under these documents are in the line of authorized persons to act for final arrangements. If you cannot locate those documents, you’ll need to make some decisions like where to hold the service and whether to cremate or to bury.
Gathering Information
We suggest forwarding mail, which is important for a couple different reasons. First, you do not want the mail to be piling up at an unoccupied home, signaling to other people that the property is unattended. Secondly, sorting through the mail is key to finding out what subscriptions, creditors and assets are out there. Checking online accounts and going through the mail will help paint a financial picture. To forward the mail, you will need to visit the post office and put in a forwarding order. You will need to bring proof that you are the Personal Representative or the Executor.
As you begin to gather what is out there, make an actual inventory or list that shows both assets and bills/creditors. This will not only help you keep track of what is out there, but it will be extremely beneficial when meeting with a Trust/Estates attorney. An attorney will help you determine what needs to be paid now, and if a probate is needed. If a probate is needed, you will need to go a step further and figure out the date of death values of the assets. If a probate is not needed, the attorney can walk you through the Trust Administration or any other after-death steps. Either way, try to locate the originals of the Will or Trust so that it can be reviewed with the attorney and filed with the court.
Death Certificates
We recommend ordering several certified copies of your loved one’s death certificate. This is often done by the Funeral Home.
You may need anywhere from 2-10 copies. It really depends on the number of assets your loved one had. The death certificates will be needed when claiming insurance benefits, or for opening/closing new financial accounts. To be on the safe side, we recommend ordering 10 certified copies of the short form death certificates which do not list the cause of death. However, if your loved one had any life insurance policies, you may need to order a long form showing the cause of death.
Notifying the World
Another thing that the Funeral Home will do on your behalf is contact Social Security to notify them of your loved one’s death. If you are a spouse, you may be entitled to a death benefit from Social Security. If they were employed or receiving a retirement benefit you contact the employer to check on possible insurance or retirement benefits and to stop further pension payments. If there are death benefits available, the companies will send out the appropriate claim forms. An attorney can assist you in completing the forms. Consider contacting a CPA to determine if a final tax return will need to be filed on the deceased’s behalf. Lastly, canceling the deceased’s driver’s license and notifying the credit agencies are recommended to help prevent identity theft.
We hope this checklist will get you started. It is important to note this is not an exhaustive list and it is intended to be used a general guide. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us at 239-939-4888 and we will help you navigate through each of these steps.
Written by Lance McKinney
- To view the original version of this article visit osterhoutmckinney.com/a-survivors-guide-to-what-to-do-after-a-loved-one-dies/
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
Other Articles You May Like
Geriatric Mental Health Counseling: Uplifting Minds with Compassion and Care
Program OverviewBaker Senior Center Naples offers Geriatric Mental Health Counseling to address the emotional and psychological challenges commonly experienced by older adults and their families. The program provides licensed, professional outpatient therapy in a supportive setting, including individual, couples, family, and group sessions tailored specifically for seniors.Who It's ForThis program supports seniors and caregivers dealing with: Anxiety and stress Depression Grief and loss Major life transitions (such as retirement or chronic illness) Cognitive changes Low self-esteem Anger, trauma, or unresolved emotional pain Loneliness and isolation Caregiver burnout What It Offers Outpatient Counseling: Confidential therapy for individuals or families needing support. Licensed Clinicians: Therapists are credentialed professionals with extensive geriatric experience. Holistic Mental Health Support: Services are goal-directed and client-centered, often incorporating creative therapies like music and group discussion. Support for Cognitive Conditions: Programming also benefits those experiencing memory loss, combining emotional guidance with social engagement. This program is vital for older adults who may be underserved by traditional mental health services or hesitant to seek help elsewhere.Funding & AccessibilityBaker Senior Center Naples is committed to removing financial barriers to mental health care. The program is: Partially grant-funded, ensuring low or no-cost therapy for qualifying individuals. Insurance-friendly, with many services covered under Medicare or private plans. Supported by donors and foundations, allowing expansion to meet the increasing mental health needs of older adults in Collier and southern Lee counties. Real-Life ImpactThe center has served dozens of seniors facing grief, depression, and isolation. One participant shared how therapy helped her cope with the loss of her spouse, regain emotional balance, and reconnect with life. These stories demonstrate the programs power to transform sadness into strength and disconnection into resilience.Leadership & Clinical Oversight The program is led by Pamela Osborne, LCSW, Chief Clinical Officer, who brings over three decades of experience in geriatric counseling and mental health services. She ensures clinical quality, therapist credentialing, and integration with the centers other programs, such as case management, caregiver support, and memory care services. Why It MattersChallengeSolutionSeniors facing grief or depressionPrivate, professional therapy sessionsCaregivers experiencing burnoutCouples or family counseling for stress reliefEmotional struggles from chronic illnessSupport groups and resilience coachingIsolation and loss of purposeGroup therapy and community-based activitiesLife transitions and role changesShort-term therapeutic support with clear goalsThis program not only supports emotional healing but also promotes dignity, independence, and improved quality of life. How to Access Services Eligibility: Adults aged 60 and older; family caregivers may also participate. Referrals: Seniors can self-refer or be referred by healthcare providers, family members, or case managers. Scheduling Appointments: Call the center directly to discuss availability, insurance coverage, or financial assistance options. Final ThoughtsGeriatric Mental Health Counseling at Baker Senior Center Naples is more than a clinical serviceit is a compassionate bridge to emotional wellbeing for older adults. Through professional counseling, strong leadership, and inclusive access, the center empowers seniors to overcome emotional hardships, reduce isolation, and build healthier, more connected lives. If you or a loved one are facing emotional challenges, Baker Senior Center Naples is ready to helpconfidentially, compassionately, and professionally.
Geriatric Case Management: Supporting Safe, Fulfilling Aging in Place
Overview & Why It MattersLoneliness, isolation, and complex health needs are pressing challenges for older adults. In Naples alone: Approximately 1 in 3 seniors wakes up feeling isolated each morning. Loneliness among older adults is associated with a 45% increased risk of mortality. Over 22,000 seniors in Naples live with dementia, and Alzheimers is diagnosed every 66 seconds nationwide. Reddit+12Baker Senior Center Naples+12BenefitsCheckUp+12 To address these challenges, Baker Senior Center Naples offers a robust Geriatric Case Management program designed to help seniors thrive at home, safely and with dignity. What the Program ProvidesProfessional Case Manager Services Conducts comprehensive in-home assessments, including daily living needs, home safety, and fall risk. Develops tailored care plans that may include community referrals, caregiver support, and benefits assistance. Maintains ongoing monitoring and plan adjustments to ensure evolving needs are met. Coordinates Medicare/Medicaid navigation, ensuring access to essential health coverage. Baker Senior Center Naples Volunteer Support Network Offers welfare checks, friendly phone calls, transportation assistance, and social engagement visits. Hosts programs like Music & Memory, delivering meaningful interaction for those with cognitive impairment. Baker Senior Center Naples+1csw.fsu.edu+1 Transportation & AccessibilitySeniors can access non-emergency medical transporttaxis or public transitwith door-to-door service that accommodates essentials like packages and service animals. Flexible scheduling (from same-day to weekly booking) is available, with insurance, voucher, or membership-based payment options. BenefitsCheckUp Impact & Reach Serves over 140 frail seniors, helping them maintain independence and manage chronic health conditions. Baker Senior Center Naples+5Baker Senior Center Naples+5BenefitsCheckUp+5 Funded in part by a $242,500 grant from the Collier Community Foundation, enabling staff expansion to assist around 50 additional low- to moderate-income seniors and handle up to 1,500 case calls yearly. swfloridabusinesstoday.com+4swfloridabusinesstoday.com+4swfloridabusinesstoday.com+4 Extensions & Oversight Part of Baker Senior Centers comprehensive services including clinical mental health care and dementia respite programming overseen by a licensed clinical officer. Reddit+12swfloridabusinesstoday.com+12Baker Senior Center Naples+12 Megan Edwards, CCM, appointed in November 2024 as Director of Geriatric Case Management, enhances reach into under-served populations, supporting independence and reducing homelessness risk. Baker Senior Center Naples+2swfloridabusinesstoday.com+2Baker Senior Center Naples+2 Benefits for Seniors & FamiliesBenefitDescriptionSafety & IndependenceProfessional in-home assessments and care coordination support aging in place.Holistic SupportCombines practical help (transportaging, tech assistance) with emotional and cognitive engagement.Advocacy & AccessGuides seniors through complex systems like Medicare/Medicaid and community services.Isolation ReductionRegular interaction via volunteer visits promotes resilience and social wellbeing. How to Access the Program Eligibility: Adults 60+ in Collier and southern Lee counties; frail or isolated seniors are prioritized. Enrollment: Contact the Center at (239) 3254444 or email for an intake appointment to initiate assessment and care plan development. BenefitsCheckUp+2Baker Senior Center Naples+2Baker Senior Center Naples+2Intellispect+7Baker Senior Center Naples+7Baker Senior Center Naples+7 Summary Baker Senior Center Naples Geriatric Case Management program empowers older adults to remain healthy, connected, and safe in their own homes. Through in-home professional assessments, tailored care plans, volunteer support, and transportation services, this initiative addresses critical needs such as social isolation, health navigation, and quality-of-life concerns. Backed by clinical oversight, community grants, and a strong volunteer force, the program plays a vital role in the centers mission to enrich the lives of seniors in Southwest Florida.