Planning Ahead When Someone Is in Hospice Care
If someone you care about is receiving hospice care or nearing the end of life, you do not have to wait until a death occurs to begin asking questions or making plans.
Planning ahead can mean many things. You may be making decisions for yourself, helping a parent, or preparing because someone’s health has changed.
Someone Has Died
Someone May Need Care Soon.
Go to hospice/nearing death soon.
You're in the right place
I'm Planning AheadWhy Plan Ahead?
Planning ahead can give you time to make decisions thoughtfully,
- Choose a funeral home ahead of time. Let hospice, the hospital, or the care facility know who should be called when a death occurs.
- Gather important information. Having names, dates, family contacts, and other details together can make the next steps easier.
- Talk through burial or cremation wishes. You do not have to decide everything, but knowing the general direction can be helpful.
- Ask questions before there is an urgent need. Learn what happens next, what choices may come up, and what your family can expect.
- Make personal wishes known. Share any traditions, service preferences, music, clothing, or other details that matter
- Know who to call. Having a funeral home chosen means there is already someone ready to guide the family when the time comes.
Let Hospice Know You’ve Chosen Renaissance
If you’ve decided you would like Renaissance to care for you or your family member, let the hospice provider, hospital, or care facility know. They can add our information to the care plan so they know who to call when a death occurs.
Choosing a funeral home ahead of time does not mean everything has to be planned. It simply means that when the time comes, there is already a clear next step and a funeral director ready to help.
You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin.
Let's gather the information we'll need.
This is preliminary information to help us get started. Complete as much or as little as you'd like. If you don't know an answer, leave it blank and you can add it later. We'll review and verify everything with you before it is used for final arrangements or records.
Questions Families Often Ask About Planning Ahead
Do we need to choose a funeral home before a death occurs?
No, but choosing one ahead of time can make things easier later. You can let the hospice provider, hospital, or care facility know which funeral home you want called when the time comes.
Do we have to make all of the funeral decisions now?
No. You can simply choose a funeral home and gather some basic information. Other decisions can be made later, and we can help you work through them when you are ready.
Can we meet with a funeral director before a death occurs?
Yes. You can talk with us ahead of time, ask questions, discuss options, and begin gathering information without making every decision. If you'd like to make an appointment and meet with us, just let us know.
What information is helpful to gather now?
Basic personal information, family contacts, military service, cemetery information if applicable, and any known wishes about burial, cremation, aquamation, or services can all be helpful.
Should we tell hospice that we have chosen Renaissance
Yes. Letting the hospice provider or care facility know ahead of time gives them clear instructions about who to contact when a death occurs.
What happens when the death occurs?
Hospice or the care facility will usually confirm the death and contact the funeral home you have chosen. Renaissance will then guide the family through the next steps.
Can we start planning even if hospice has just begun?
Yes. There is no “right” time to begin. Some families want to talk early, while others prefer to wait. You can reach out whenever it feels helpful.
We're Here When You're Ready
Whether you need guidance now or are planning ahead, we're here to listen and help you take the next step