What do you actually do when someone dies? Call 911, the coroner, or Google “funeral homes near me”? In this episode, director of pre-planning at Feldman Mortuary in Denver, Colorado, Jamie Sarche, returns to The Death Readiness Podcast to demystify what really happens behind the scenes after a death. We discuss how a lack of planning can leave your family vulnerable to grief, manipulation, and financial strain, why skipping a funeral can backfire, and how pre-planning can be the ultimate act of love. We discuss: Whom to call when someone dies at home Why calling 911 is often required unless hospice is involved The role of hospice, coroners, and funeral homes in body removal and care What happens to the body Where the body goes after death Differences in funeral home care practices Who makes decisions after a death How state law determines who has authority Why written declarations are often unknown or unused Complications with second marriages and family dynamics Why funeral pre-planning matters Avoiding manipulation and overspending during grief Ensuring your family knows your wishes and avoids unnecessary financial strain The costs of funerals How pre-paying through a funeral home can lock in prices and protect loved ones The emotional side of funerals The six needs of mourning (Jamie and Jill discuss Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s framework) Why skipping funerals can lead to complicated grief How funerals create meaning, community, and continued connection Final expense insurance vs. funeral pre-payment plans Actionable steps you can take Conversations to have with family now How even simple communal gatherings can support healthy grieving Resources & Links Jamie’s previous conversation on The Death Readiness Podcast: What You Need to Know about Embalming, Cremation and Eco-friendly Funerals Jamie’s speaking engagements: TEDx talk : Breaking down the taboos about death Death Rituals: Creating Jewish Life Jamie’s Body Talk article Jill’s Obituary Writing Tool – A guided resource for drafting an obituary using ChatGPT Jamie’s Six Needs of Mourning Guide Connect with Jamie: Email:
[email protected] Learn more about Feldman Mortuary Connect with Jill: Website: DeathReadiness.com Email:
[email protected] Subscribe to receive news and updates. Love this episode? Please rate and review in the Apple podcasts app ! Connect with The Death Readiness Podcast Just launched: Tuesday Triage , short bite-sized episodes answering real listener questions. Have a question about probate, wills, trusts, or estate planning? Submit your Tuesday Triage question here . Your question might be featured in an upcoming episode. This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy. Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents. Disclaimer : This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state.
