Agencies to Notify During Hospice
The days following the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming and emotionally exhausting. Many families experience shock, grief, and uncertainty while trying to manage important decisions and responsibilities.
This guide is intended to help families understand some of the common agencies, organizations, and services that may need to be contacted after a loved one’s passing. Hospice staff are often available to help guide families through many of these steps and provide emotional support along the way.
Insurance Notifications
Life Insurance Policies
Contact any life insurance companies or insurance representatives associated with your loved one’s policies.
You may need:
Claim forms
Certified copies of the death certificate
Policy information
Insurance representatives can help explain the claims process and required documentation.
Financial Institutions and Creditors
Notify Financial Organizations
You may need to contact:
Banks
Credit unions
Mortgage companies
Credit card companies
Investment or retirement account providers
Additional steps may include:
Closing or updating accounts
Stopping automatic payments
Reviewing joint accounts or beneficiary information
Utilities and Household Accounts
Consider canceling or transferring:
Utilities
Phone services
Internet or cable accounts
Subscription services
Social Security
The Social Security Administration should be notified after a death.
In many cases:
The funeral home may assist with notification
A certified death certificate will likely be required
Family members may also wish to ask about:
Survivor benefits
Spousal benefits
Final payments
Veteran’s Benefits
Veterans and their families may qualify for benefits such as:
Burial allowances
Military funeral honors
Cemetery benefits
Survivor assistance programs
To learn more, contact:
Your local Veterans Affairs (VA) office
Veterans service organizations
Funeral homes familiar with veteran services
Military discharge paperwork may be required.
Medical Equipment Return
Hospice staff will coordinate the pickup of hospice-related medical equipment such as:
Oxygen equipment
Hospital beds
Walkers and wheelchairs
Shower chairs
Other rented medical supplies
Families do not need to arrange this independently unless instructed otherwise.
Mail, Property, and Home Security
Additional Tasks May Include:
Forwarding mail if necessary
Securing valuables and important belongings
Notifying landlords or property managers
Monitoring home safety and property access
Taking these steps can help protect important personal information and belongings.
Important Documents to Gather
Families may find it helpful to organize important legal and financial documents, including:
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate
Social Security card
Military discharge papers
Insurance policies
Bank account information
Will or trust documents
Advance directives or healthcare paperwork
Keeping documents together in a secure location may help simplify future tasks and decisions.
Emotional and Bereavement Support
Grief affects everyone differently, and the emotional impact of loss can feel overwhelming at times. Hospice bereavement services are available to support families before and after the death of a loved one.
Bereavement support may include:
Grief counseling
Emotional support
Support groups
Educational resources
Follow-up communication and care
Families are encouraged to reach out whenever support is needed.
Bereavement Contact Information
Lisa Blakney
Grief Manager & Hospice Administrator
Optimal Hospice Care
4380 S. Syracuse St., Suite 620
Denver, CO 80237
Phone: 303-566-6848
Fax: 719-866-6951
Website: optimalhospice.com
Compassionate Support Beyond Hospice Care
At Optimal Hospice Care, our commitment to families continues beyond the loss of a loved one. We are honored to provide guidance, emotional support, and compassionate care during the grieving process and the many practical responsibilities that follow.
