What to Do

Upon transition of you or your loved one, there are several things that need to take place. This page serves as a guideline to assist you with putting your action plan to work.

• Identify organ donor status: If you are a subscriber to Plan the Course©, this information is available in the “My Action Items” section of your portal. If you are not a subscriber, this information can be found on the Drivers License or State ID (usually depicted by a red heart) or in the Living will/Advanced Directive if one exists.  If the answer is “yes”, the hospital will have a coordinator guide you through the process. If the transition happened at a location outside the hospital, including hospice or a nursing home, contact the nearest hospital and request assistance with organ donation. 

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• Secure property: In order to protect the property of your loved one and ensure that their wishes are carried out, you must secure it as quickly as possible. If their home is vacant, notify local police in the area (non emergency) of the situation. If they are renting their home, contact their landlord or property manager. In the case of pets, look into temporary care from a friend or local kennel.

• Contact immediate family:  If you utilized Plan the Course, this information is available to you in the “My Action Items” section of your portal. If you are not a subscriber to Plan the Course, take a moment and write down a list of all of the family members that you need to contact. Then, either call or bring them together electronically or in person. 

• Plan Funeral (Homegoing Arrangements): If you or your loved one subscribes to Plan the Course©, all of the funeral arrangements from A-Z are at your fingertips. Just go to the Funeral Arrangement tab, login, print out your information, take it to the funeral home specified and let them do the rest!  Register Here  if you are not a PTC Subscriber, or use the following list, which serves as a guideline to help you through the process:
  • Prepare your insurance documents.
  •  Make a list of family members for obituary (parents, spouse/partner, children, grandchildren and close friends/relatives).
  • Find a local funeral home. If your loved one left instructions, contact their funeral home of choice immediately. If not, we suggest researching and reading reviews about services provided before choosing. Plan the Course has partnered with ____________________ to provide access to over _____________ funeral homes nationwide that offer a variety of pre and immediate need services. Register Here to have access to these and other helpful resources.
  •  Discuss arrangements. Will the body be embalmed or cremated? Where would you like the remains placed? Where is the burial site? Are there any religious specifications? If the loved one left instructions, ensure that the funeral home carries them out. If the loved one is a Veteran, contact the Veteran’s Administration for more information. PTC Subscribers have access to important documents  and resources necessary for planning veteran funerals.
  •  Get at least 20-25 copies of the death certificate. You will need these to close accounts, file insurance claims, file veteran (VA) claims, file for social security, etc.
  • Contact agencies listed above (5.): Gather all bills, insurance contacts, and statements. Contact the companies to find out point of contact for closing accounts or filing claims. Provide copies of death certificate and other proof of existence (as needed). If you are a PTC subscriber, all contacts for insurance, billing, banking, etc. are located on your secure website. 
  • Notify credit bureaus that your loved one has passed.

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