What Families Should Know When the Time Comes
When a loved one enters hospice care in Pinellas and Sarasota counties, families often experience a mix of emotions — relief that their loved one is being kept comfortable, and uncertainty about what comes next. While hospice teams provide incredible medical and emotional support, many families still wonder:
What happens when death occurs?
Who do we call?
What do we need to do next?
At Going Home Cremations, we regularly support families who are under hospice care throughout Pinellas County and Sarasota County. This guide is meant to provide gentle clarity — so you can focus on being present with your loved one.
⸻
Understanding Hospice Care and End-of-Life Planning
Hospice care is centered on comfort, dignity, and support during the final stage of life. Hospice nurses and staff help manage pain, provide guidance, and support both patients and families emotionally.
What hospice does not typically handle is funeral or cremation arrangements after death occurs. That’s where planning ahead — even loosely — can ease stress when the time comes.
Many families find peace of mind knowing they’ve already spoken with a licensed cremation provider before they’re in crisis.
⸻
When Death Occurs Under Hospice Care
If your loved one passes while under hospice care:
• You do not need to call 911
• You should call the hospice nurse first
• The hospice team will come to the home to pronounce death and guide you through immediate next steps
After death is pronounced, hospice will ask which cremation or funeral provider you would like to contact.
Having a plan — or at least knowing who to call — can make this moment far less overwhelming.
⸻
How Going Home Cremations Helps Hospice Families
We work closely with hospice teams to ensure a smooth, respectful transition when a loved one passes. Families under hospice care often choose us because we offer:
• Simple, direct cremation services
• Clear, transparent pricing
• No pressure or rushed decisions
• Compassionate guidance available 24/7
• Experience working with hospice providers across Pinellas and Sarasota counties
Our role is to quietly handle the logistics — transportation, permits, coordination — so families can focus on honoring their loved one.https://goinghomecremations.com/
Planning Ahead While Your Loved One Is Still With You
Planning cremation services before death occurs does not mean you’re giving up hope. For many families, it provides relief knowing that details are already discussed.
You can:
• Ask questions without urgency
• Understand your options
• Make decisions at your own pace
• Avoid difficult choices during an emotional moment
Even a brief conversation can make a meaningful difference later.
⸻
A Gentle Next Step for Hospice Families
If your loved one is currently under hospice care, we invite you to explore our website and resources when you feel ready. You’ll find clear information about the cremation process, what to expect, and how we support families with dignity and care.
When the time comes — whether today, tomorrow, or weeks from now — Going Home Cremations is here to help guide you calmly through the next steps.
Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions — even if you’re just looking for information.
Hospice Care & Cremation: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to call 911 when someone dies under hospice care?
No. If your loved one is under hospice care, do not call 911.
Instead, call the hospice nurse first. Hospice staff will come to the home, pronounce death, and guide you through the next steps.
⸻
What happens after hospice pronounces death?
After death is pronounced, hospice will ask which cremation or funeral provider you would like to contact.
At that point, a licensed provider such as Going Home Cremations can be called to bring your loved one into care and handle all required arrangements.
⸻
Should we choose a cremation provider before death occurs?
Many families find comfort in planning ahead while their loved one is still with them.
You are not required to make final decisions in advance, but knowing who to call can reduce stress during an emotional moment.
⸻
Does hospice arrange cremation services for us?
Hospice does not arrange cremation or funeral services. Their role is medical and supportive.
Cremation arrangements are handled separately by a licensed provider chosen by the family.
⸻
How quickly does cremation need to happen after death?
There is no immediate rush. Once your loved one is in professional care, families can take time to make decisions.
Permits and timelines are handled according to Florida regulations.
⸻
Can we still have a memorial service later?
Yes. Direct cremation allows families to hold a memorial or celebration of life whenever and wherever they choose — days or even weeks later.
⸻
Is cremation affordable for families under hospice care?
Many hospice families choose direct cremation because it is a simple and affordable option without unnecessary services.
Transparent pricing and clear explanations can help families make informed decisions.
⸻
Can we ask questions even if we’re not ready to make arrangements? https://goinghomecremations.com/
Yes. Families are welcome to ask questions at any time — even if they’re just seeking information.
Speaking with a knowledgeable provider can bring peace of mind without any obligation.
For trusted, educational information about hospice care call us and we will get you in touch with a hospice near you. https://hospicefoundation.org/caregiving/
