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If death is expected in the near-term but has not occurred yet, then we encourage you to make arrangements with us ahead of time. To do this, please call the Iles Family Funeral Home of your choice to make an appointment to sit down with a funeral director or prearrangement counselor ahead of time. At the time of death, our first priority is to arrange to take custody and care for the deceased. Depending on where the death occurs and under what circumstances, the following explains what you should do:
Death in an Institution: When death occurs at a hospital or nursing home, the medical staff will generally take care of all necessary legal steps. All you would need to do is notify the staff which Iles Family Funeral Home (e.g. Dunn's, Westover, Grandview Park, Brandt's, Cramer-Link, or Sundberg-Kirkpatrick) will be handling arrangements so that they can have you sign any necessary release paperwork. When death occurs, they will contact us to make arrangements that we assume custody of the deceased.
Anticipated Death at Home: Today, many people choose to be at home with Hospice or Home Health Care assisting the family until death occurs. In this situation, you would simply notify Hospice which Iles Family Funeral Home will be handling arrangements, and they will take care of all necessary legal requirements including contacting the attending physician, the Medical Examiner, and finally the funeral home. Many families facing this situation elect to make a prearrangement with us so that they are not overwhelmed with the many important decisions associated with final arrangements.
Unanticipated Death at Home or Elsewhere: In these situations, immediately call 911 emergency services. The police and emergency personnel will then determine the appropriate steps to be taken. Only when it is appropriate will our firm be contacted to take custody of the remains.
Death out of state: If death occurs outside of Iowa, please call Iles Funeral Homes via our toll-free number (800) 366-2124. We will coordinate with a local funeral director at the place of death. By being a member of several national associations, we can often save money by having our firm make the arrangements. Perhaps even more important than saving money is selecting a reputable local funeral home to provide these important services. Also, if you travel often, you may wish to investigate our Travel Protection Plan available through our prearrangement department. This plan generally covers most costs associated with a death away from home.
There are several other questions that you may have in regards to the death of a loved one. By contacting the Iles Family Funeral Home of your choice, we will assist you in answering any question you have.
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