Episode 18

Host: Jill Mastroianni

Guest: Jamie Sarche

What to Do with a Dead Body, Who’s in Charge, and Who Pays

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 Six Needs of Mourning Guide

• 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

Connect with Jamie:

• Email: jamie@feldmanmortuary.com 

• Learn more about Feldman Mortuary 

Connect with Jill:

• Website: DeathReadiness.com

• Email: jill@deathreadiness.com 

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