Hospice Training Guide

NECESSARY DUTIES, TASKS & CHECKLISTS

Top Priority Tasks Checklist Since each person’s needs differ, we suggest you place a check mark in the circle to the left of those items that do apply in your case, decide who is go- ing to do each task, and put that person’s initial af- ter that item. Enter a completion date as each task is completed. If someone has not kept a list of people who have sent food, flowers, memorials, or showed some other kindness, try to compile such a list from memory as soon as possible. Dispose of any unused drugs prescribed for the deceased. See previous sections about dis- posing of medications properly or discuss with your Care Team. Begin the process of probating the will (see Le- gal Tasks on right). Obtain death certificates from the funeral home and/or the Register of Deeds at the County Courthouse where the deceased person lived. You will need one for every piece of proper- ty, bank account, insurance policy, certificate of deposit (CD), individual retirement account (IRA), or other asset owned by the deceased. There is normally a per copy charge. Most peo- ple need about 6-10 copies. For each life insurance policy, notify the local agent of the death, and ask what procedure you need to follow. Also request a copy of Fed- eral Form 712, which you will need later for tax purposes. If the deceased was retired and receiving a pension from the federal or state government, or from a private corporation, the payer(s) of the pension(s) should be informed of the death promptly. Ask about survivors’ benefits and the continuation of health coverage. Return any pension checks payable to the deceased.

Legal Tasks The following information is provided to acquaint individuals with the process and some of the termi- nology involved in settling an estate. Call the office of the Clerk of the Superior Court, Estate Division, in the county where the deceased person lived. An attorney may be helpful in guiding you through the estate settlement process. If you would like an at - torney referral, please contact the Four Seasons Foundation at 828.513.2440. Definitions Will: A document that specifies how one wishes for their possessions to be disposed of after death. Intestate: “Without a will.” If there is no will, the es- tate is divided among the family members accord- ing to the provisions of the North Carolina law of intestate succession. Administrator of the Estate: The one handling the estate of a person who dies intestate. Administrator: ________________________________ Executor of the Will: The person designated in the will to be responsible for the estate. If you are the person so designated, you will need to pay a fee, be sworn in by the Clerk of the Court, and in some cas- es, post a bond. You will receive testament letters empowering you to handle the affairs of the estate. Executor: ______________________________ Duties of the Executor 1. Establish a checking account for the estate (a bank customer service representative can help you). 2. Make inventories of the estate to be submitted to the Estate Auditor in the office of the Clerk of Court. 3. Publish a classified newspaper notice of the death to notify creditors. The Clerk of Court can provide information about how often and for how long this notice must run. The newspaper will provide a statement that the ad has run. This must accom- pany the 90-day inventory submitted to the Estate Auditor. 4. Pay creditors.

Tax Tasks Checklist State and federal income tax returns for the deceased must be filed at the usual time, and real estate belonging to the deceased must be listed for both county and city taxes. A state inheritance tax and a federal estate tax may be due. Consult your attorney or tax preparer. Keep receipts of all bills or medical and funeral expenses and for grave markers, in addition to the usual record of deductible expenses and contributions. Establish a record of any out- standing accounts (money owed to the de- ceased) on the date of death. Deeds and Titles Tasks Checklist Jointly owned real estate in North Carolina au- tomatically goes to the spouse, regardless of the will, provided (1) the property was acquired during marriage and (2) both names appear on the deed. If the deceased’s name is listed on the mort- gage to your home, notify the company hold- ing the mortgage. Inquire if the deceased had mortgage insurance, and ask what procedure to follow. Titles on vehicles owned by the deceased must be transferred to the new owner, and any re- maining indebtedness settled. A copy of the letter testamentary or letter of administration and the vehicle registration are needed for a transfer of title. There is a fee for this service. Contact the local license plate agency for more information. The auto insurance company must be notified of a change in the title.

Financial Tasks Checklist Bank Related

A safe-deposit box held jointly or solely by the deceased can be opened only in the presence of a representative of the clerk of court who will make an inventory of the contents. Insurance Related Phone or write each company with which the deceased had a health insurance policy. Ask the agent what changes need to be made to contin- ue coverage of you. Ask if there is any premium refund due to you. Be sure to complete all nec- essary forms within one year of the death. Survivor’s Benefits If the deceased had been employed, ask the employer’s personnel department to inform you of any benefits due to you. Ask about group life insurance, unused vacation credits, CDs, stocks, and IRAs that the deceased might have had with the firm. Most families are eligible for survivor’s benefits from Social Security. If you think you may be eligible, call the local Social Security office. In some cases, the benefits begin from the date of death. Act promptly and mail all applications “Registered Mail-Return Receipt Requested.” Return and do not cash any Social Security checks bearing the name of the deceased even if you are a copayee. Many families are also eligible for survivor’s benefits from the Veterans Administration. Contact the local VA office or the regional of- fice in Winston-Salem. The VA will also provide a cemetery marker and flag for a deceased vet- eran at no charge.

866.466.9734

FourSeasonsCare.org

866.466.9734

Four Seasons

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