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Mom is on hospice and in the final stage of kidney failure. Sitting by her bedside and hearing the neighbor kids playing ball in the street outside her window caused me to wonder... Will they just roll her out the front door? Do they wait until dark if she passes in the daytime?

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Updating here, mom passed Friday afternoon. After the hospice nurse finished her paperwork, the funeral home was called. Two very respectable older men came In a plain white van to pick her up. After offering condolences to each family member present, they put mom on a gurney quickly and quietly. After asking if we wanted a final goodbye as they brought her through the main part of the house, they rolled her out the garage door into the van. I don't think anyone noticed, frankly.

After they left and I went back into mom's room, I found they had left a single red rose on her bed with a kind note attached. It was all done very quickly and professionally. We were all very humbled by everyone's care of mom, from all the hospice personnel to the funeral home workers. I couldn't have asked for better.

Thank you all again for your helpful answers and comments on here, you were all so gracious!
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You can wait to call hospice until you've sat with her as long as you want. Then hospice comes and pronounces death. Be ready to emphasize the cause of death that's primary, because they call the coroner and that's what goes on the death certificate. I called the undertaker myself, as we had picked one that had a crematory right on the premises. They were wonderful, two strong young men came, and I was touched that they were dressed up. It showed respect for her and for our family. The hallway had a bend that didn't allow the gurney so they put her body on a canvas stretcher to carry her down the hall to the living room where they laid her on the rolling gurney. It was a roomy canvas bag they then zipped over her. I almost asked if her face could be left uncovered, but then realized how silly I was being. She wasn't in her body any more, she wouldn't be "feeling the sun" through that body. She was even now, enjoying the sunshine where she was! Their "hearse" was a white paneled van, unmarked. This was a whole different experience than the undertaker company that came for my father fifteen years ago. Because of that previously negative experience, I wrapped my mother's body tightly in a sheet to make it easier to transfer. Turned out, with this company that wasn't needed, but I felt better.
This thread might help you too. It helped me a lot. Love and Blessings to you on this journey. I walked it just a week ago.

https://www.agingcare.com/questions/suggestions-for-this-end-of-life-vigil-183008.htm
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They respectfully and solemnly take her out the door within a very short time of being called. They don't "wait until dark." I'm very sorry for your loss. I'm grateful your mom's journey is close to over.
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Your first call is to hospice. They come and then the designated funeral home will come. Blessings to you and your Mom.
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Thank you for asking that difficult question here, so we can support you. Also, hospice can answer about the details in your area. Sometimes, the coroner comes, no sirens, no emergency. You would call hospice, it is my understanding that the hospice nurse makes the call for you.
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When 911 comes, the neighbors gather, inquiring. But when hospice comes, or the vehicle (unmarked) comes, it is quiet, respectful, they will cover and transport quietly. There has never been anyone gathering or asking questions. The neighbor kids will have gone home. This will be one time you can rely on anyone who has been nosey or a gossip to do a good thing, silently everyone will disappear. At least that is what has happened in my neighborhood.
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2ndGenLiz, I am sorry that you are losing your mother. As others have written, just notify Hospice when she passes. If you want to spend some extra time with her after she passes, just let them know. There will be no hurry. I've found that most people are very respectful when they know family has died. I am always so grateful for that, since the first few hours need to be spent with family alone to digest what has happened and what to do about the funeral. I hope that peace will be on you and your family as you go through this. ((((Liz))))
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What wonderful answers and experiences you all have shared! I envisioned the neighborhood kids being scarred for life-hopefully that won't be the case, then. Mom still may wait for evening since it is her favorite time of day.

We have the same narrow hallways and tight corners, too, Singing. Thanks for clearing up that question. Plus mom is a big lady so I'm glad they have provisions for different scenarios.

Bless those of you that have recently lost loved ones yet have taken the time from your own grief to encourage others. Such a wonderful group of people here :-)
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Liz, wishing you a world of comfort during this time. You were there for her until the end. I know she loved you for all you did.
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Just saw your post, 4 days ago, lost your Mom. I am so sorry for your loss. Keep checking in here with us, we are here for you. Bless you and family.
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