This video is NOT intended to be legal advice, always check with laws in your state. This video IS intended to start a discussion of awareness within the RV community. Please be respectful of other's experiences😀.
I am a solo traveler since 2016 and ever since I have’ve had an envelope pinned right by the door for first responders or police that reads: In the event of an emergency”. This envelope contains my siblings contact information, my medical history, including allergies, medications, etc. In addition, it contains my wishes if I was to become incapacitated and my family members were not readily available. My siblings are my health care surrogates and also have in their possession my power of attorney, my will and final wishes along with the paid funeral arrangements and transport of my body home and to our family plot. I cannot tell you how valuable this information is for first responders, so I would do it. And one more thing, buy a satellite emergency phone, in the event that you are not feeling well and think that you are going to pass out all you have to do is press the button. If you are not able to speak and have passed out they will come look for you giving you a chance to survive.
My brother-in law died while camping with us last year. He had a heart attack in their RV, 911 was called, he was transported to the hospital and pronounced dead. My sister worked with a local funeral home for cremation and having the remains sent to their home. You never think it will happen to you until it does. Thank you for the video.
Sorry to hear about your brother in law. This is a great example of the differences in traveling alone and traveling with someone that can handle things on your behalf!
can I get "Things RVers never want to think about for $1000 Alex?". I'm subscribing to you guys simply because you have broached a subject NO One wants to talk about. Well done
FYI their is a RV membership that does have some things that will help you deal with this type of thing. Right now i just can't pull it out of the cobwebs that i call my nrain. But they help get your rig back home and will help get you and your loved one back home. I'm sure you could look it up faster than getting my old fart brain to work. I love how you guy's are willing to cover the hard stuff. You are keeping it real and that lone will keep me watching you. Thank you for what you do.
My husband and I are Canadian and when traveling in the US or elsewhere it is important to have travel insurance that will cover medical emergencies as well as death and repatriation to your country. It is very costly to ship a body, especially internationally. I worked in an ER and was always surprised at how often tourists had no travel insurance. It is also important that in the case of a couple both parties know how to hitch up and unhitch as well as drive the rig in the event of illness or injury to one of the people or have a plan in place for such an event.
I agree with knowing how to do everything. I have always wanted to know how to do everything. It came in handy, when my husband ended up with a torn retina. We had traveled from Indiana and we were currently at Yosemite. First day there, we had just finished hiking in the redwoods. My husband says, "I don't know how to tell you this, but I can't see out of one eye." The rest of the trip was a whirlwind of surgery in Sacramento, a cross country journey, and stopping at numerous doctors, for followup surgical care. He had to keep his head face down the entire time. This would have been much worse, if he was the only one that could do trailer set up, tear down and driving. I can only imagine the stress of losing a loved one, while on the road. We traveled for 5 months to Alaska, last summer. Travel insurance would have been several thousand dollars.
You should also leave all your login & passwords for all your online activities. Plus, have beneficiaries listed on your bank accounts & retirement/ stocks. Make copies, front & back, of license, credit cards, insurance cards.. so whoever is in charge can cancel everything, pay final bills....
My estate is set up in a trust. My funeral expenses are all pre-paid. I have my urn, I know where my remains will be placed. I carry a card in my wallet of phone numbers and place of my choice of funeral homes. Even my obituary has been written. These are things each person should do. Take the heart ache and burden away from those who are left behind.
Thank you for being responsible! The only thing we would add would be to also have these instructions / pre needs printed and stored in a fire proof safe if traveling alone!
my good friend died at rv site, sad but went doing what he loved. family had to fly in and there was a dog on board. if solo something to plan and think about ahead of time. good video
My daughter is a funeral director. We are not on the road, but will be in a year. We are doing a pre-need with her. We are also adding a plaque on the side of the door on who to call first, her. This is something to think about for the lucky ones on the road and those of us who are going to be. Thank you for bringing this up to all of us.
I believe this subject has never been addressed. It’s always good for the spouse/partner knows how to hookup and tow the camper. Thank you guys, great stuff!
I have also talked about this in my videos as a retired LEO Death Investigator It would be prudent to have coverage and Good Sams has coverage to return your remains to family. I am experienced with death investigations which are considered "unattended" aka/not expected or person is not under doctors care for an illness that causes death. Or under a doctors care within last 30 days. The medical examiner takes jurisdiction and an autopsy is performed to determine cause of death. Police do respond Check into Good Sams coverage that covers sending your remains home. Most cases: if someone subject is DOA of EMS, they do not transport to a hospital they transport to the county morgue /ME's facilities. No reason to take a dead person to a hospital morgue unless the jurisdiction does not have a morgue. I served in Illinois and Florida but not all states have the same laws.
We are seniors and bought a Good Sam’s travel insurance that would pay to get the deceased back to home and even pay for our dog to get back home in that situation. We no longer Rv but it was a comfort to have that set up in case.
when i got my AZ {truck drivers license} in Canada. my sister who is a lawyer and myself wrote up a living will and a disbursement of my stuff will as my sis called it. at the time trucking co got copy and so did my sister. she was my emerg contact. now that i am retired and spend my Canadian winters with friends in Florida, my friends have copy of living will and money i put aside to cremate me if i pass with them. I think I got it covered. lol
We pulled into a park & ambulance was pulling in right in front of us. The regulars & staff noticed no movement from camper next to us. They went in & he had passed a day or so earlier they think. He was alone traveling. Made me think so we discussed if one of us pass on the road. Get cremated there & have ashes sent home/children or friends house. Cheaper this way plus there are so many other things to think about doing like getting rig home alone...
Invaluable vid, the questions we've wondered but dont want to acknowledge our mortality to ask. This gives us starting point of how to set the inevitable without crushing our family with costs, unknowns, and last minute decisions. Thx
This is such a great topic. One of the most valuable rv memberships to have as an rver is FMCA - Family Motor Coach Association, they have answers to most if not all of these questions with their coverage.
Thank you for this video! Crap happens... don't dwell on it but be prepared for it! One thing that's tangent to this: if you DO NOT want EMS to take extraordinary measures when they respond to you while on the road you need to have a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) filled out and properly witnessed and signed AND you should keep it visible in your rig. EMS aren't going to search your rig top to bottom before starting CPR, etc. If you don't want them doing (required) things to your body, particularly if you unexpectedly passed away, you need to have this document VISIBLE to first responders. Put it on your fridge or somewhere EMS can't miss it.
Retired Paramedic here. In many states EMTs DO NOT transport bodies. They only transport live people or those currently under CPR. Depending on the state, EMTs can pronounce the person dead, but the Police have to determine who comes to get the body per the laws that pertain. So, it is also possible that EMTs will leave the body where it is found, and either the Coroner/Medical Examiner transports it or the Police call a Funeral Home to do it. In many states, if the person is elderly with medical conditions, there are no signs/reasons to suspect foul play, and has a personal Dr who is willing to sign the death certificate, the body could be transported by, and directly to, a funeral home. In that case, the Coroner/Medical Examiner never has contact with the deceased. Also, you may find different approaches within the same state. In Virginia, large cities have Medical Examiners who are Doctors and usually specialized in the post mortem. In smaller cities, Counties or towns, the Coroner can be a layperson who has volunteered or been elected and may have no formal Medical training. Whether a death scene is considered a crime scene can also unfortunately vary depending on the size of the Police force where you are. The smaller staffed agencies tend to see such an event as a natural death that doesn’t require crime scene care, even if state law requires it. So, research the State laws, but also research whether some of the smaller places you go have a different system.
Different topic - but a recommendation all the same - is to talk about what to do if you get lost on a trail, and how to use GPS and other means of communications to get you safely back. I speak with experience (I left my party of 9 to go look for help - and got SOOO lost in the ozark wilderness). It was a very scary time - of which I thought I may not make it out. So many things could have happened, and fortunately for me - I was found 6 hours later (during the dark). I was covered with insect bites all over my body. I had fallen several times. I was filthy (had to use the bathroom a couple of times with no toilet paper :D ) and I realized that I am not as young or adept as I thought I was. (I am 53).
Last year at the RTR ( rubber tramp rendezvous) they had a workshop that combined mental health and end of life. Both being important topics. Unfortunately the first two speakers used up all the time and basically only left the end of life speaker with little time for this very important topic. I’m interested because I am a certified end of life caregiver/doula (EOLD). The topics you addressed, and the statements in the comments are a great reflection of the importance of this topic. I have hoped to gather a panel and propose to HOWA ( homes on wheels alliance) that we offer a workshop fully dedicated to this topic. The concerns you raise could take the stage on its own. Is this something you would be willing to do in January in Quartzsite AZ? I’m not a board member of HOWA, nor a recruiter for them, but I have kept my antenna up for people who would help make this an important discussion to share. Is this something you would consider? Speaking at the RTR? Thanks for stepping up to address this!
Wow, that is such an honor to even be thought of in those terms. We have a huge amount of respect for Bob Wells and HOWA. I would be hesitant only in the fact that we are not lawyers, and I am not a funeral director. I ran funeral homes from strictly a management capacity. I was fortunate enough to work with some of the best people in the Northeast which is where I learned from. To be on such a panel, I would only be able to speak from my experience in that capacity and not be able to speak or give legal advice. Not exactly sure if that is something HOWA would be looking for. That all aside, if HOWA was still interested - It would be an absolute honor to start that larger conversation within the community. Karri
Our son was in the hospital when he died. We contacted the funeral home the hospital was going to send the body to, and they released the body so my parents could carry it back to our funeral home. This was in Texas. I’m not sure you could still do this or not. It was years ago.
Im a male solo traveler. I have prepaired a emergency call list posted on the inside kitchen cupboard door with who to call!! My nephew has a screen shot of it too! My nephew has all the information of where items are tucked away photos! I only trust the persons who find me are honest. The police officers will hopefully secure my rig and my nephew could retrieve my property! Its not going to be that big of a mess. My remains will be cremated!
Thanks for covering this topic, never seen it covered before. Kari, question-What if you’re estranged from family? Do you have any suggestions on what to do if you have no family members willing to be points of contact? Thank you.
Hi! Great and complicated question. Maybe have a pre need with your wishes. You may also inquire about an advance directive - meaning a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care should you need it .
Thank you so much for your video on this, I super appreciate your thoughtfulness and sharing what you've learned in the field, important stuff hard to bring up but truly necessary to address. Take good care, you two!!
This happened in my family. My uncle lived in his RV by himself on his own land which was fairly isolated in NH. His snow plow guy notified the local police for a welfare check and they found my uncle deceased. His body was in such a condition that they wouldn’t let us see it. It was hard to get closure. My mom was next of kin and she got the phone call from the police about a week before thanksgiving. It was a year of early snowfall. The RV smelled so bad it was unusable. Prior to him putting it on owned property he was a member of the Escapees RV club and based out of Livingston, TX and he traveled the country alone. He had I think a 30’ Ambient class C.
@@liferedesigned thank you. My whole family is native to MA and NH, and I’ve lived in Maine for the last 20+ years with my husband who is native to Maine.
great topic you guys brought up, thank you!! especially after the RVer that got murdered last week in a Nebraska rest area!! no one is prepared for this...
That is what we try to do - bring light to subjects that nobody else covers when we can - hopefully it is more informative than another “how to clean your black tank video” 🤣
You mentioned you have a safe. If you have documents and instructions that need to be reviewed and travel alone, how does anyone find the safe lock combination?
My wife’s pad. We have found out that prepaid expenses are bogus. My f in-law and m in-law had pre arranged, pre planned finalities. Many yrs later, they required 30,000 or better in expenses. Due diligence people. These advances are even more today. Think you are safe, check again?
Sounds like the pre-need plan may have been old. If so that would account for the additional costs. Inflation and costs of goods can drive numbers up way beyond original prices from old policies, as an example - obituaries used to be free, and no longer are. That aside, $30k additional sounds like an elaborate ceremony or casket, headstone etc - if not, there would need to be a bigger discussion with your funeral director in regards to that.
Thank you for this information. I don't want to sound crass but this brings up another question I had never thought of before. What would happen to the RV if traveling alone or possibly only with a friend? After some nightmarish experiences with accidentally having a car impounded I shutter to think what an RV impoundment could turn into. I would want mine to go to my family, not to a towing company for towing and storage charges. It also concerns me that my family might be backed against a wall to ransom the RV from a towing or storage facility in that situation during such an emotional upheaval. I would really appreciate information on this.
Not our area of expertise but could definitely see impoundment happening as RV parks are not liable to hold the space. This may be covered under a will perhaps.
Thank you for this video. It opened up a conversation between my husband and myself about our situation. We have prearranged funeral plots & cremations already paid for so our children don't have to have that expense. We have a sticks & bricks in Southern Nevada along with our plot at Veterans Memorial Park, but our domicile is in South Dakota. Would it be advantageous for us to have our trust attorney draw up legal papers to have our bodies transported to our funeral home in Southern Nevada? Do you think that would work? I know you are not attorneys, but by putting this out there, others might contact an attorney to cover themselves. Or maybe an RVing attorney can answer that question. I'm sure it's different from state to state.
If someone has the FMCA membership and something like this happens especially if it's a couple they can help the one person get the RV and everything back to a family member's house in the proper state or was for a single person I'm sure they'd get it back to wherever that single person would have wanted it. Where my grandma moved up from Florida we had talked about this cuz she wanted to be buried in Florida and I'm in Wisconsin we went with cremation so we could take her back there at a more reasonable time and not have their hurry up and rush to have the funeral and everything. I feel like you're definitely be good to have a kind of like will or something. We have the my ID medical bracelets which have our medical condition and it has up to three different emergency contacts and it gives a list of all of our medication and health conditions that the emergency responders can access with scanning their phone would probably help with them a lot to identify you get a hold of someone.
If you contact both of them, YOU WILL PAY TWICE THE AMOUNT You need to only contqct the Funeral home where the body will be put down. They in turn contact a funeral home where the death happens. I know about this because I have been involved in this. If you dont care about the money , it doesnt matter. If you have the body creamated, that is probably best. Shipping a body is VERY VERY EXPENSIVE. Thanks folks for tallking about this.
HI Laura: If you are being charged twice, then with all due respect, your funeral home is extremely dishonest. I worked for the largest network of funeral homes for several years and NEVER had a client paying twice. You should probably contact an attorney.
I Too am a Full time RVer and solo. so will at least your celphone be looked at for "ICE" I wish the limit of 1000 characters was not there for this entry.
Your cellphone would definitely be looked at to identify you in this situation - even more so if no other identifiers are around. In the event that there was a fire though, keep in mind that the phone could be rendering inoperable. We highly recommend some sort of fireproof safe that can be found easily that has your information inside. The goal is to make it super simple for first responders.
So I have a cremation/ burial policy with a funeral home in a city I used to live. If I’m traveling which I’m by myself, I’d need to have something on my person that says that? Do I need to be carrying the paperwork with me wherever I go?
This is the most appropriate video for me at this exact time. We are full time and currently stuck in Tennessee dealing with my mother’s affairs. My question is if I have a will ( or my wife) dictating our desire to be cremated where ever we are is that an option?
Hi Dave, I don’t see why not since someone will be there to sign paperwork in person and to receive the death certificate. As a FYI… there would be a cremation certificate as well. In the event either of you chose to bury the cremains, that certificate is a must.
@@liferedesigned thank you having just delt with a real mess my wife and I want everything 100% ready so our kids don’t have any issues. We also have eliminated most all of our positions
It’s important to have your information like a Will, as well as your living will and list of your medical information. Drug stores or the Red Cross have packets that you can fill out your medical info. And your phone may have a place with the emergency contacts where you can fill out that information as well. Also you need to make sure that someone knows where you are especially if you’re alone. I agree about the funeral home. It’s important to have all the legal needs are taken care of. This is so important and many people just don’t do it for many reasons. It’s hard emotionally and we just don’t want to think about or death. Do your friends and family a favor and get this info down. Thank you for doing this it’s a very important and much looked over subject.
@@liferedesigned Thanks! I'm a retired probate litigation attorney & person living with some significant health challenges who is still determined to be on the road full-time by fall. Thanks for putting out this video!
Hi. Great topic. Bob mentioned that Carrie was better equipped to speak on this topic. Guess I missed it in older VDOs or media sources. What is your background Carrie?
If you are alone… yes, medical examiner. If you are out of your home state, IE: full time traveling, yes, medical examiner. If you’re in your home state, ems still arrives, with police…you may be transported to the hospital where a doctor calls the time of death. Always remember, different states have different terms for things.
Fascinating! I was wondering who's the employee is in charge of finding "next of kin?" You mentioned that the body is cremated and the place will keep it for so long while they continue to find someone. I would really like to have that position because I'm really good at finding people. Thanks
Going to travel alone! Would love to meet a wonderful human! I bam 48 will be 49, soon. That is a fear of mine, would hate to have my kids, parents to find me in that state! It is a VERY HONEST CONCERN! IVE BEEN ALONE MANY MOONS, I am at the point I would love to meet my forever! I am divorced, married once, three kids grown. HOPING I HAVE TIME TO LIVE, selling house asap I’ll see what my future holds!
QQQ. . . Could you help me know steps that I should take, to make sure my body is donated to science or a college. I have an army of relatives, however I would rather, that they don't have to do anything. Would that just mean, I need an advanced directive on file or is it more complicated than that ? Thumbs up for content and love from, S. California.
Because laws vary by state, best advice would be to contact your attorney to get assistance with that request. In addition to the legal aspects, it would definitely be something to communicate out to your relatives as well ahead of time. Great Question!
@liferedesigned also a medical school arrangement needs to be made. my dad was going to donate his body to a medical school but he lived to be 107+ and he found out that they want bodies between certain ages and sizes and fresh, meaning if you are found dead after a time they don't want you. also you have to transport the body to the medical school at your expense and when and if they need it. other arrangements need to be made for a 2nd or 3rd plan. not a catch all plan at all. thanks for the information that needs to be arranged for.
No its not your body isn't cremated it's buried in a papers grave. Need leave emergency info in your freezer. Leave in freezer as acts like a fire box. There is something go on fridge say info there. But ems knows to look there. Leave your medication list freezer to.
The first full time RVer channel I subscribed too, over ten years ago, sadly covered this subject purely by chance. The older man and his beloved dog traveled the country, and he posted many a video that made The Lovely Bride and I think very, very seriously about buying a Class C or 30ft trailer and going full time. If memory serves, he was in Arizona when his health failed. Thanks to some friends he was able to park his RV on their property and was hospitalized. After he passed away his friends found themselves caring for his dog full time, dealing with the Class A, AND because there were no close/known next of kin, funeral arrangements. Since the channel was closed down shortly after his passing, I have no idea how his friends dealt with all the details of his passing. I don't think he had any kind of will, but I could be very wrong about that, I just don't recall one of any kind being mentioned. By the way, the deceased was a New Yorker who had relocated to Florida before hitting the road full time which may have added a degree of complication to a sad situation.
My stepsons Grandmother passed away in route to hospital (mobile) Police showed up at 3Am knocking on door, they tell my stepson ,your mother is dead. He was thinking his mom my wife. Then they say oops Grandmother TRUE STORY
@@liferedesigned I prepaid. I was told my funeral home would contact a funeral home in area where I died to have them honor contract for cremation. Then, the ashes can be sent to designated person. Does this sound right to you? (My daughter has all my paperwork. Contact numbers are on my Road ID medical bracelet that I ALWAYS wear. Road ID is fantastic - check it out.)
There are several groups of funeral homes that are owned by the same company where this could be possible, and is usually the requirement that you have to go to a "participating" crematory . I would read over your agreement to see if it actually has a clause that your funeral home will work with ANY funeral home.
We want to be creamated can that happen in the state we pass in and then shipped to my kids in our home state or does the body have to go to our home state?
You could, but the concern would be the paperwork and all the identification. It would also depend on the Funeral Home that your kids choose, meaning don’t be afraid to shop around.
That’s not true. You can always have someone make arrangements after death. It would be impossible to prepay unless you know exactly where you will be at the time of death.
That is a long story - I was actually brought on originally as an outside auditor due to some questionable actions of the management. Long story short, I ended up long term with company
Mostly likely they will be cremated because it is cheapest. If you don't believe in that, your problem for not fixing that to start with. Another thing that is NOT a state law in Mississippi is you do NOT have to be embalmed. However, if they are bringing your body back from another state, you will HAVE to be embalmed. We found that out when we bought my burial insurance policy. Those that don't believe in embalming like me need to know that.
This was just an overview. I know there are a million variables for each situation. Again, having a pre need, a will, etc. and doing your own research for you is key.
I used to look for missing people, (sometimes dead missing people) at my own expense. I also had a cousin who stood in front of a train and neighbor who killed himself. Death is just a part of life.
All good information. Consider keeping that information in your wallet and on your refrigerator door of the RV. That’s where we would look. For me……just throw me in the trash 🗑️ 😂
I think in every state there are laws against an unlawful disposal of a body/corpse. Look it up in your state, friend. A better idea, how about be the adult and prepare a living will and pre-death arrangements and wishes while you still can, and not burden others? Hope this helps.
@@Thesaltymedic36 ..haha..good to know. I thought you were being serious and irresponsible, looking for someone else to deal with you & yours, after death. Thanks for clarifying, friend.
@@Goldenroadie24 we honestly have hundreds of comments come over daily, some we choose to handle with sarcasm -some we call out and some we block. At the end of the day with all due respect it is our channel and we run it how we deem fit. The only difference between us and most TH-camrs is that we are honest about it.
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This video is NOT intended to be legal advice, always check with laws in your state. This video IS intended to start a discussion of awareness within the RV community. Please be respectful of other's experiences😀.
I am a solo traveler since 2016 and ever since I have’ve had an envelope pinned right by the door for first responders or police that reads: In the event of an emergency”. This envelope contains my siblings contact information, my medical history, including allergies, medications, etc. In addition, it contains my wishes if I was to become incapacitated and my family members were not readily available. My siblings are my health care surrogates and also have in their possession my power of attorney, my will and final wishes along with the paid funeral arrangements and transport of my body home and to our family plot. I cannot tell you how valuable this information is for first responders, so I would do it. And one more thing, buy a satellite emergency phone, in the event that you are not feeling well and think that you are going to pass out all you have to do is press the button. If you are not able to speak and have passed out they will come look for you giving you a chance to survive.
Great advice and thank you for sharing!
Wow, excellent and thorough advice! Thank you and God bless!
My brother-in law died while camping with us last year. He had a heart attack in their RV, 911 was called, he was transported to the hospital and pronounced dead. My sister worked with a local funeral home for cremation and having the remains sent to their home. You never think it will happen to you until it does. Thank you for the video.
Sorry to hear about your brother in law. This is a great example of the differences in traveling alone and traveling with someone that can handle things on your behalf!
can I get "Things RVers never want to think about for $1000 Alex?". I'm subscribing to you guys simply because you have broached a subject NO One wants to talk about. Well done
Thank you! You’re right though. It’s a tough subject.
FYI their is a RV membership that does have some things that will help you deal with this type of thing. Right now i just can't pull it out of the cobwebs that i call my nrain. But they help get your rig back home and will help get you and your loved one back home. I'm sure you could look it up faster than getting my old fart brain to work.
I love how you guy's are willing to cover the hard stuff. You are keeping it real and that lone will keep me watching you. Thank you for what you do.
Thanks Mark!
A good amount of this is good for anyone single and living alone period.
Thank You John as that was the intention. We hope this starts a much larger conversation within the RV community
My husband and I are Canadian and when traveling in the US or elsewhere it is important to have travel insurance that will cover medical emergencies as well as death and repatriation to your country. It is very costly to ship a body, especially internationally. I worked in an ER and was always surprised at how often tourists had no travel insurance. It is also important that in the case of a couple both parties know how to hitch up and unhitch as well as drive the rig in the event of illness or injury to one of the people or have a plan in place for such an event.
All VERY valid points!
Great information!
I agree with knowing how to do everything. I have always wanted to know how to do everything. It came in handy, when my husband ended up with a torn retina. We had traveled from Indiana and we were currently at Yosemite. First day there, we had just finished hiking in the redwoods. My husband says, "I don't know how to tell you this, but I can't see out of one eye." The rest of the trip was a whirlwind of surgery in Sacramento, a cross country journey, and stopping at numerous doctors, for followup surgical care. He had to keep his head face down the entire time. This would have been much worse, if he was the only one that could do trailer set up, tear down and driving. I can only imagine the stress of losing a loved one, while on the road. We traveled for 5 months to Alaska, last summer. Travel insurance would have been several thousand dollars.
You should also leave all your login & passwords for all your online activities. Plus, have beneficiaries listed on your bank accounts & retirement/ stocks. Make copies, front & back, of license, credit cards, insurance cards.. so whoever is in charge can cancel everything, pay final bills....
My estate is set up in a trust. My funeral expenses are all pre-paid. I have my urn, I know where my remains will be placed. I carry a card in my wallet of phone numbers and place of my choice of funeral homes. Even my obituary has been written. These are things each person should do. Take the heart ache and burden away from those who are left behind.
Thank you for being responsible! The only thing we would add would be to also have these instructions / pre needs printed and stored in a fire proof safe if traveling alone!
@@liferedesigned everything is in a three ring binder. The people I trust all have copies.
my good friend died at rv site, sad but went doing what he loved. family had to fly in and there was a dog on board. if solo something to plan and think about ahead of time. good video
Very good point! Sorry to hear about your friend
My daughter is a funeral director. We are not on the road, but will be in a year. We are doing a pre-need with her. We are also adding a plaque on the side of the door on who to call first, her. This is something to think about for the lucky ones on the road and those of us who are going to be. Thank you for bringing this up to all of us.
That is a great idea! It’s a sensitive topic but it’s a conversation should be had.
I believe this subject has never been addressed. It’s always good for the spouse/partner knows how to hookup and tow the camper. Thank you guys, great stuff!
You know us - always being different 🤣🤣
I have also talked about this in my videos as a retired LEO Death Investigator
It would be prudent to have coverage and Good Sams has coverage to return your remains to family.
I am experienced with death investigations which are considered "unattended" aka/not expected or person is not under doctors care for an illness that causes death. Or under a doctors care within last 30 days.
The medical examiner takes jurisdiction and an autopsy is performed to determine cause of death. Police do respond
Check into Good Sams coverage that covers sending your remains home.
Most cases: if someone subject is DOA of EMS, they do not transport to a hospital they transport to the county morgue /ME's facilities. No reason to take a dead person to a hospital morgue unless the jurisdiction does not have a morgue.
I served in Illinois and Florida but not all states have the same laws.
We are seniors and bought a Good Sam’s travel insurance that would pay to get the deceased back to home and even pay for our dog to get back home in that situation. We no longer Rv but it was a comfort to have that set up in case.
when i got my AZ {truck drivers license} in Canada. my sister who is a lawyer and myself wrote up a living will and a disbursement of my stuff will as my sis called it. at the time trucking co got copy and so did my sister. she was my emerg contact. now that i am retired and spend my Canadian winters with friends in Florida, my friends have copy of living will and money i put aside to cremate me if i pass with them. I think I got it covered. lol
We pulled into a park & ambulance was pulling in right in front of us. The regulars & staff noticed no movement from camper next to us. They went in & he had passed a day or so earlier they think. He was alone traveling. Made me think so we discussed if one of us pass on the road. Get cremated there & have ashes sent home/children or friends house. Cheaper this way plus there are so many other things to think about doing like getting rig home alone...
Invaluable vid, the questions we've wondered but dont want to acknowledge our mortality to ask. This gives us starting point of how to set the inevitable without crushing our family with costs, unknowns, and last minute decisions. Thx
I totally understand and agree with you 100%.
It’s not a conversation any of us want to have but you just never know.
This is such a great topic. One of the most valuable rv memberships to have as an rver is FMCA - Family Motor Coach Association, they have answers to most if not all of these questions with their coverage.
Thank you!
Good to know, thank you!
Thank you for this video! Crap happens... don't dwell on it but be prepared for it! One thing that's tangent to this: if you DO NOT want EMS to take extraordinary measures when they respond to you while on the road you need to have a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) filled out and properly witnessed and signed AND you should keep it visible in your rig. EMS aren't going to search your rig top to bottom before starting CPR, etc. If you don't want them doing (required) things to your body, particularly if you unexpectedly passed away, you need to have this document VISIBLE to first responders. Put it on your fridge or somewhere EMS can't miss it.
You are absolutely right!
DNR bracelet
Watch the movie Vacation, strap them on the roof and drive home.
You laugh, but you can do that in VT.
😅
@@liferedesignedwow really
Yep! Have had bodies even brought to me in the back of a truck!
@liferedesigned well keep up the good work and stay safe love your content
Retired Paramedic here. In many states EMTs DO NOT transport bodies. They only transport live people or those currently under CPR. Depending on the state, EMTs can pronounce the person dead, but the Police have to determine who comes to get the body per the laws that pertain. So, it is also possible that EMTs will leave the body where it is found, and either the Coroner/Medical Examiner transports it or the Police call a Funeral Home to do it.
In many states, if the person is elderly with medical conditions, there are no signs/reasons to suspect foul play, and has a personal Dr who is willing to sign the death certificate, the body could be transported by, and directly to, a funeral home. In that case, the Coroner/Medical Examiner never has contact with the deceased.
Also, you may find different approaches within the same state. In Virginia, large cities have Medical Examiners who are Doctors and usually specialized in the post mortem. In smaller cities, Counties or towns, the Coroner can be a layperson who has volunteered or been elected and may have no formal Medical training.
Whether a death scene is considered a crime scene can also unfortunately vary depending on the size of the Police force where you are. The smaller staffed agencies tend to see such an event as a natural death that doesn’t require crime scene care, even if state law requires it.
So, research the State laws, but also research whether some of the smaller places you go have a different system.
There are also online sites where you can do a living will and make sure someone has access to it.
Absolutely
Different topic - but a recommendation all the same - is to talk about what to do if you get lost on a trail, and how to use GPS and other means of communications to get you safely back. I speak with experience (I left my party of 9 to go look for help - and got SOOO lost in the ozark wilderness). It was a very scary time - of which I thought I may not make it out. So many things could have happened, and fortunately for me - I was found 6 hours later (during the dark). I was covered with insect bites all over my body. I had fallen several times. I was filthy (had to use the bathroom a couple of times with no toilet paper :D ) and I realized that I am not as young or adept as I thought I was. (I am 53).
Oh wow, that’s very scary! But you did it!
Thank you for the recommendation!
Last year at the RTR ( rubber tramp rendezvous) they had a workshop that combined mental health and end of life. Both being important topics. Unfortunately the first two speakers used up all the time and basically only left the end of life speaker with little time for this very important topic. I’m interested because I am a certified end of life caregiver/doula (EOLD). The topics you addressed, and the statements in the comments are a great reflection of the importance of this topic. I have hoped to gather a panel and propose to HOWA ( homes on wheels alliance) that we offer a workshop fully dedicated to this topic. The concerns you raise could take the stage on its own. Is this something you would be willing to do in January in Quartzsite AZ? I’m not a board member of HOWA, nor a recruiter for them, but I have kept my antenna up for people who would help make this an important discussion to share. Is this something you would consider? Speaking at the RTR? Thanks for stepping up to address this!
Wow, that is such an honor to even be thought of in those terms. We have a huge amount of respect for Bob Wells and HOWA. I would be hesitant only in the fact that we are not lawyers, and I am not a funeral director. I ran funeral homes from strictly a management capacity. I was fortunate enough to work with some of the best people in the Northeast which is where I learned from. To be on such a panel, I would only be able to speak from my experience in that capacity and not be able to speak or give legal advice. Not exactly sure if that is something HOWA would be looking for.
That all aside, if HOWA was still interested - It would be an absolute honor to start that larger conversation within the community. Karri
Thank you for information. 👍. Its is appreciated
Thank you - we hope that this becomes part of a larger discussion in the community
Excellent topic. Not one we think about.
Thank you! Hopefully this becomes part of a larger conversation within the community
Good information! Something many of us don’t think about traveling . .
Exactly!
Our son was in the hospital when he died. We contacted the funeral home the hospital was going to send the body to, and they released the body so my parents could carry it back to our funeral home. This was in Texas. I’m not sure you could still do this or not. It was years ago.
So sorry to hear about your son. Some states, you still can do that. Vermont is one that also allowed that
Im a male solo traveler. I have prepaired a emergency call list posted on the inside kitchen cupboard door with who to call!!
My nephew has a screen shot of it too!
My nephew has all the information of where items are tucked away photos!
I only trust the persons who find me are honest. The police officers will hopefully secure my rig and my nephew could retrieve my property! Its not going to be that big of a mess. My remains will be cremated!
Thank you for this important topic
We just hope it becomes part of a larger conversation within the community 😀
Thanks for covering this topic, never seen it covered before. Kari, question-What if you’re estranged from family? Do you have any suggestions on what to do if you have no family members willing to be points of contact? Thank you.
Hi! Great and complicated question.
Maybe have a pre need with your wishes. You may also inquire about an advance directive - meaning a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care should you need it .
Thanks, will look into the options. Thanks for addressing this subject.
Thanks for sharing this info
Hopefully this becomes part of a larger discussion within the community 😀
Thank you so much for your video on this, I super appreciate your thoughtfulness and sharing what you've learned in the field, important stuff hard to bring up but truly necessary to address.
Take good care, you two!!
Thank you so much! We appreciate the kind words.
Consider how camper will be moved, where, cost, etc . .
Yep, you are right!
This happened in my family. My uncle lived in his RV by himself on his own land which was fairly isolated in NH. His snow plow guy notified the local police for a welfare check and they found my uncle deceased. His body was in such a condition that they wouldn’t let us see it. It was hard to get closure. My mom was next of kin and she got the phone call from the police about a week before thanksgiving. It was a year of early snowfall. The RV smelled so bad it was unusable. Prior to him putting it on owned property he was a member of the Escapees RV club and based out of Livingston, TX and he traveled the country alone. He had I think a 30’ Ambient class C.
I am so sorry to hear this. NH and VT are our former stomping grounds- this exact scenario happened more often than I care to remember for sure.
@@liferedesigned thank you. My whole family is native to MA and NH, and I’ve lived in Maine for the last 20+ years with my husband who is native to Maine.
Interesting topic that had never considered before. 👍
Hope you enjoyed it!
THANK YOU for addressing this subject!!!
Hopefully it becomes part of a larger conversation within the community 😀
great topic you guys brought up, thank you!! especially after the RVer that got murdered last week in a Nebraska rest area!! no one is prepared for this...
Oh wow! That is awful. Very scary!
It is definitely a sensitive subject, but a conversation to be had.
Very informative as usual. Things I had not thought about. Thank you.
That is what we try to do - bring light to subjects that nobody else covers when we can - hopefully it is more informative than another “how to clean your black tank video” 🤣
When I was at Soledad canyon a woman died in her rv. She was dead about a week.
That is about the usual timeframe - especially when boondocking.
You mentioned you have a safe. If you have documents and instructions that need to be reviewed and travel alone, how does anyone find the safe lock combination?
It is a keyed lock. First Responders would not have an issue opening it as they have resources for that
Could there be any resources for a combination lock?
Perhaps a locksmith? Great question!
Thank you. It's a tough subject no one wants to talk about.
We agree, hopefully this becomes part of a larger discussion
When I was a commercial truck driver before I retired we were told anybody with the proper paperwork could transport a body
The told you wrong unfortunately. That is very inaccurate information
not in Canada. you have to be attached to a funeral home.
My wife’s pad. We have found out that prepaid expenses are bogus. My f in-law and m in-law had pre arranged, pre planned finalities. Many yrs later, they required 30,000 or better in expenses. Due diligence people. These advances are even more today. Think you are safe, check again?
Sounds like the pre-need plan may have been old. If so that would account for the additional costs. Inflation and costs of goods can drive numbers up way beyond original prices from old policies, as an example - obituaries used to be free, and no longer are. That aside, $30k additional sounds like an elaborate ceremony or casket, headstone etc - if not, there would need to be a bigger discussion with your funeral director in regards to that.
Great video.... good job guys. Very helpful.
Glad it was helpful! Hopefully this starts a much larger conversation within the RV community.
Good explanation and I have a silly question but what happens with the van if someone those not have family?
Most likely would be an impound situation unfortunately.
Thank you for this information. I don't want to sound crass but this brings up another question I had never thought of before. What would happen to the RV if traveling alone or possibly only with a friend? After some nightmarish experiences with accidentally having a car impounded I shutter to think what an RV impoundment could turn into. I would want mine to go to my family, not to a towing company for towing and storage charges. It also concerns me that my family might be backed against a wall to ransom the RV from a towing or storage facility in that situation during such an emotional upheaval. I would really appreciate information on this.
Not our area of expertise but could definitely see impoundment happening as RV parks are not liable to hold the space. This may be covered under a will perhaps.
Great information, something no one really wants to think about.
Definitely not but hopefully it does get people acting a little more
The plot thickens. Good information.
Thank you
Thank you for this video. It opened up a conversation between my husband and myself about our situation. We have prearranged funeral plots & cremations already paid for so our children don't have to have that expense. We have a sticks & bricks in Southern Nevada along with our plot at Veterans Memorial Park, but our domicile is in South Dakota. Would it be advantageous for us to have our trust attorney draw up legal papers to have our bodies transported to our funeral home in Southern Nevada? Do you think that would work? I know you are not attorneys, but by putting this out there, others might contact an attorney to cover themselves. Or maybe an RVing attorney can answer that question. I'm sure it's different from state to state.
I would definitely have a conversation with your attorney.
If someone has the FMCA membership and something like this happens especially if it's a couple they can help the one person get the RV and everything back to a family member's house in the proper state or was for a single person I'm sure they'd get it back to wherever that single person would have wanted it.
Where my grandma moved up from Florida we had talked about this cuz she wanted to be buried in Florida and I'm in Wisconsin we went with cremation so we could take her back there at a more reasonable time and not have their hurry up and rush to have the funeral and everything.
I feel like you're definitely be good to have a kind of like will or something.
We have the my ID medical bracelets which have our medical condition and it has up to three different emergency contacts and it gives a list of all of our medication and health conditions that the emergency responders can access with scanning their phone would probably help with them a lot to identify you get a hold of someone.
Great points! I like the idea of the medical bracelet.
If you contact both of them, YOU WILL PAY TWICE THE AMOUNT You need to only contqct the Funeral home where the body will be put down. They in turn contact a funeral home where the death happens. I know about this because I have been involved in this. If you dont care about the money , it doesnt matter. If you have the body creamated, that is probably best. Shipping a body is VERY VERY EXPENSIVE. Thanks folks for tallking about this.
HI Laura: If you are being charged twice, then with all due respect, your funeral home is extremely dishonest. I worked for the largest network of funeral homes for several years and NEVER had a client paying twice. You should probably contact an attorney.
I Too am a Full time RVer and solo. so will at least your celphone be looked at for "ICE" I wish the limit of 1000 characters was not there for this entry.
Your cellphone would definitely be looked at to identify you in this situation - even more so if no other identifiers are around. In the event that there was a fire though, keep in mind that the phone could be rendering inoperable. We highly recommend some sort of fireproof safe that can be found easily that has your information inside.
The goal is to make it super simple for first responders.
@@liferedesignedOh ya. Right.
So I have a cremation/ burial policy with a funeral home in a city I used to live. If I’m traveling which I’m by myself, I’d need to have something on my person that says that? Do I need to be carrying the paperwork with me wherever I go?
If you are alone yes, that paperwork is everything. Also have your next of kin have that paperwork as well
This is the most appropriate video for me at this exact time. We are full time and currently stuck in Tennessee dealing with my mother’s affairs. My question is if I have a will ( or my wife) dictating our desire to be cremated where ever we are is that an option?
Hi Dave,
I don’t see why not since someone will be there to sign paperwork in person and to receive the death certificate.
As a FYI… there would be a cremation certificate as well. In the event either of you chose to bury the cremains, that certificate is a must.
@@liferedesigned thank you having just delt with a real mess my wife and I want everything 100% ready so our kids don’t have any issues. We also have eliminated most all of our positions
Hello, newest FRIENDS;🎉. Thank u so much for the topic. Sensitive or not it's NECESSARY! Have safe and blessed travels. LUCRETIA
Thanks and welcome! We appreciate the kind words.
It’s important to have your information like a Will, as well as your living will and list of your medical information. Drug stores or the Red Cross have packets that you can fill out your medical info. And your phone may have a place with the emergency contacts where you can fill out that information as well. Also you need to make sure that someone knows where you are especially if you’re alone. I agree about the funeral home. It’s important to have all the legal needs are taken care of. This is so important and many people just don’t do it for many reasons. It’s hard emotionally and we just don’t want to think about or death. Do your friends and family a favor and get this info down. Thank you for doing this it’s a very important and much looked over subject.
Thank you! We hope that this starts a larger conversation in the community
BS. You do NOT need to do any of this.
@@kensmart1976oh please enlighten us
@@kensmart1976 no you don’t need to, but it is good for everyone (River or not) to have these documents. Most can be done with online forms.
I replayed several times but can't catch it all--What is the app--something-360--that you use with your kids while you travel? Thanks!
Life 360. The free version works great and should cover you
@@liferedesigned Thanks! I'm a retired probate litigation attorney & person living with some significant health challenges who is still determined to be on the road full-time by fall. Thanks for putting out this video!
Hi. Great topic. Bob mentioned that Carrie was better equipped to speak on this topic. Guess I missed it in older VDOs or media sources. What is your background Carrie?
I ran a couple of funeral homes for several years 😀
Thank you. 🤟🙂. I appreciate you doing this video. I did wonder. 💯🌈🎶
You are so welcome
Medical examiner? I have been told to request a coroner if you find a family member dead.
If you are alone… yes, medical examiner. If you are out of your home state, IE: full time traveling, yes, medical examiner.
If you’re in your home state, ems still arrives, with police…you may be transported to the hospital where a doctor calls the time of death.
Always remember, different states have different terms for things.
Fascinating!
I was wondering who's the employee is in charge of finding "next of kin?" You mentioned that the body is cremated and the place will keep it for so long while they continue to find someone.
I would really like to have that position because I'm really good at finding people.
Thanks
Usually that would be the funeral director or company management
@@liferedesigned thanks
Going to travel alone! Would love to meet a wonderful human! I bam 48 will be 49, soon. That is a fear of mine, would hate to have my kids, parents to find me in that state! It is a VERY HONEST CONCERN! IVE BEEN ALONE MANY MOONS, I am at the point I would love to meet my forever! I am divorced, married once, three kids grown. HOPING I HAVE TIME TO LIVE, selling house asap I’ll see what my future holds!
QQQ. . . Could you help me know steps that I should take, to make sure my body is donated to science or a college. I have an army of relatives, however I would rather, that they don't have to do anything. Would that just mean, I need an advanced directive on file or is it more complicated than that ? Thumbs up for content and love from, S. California.
Because laws vary by state, best advice would be to contact your attorney to get assistance with that request. In addition to the legal aspects, it would definitely be something to communicate out to your relatives as well ahead of time. Great Question!
@liferedesigned also a medical school arrangement needs to be made. my dad was going to donate his body to a medical school but he lived to be 107+ and he found out that they want bodies between certain ages and sizes and fresh, meaning if you are found dead after a time they don't want you. also you have to transport the body to the medical school at your expense and when and if they need it. other arrangements need to be made for a 2nd or 3rd plan. not a catch all plan at all. thanks for the information that needs to be arranged for.
Great information.👍🏼😎
Thank you! Hopefully it spreads awareness
Thank you
No its not your body isn't cremated it's buried in a papers grave. Need leave emergency info in your freezer. Leave in freezer as acts like a fire box. There is something go on fridge say info there. But ems knows to look there. Leave your medication list freezer to.
That is not accurate as it depends on the state.
The first full time RVer channel I subscribed too, over ten years ago, sadly covered this subject purely by chance. The older man and his beloved dog traveled the country, and he posted many a video that made The Lovely Bride and I think very, very seriously about buying a Class C or 30ft trailer and going full time. If memory serves, he was in Arizona when his health failed. Thanks to some friends he was able to park his RV on their property and was hospitalized. After he passed away his friends found themselves caring for his dog full time, dealing with the Class A, AND because there were no close/known next of kin, funeral arrangements. Since the channel was closed down shortly after his passing, I have no idea how his friends dealt with all the details of his passing. I don't think he had any kind of will, but I could be very wrong about that, I just don't recall one of any kind being mentioned. By the way, the deceased was a New Yorker who had relocated to Florida before hitting the road full time which may have added a degree of complication to a sad situation.
absolutely can be a horrible situation for people to be left to deal with.
My stepsons Grandmother passed away in route to hospital (mobile) Police showed up at 3Am knocking on door, they tell my stepson ,your mother is dead. He was thinking his mom my wife. Then they say oops Grandmother TRUE STORY
OH NO! That is terrible! Karri unfortunately has dozens of stories like this
I Am doing Cremation I have a Policy just for the cremation already to be done.
What happens if there is a prearranged creamaton policy in place?
You would be processed by that funeral home
@@liferedesigned I prepaid. I was told my funeral home would contact a funeral home in area where I died to have them honor contract for cremation. Then, the ashes can be sent to designated person. Does this sound right to you? (My daughter has all my paperwork. Contact numbers are on my Road ID medical bracelet that I ALWAYS wear. Road ID is fantastic - check it out.)
There are several groups of funeral homes that are owned by the same company where this could be possible, and is usually the requirement that you have to go to a "participating" crematory . I would read over your agreement to see if it actually has a clause that your funeral home will work with ANY funeral home.
Very good.
Many many thanks
We want to be creamated can that happen in the state we pass in and then shipped to my kids in our home state or does the body have to go to our home state?
You could, but the concern would be the paperwork and all the identification. It would also depend on the Funeral Home that your kids choose, meaning don’t be afraid to shop around.
That's why we have travel assist. They will get the trailer home and arrange transport of the body home.
They will also get the spouse and pets home.
Haven’t heard of travel assist. That sounds like a great service.
their only going to ship you home, if you have pre paid for it..
That’s not true. You can always have someone make arrangements after death. It would be impossible to prepay unless you know exactly where you will be at the time of death.
Karri, how'd you get into the funeral occupation in the first place? Say hi to Oliver, that little rascal 😉
That is a long story - I was actually brought on originally as an outside auditor due to some questionable actions of the management. Long story short, I ended up long term with company
Mostly likely they will be cremated because it is cheapest. If you don't believe in that, your problem for not fixing that to start with. Another thing that is NOT a state law in Mississippi is you do NOT have to be embalmed. However, if they are bringing your body back from another state, you will HAVE to be embalmed. We found that out when we bought my burial insurance policy. Those that don't believe in embalming like me need to know that.
This was just an overview. I know there are a million variables for each situation.
Again, having a pre need, a will, etc. and doing your own research for you is key.
@@liferedesigned Yes definitely. Just a little tidbit I learned and thought I would pass along to someone who might not know and need to.
THERE IS ZERO DIFFERENCE IF YOU DIED IN YOUR CAR AT WALMART ZERO, i was a California cop for way too many years and my wife a 25yr paramedic..
Okay, what are we missing that YOU HAD TO USE ALL CAPS?
They bury you in your RV?
🤔
What happens if you die while R.V.ing??? You die happy?? It's a lot better than dying while working.
Well , if you got the super elite thousand trails membership you never die. You just camp away ….
Not exactly the video for comments like this
👍🏼
Thank you!
Namasté & Ho’Oponopono everything 🕊️❤️
If you're traveling alone and you die, it's not really a concern for the person who died.
Save it for another video- have respect for the people that shared stories of loss and missing loved ones
I used to look for missing people, (sometimes dead missing people) at my own expense. I also had a cousin who stood in front of a train and neighbor who killed himself. Death is just a part of life.
@@k9khodi363your lack of respect for others here is astounding.
All good information. Consider keeping that information in your wallet and on your refrigerator door of the RV. That’s where we would look. For me……just throw me in the trash 🗑️ 😂
A better way would be to keep where to find the information in your wallet or fridge door, keep hard copies in a safe in the event of a fire
I think in every state there are laws against an unlawful disposal of a body/corpse. Look it up in your state, friend. A better idea, how about be the adult and prepare a living will and pre-death arrangements and wishes while you still can, and not burden others?
Hope this helps.
@@singmysong1167it’s just a joke. You can’t throw a body in the trash. I’m being cremated and put in a tree pod to become a tree.
@@Thesaltymedic36 ..haha..good to know. I thought you were being serious and irresponsible, looking for someone else to deal with you & yours, after death. Thanks for clarifying, friend.
I have all my information posted on the refrigerator . In case of death , do not I repeat do not let me vote Democrat ……,
Have that in a safe - things on the fridge melt and you will stay on the roll 🤣
@@Goldenroadie24 we honestly have hundreds of comments come over daily, some we choose to handle with sarcasm -some we call out and some we block. At the end of the day with all due respect it is our channel and we run it how we deem fit. The only difference between us and most TH-camrs is that we are honest about it.
Do ever let her talk😢
Have zero idea what you are trying to say. Kind of ironic given your username