What To Do When Death Occurs
Handling a loved one’s death is an incredibly difficult task.
Below, we have compiled some of the information you may need to guide you with any necessary decisions, who to contact, and to help prepare you for some of the details you may be asked.
We suggest enlisting the help of a trusted friend to assist you in making arrangements – it’s a good idea to have additional support as you begin to cope with your loss.
Should you have any questions about next steps, options available to you or what the arrangement process entails, please do not hesitate to
call us. We can walk you through the information in more detail, and address any concerns you may have.
When A Death Occurs At Home
If a relative or friend dies at home, the first person you should contact is an ambulance. The paramedics will complete a Verification of Death Assessment to confirm your loved one has passed. They will then request that you contact your loved one's General Practitioner directly.
If the Doctor has treated your loved one in the last month or so, and he or she can confirm the cause of your loved one's death, a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death will be issued.
Once the Doctor has been notified, it is then time to
call us.
We will ask you a few questions about your loved one, your location, and advise an estimated arrival time.
Once our Transport Team arrives, they will take a few moments with you to confirm details, document any important information, and give you a few moments prior to taking your loved one into our care for transport to our facility.
We will then contact you to arrange an appointment at one of our office locations to complete the necessary paperwork and discuss funeral arrangements.
It is a practice of courtesy that we allow a short period of time (next business day as a general rule) before we make contact with you following the loss of a loved one.
Should you wish to contact us sooner though, please don't hesitate to do so.
Remember, you can
contact us at any time if you are at all unsure at any stage of the process, and we will talk you through the steps.
In A Hospital or Rest Home
When death occurs in a Hospital or Care Facility, the staff will arrange for all the necessary medical certificates to be completed.
Rest Homes often request information at the time of admittance. Questions such as the main contact person, preference of Funeral Director, and whether the person’s wish is to be buried or cremated.
When a resident dies in their care, a Rest Home or Hospital will offer to contact us on your behalf.
The Care Provider will inform us of the death, and will arrange a time to transfer your loved one to our Funeral Home.
Making your instructions clear to them is important.
- Tell the Rest Home or Hospital staff immediately if you wish to spend some time with the person who has passed prior to us transferring them to the Funeral Home.
- Leave a phone number so that we can make direct contact with you.
- An indication of timeframe (when you would like to be contacted by us) is also helpful - generally, we will attempt to make contact with you the morning following the transfer into our care. You are always welcome to contact us prior if you wish.
