What should I do when a death occurs?

Contact your funeral director who will ask you some questions so as to determine the next appropriate steps. Typical questions are:

• where the death occurred eg. at home, in hospital or nursing home
• if a medical certificate has been signed by an attending doctor
• where the deceased will repose e.g. at home, in a funeral home …
• if the deceased expressed a preference for burial or cremation
• the name of the deceased’s next of kin.

What is Embalming and why is it done?

Embalming is a very effective way of slowing down the body’s decomposition process, so that the body is preserved until the burial or cremation has taken place. It involves the injection of chemicals into the body and protects those who may come into contact with the body from unnecessary health risks. Embalming enables us to present the deceased to relatives for viewing, in as close a life- like appearance as possible, making their last memory of the deceased as pleasant as possible. Embalming is a requirement by airline companies when human remains are being repatriated.

How much does a funeral cost?

Each funeral is different and costs depend on a number of factors. See here for a detailed breakdown of funeral costs.