Arrange a funeral

The answer isn’t about what’s right or wrong; it’s about what suits your unique circumstances. For some children, attending a funeral can help their grieving process – allowing them to participate in saying farewell to a loved one.

Rather than assuming what they need, have an open conversation with your child about the funeral. Explain what to expect and that adults may be emotional, then let them decide if they’d like to attend. If you’re concerned about managing their needs while you grieve, consider enlisting a trusted relative or friend to provide support during the service. Remember, children can also offer comfort to grieving individuals in their own special way.

The main difference is their design. Coffins feature a tapered shape, narrower at the foot and wider at the shoulders, often with a fully removable lid. Caskets, on the other hand, are rectangular and typically have a hinged lid, allowing part or all of the deceased to be visible during a viewing or open-casket ceremony. Coffins may be more cost effective due to simpler interiors and fewer manufacturing components.

In Australia, cremations have been on the rise, overtaking burials in popularity. However, the choice can vary by location. Cremations are more common in urban areas where crematories are accessible, while burials are more common in rural and remote regions. Cultural and religious beliefs also play a significant role, with some faiths favouring or prohibiting cremation.

Embalming involves replacing bodily fluids with chemical solutions. It is used for preservation, infection control, and enhancing the presentation of the deceased. The extent of embalming required can vary and may not be needed at all. Embalming can be carried out partially, or fully, depending on circumstances, as well as family and cultural preferences.

Following the cremation process, only the sturdy bones of the deceased remain. These bones are then finely crushed to create what we commonly refer to as ‘ashes’ or ‘cremated remains.’

The ashes will be provided in a temporary plastic container. If you would like a more decorative urn to house them, you can discuss this option with your funeral director. We have an extensive range of options to choose from.

If the death is unexpected, immediately call Triple 0 (000). In cases of expected deaths, get in touch with the deceased person’s doctor. A doctor will need to conduct a medical examination to officially confirm the death. Funeral arrangements cannot proceed until this step is completed. If the deceased does not have a doctor, contact Triple 0 (000) for guidance.

In Australia, the majority of deaths occur within healthcare or other care facilities. In these cases, these authorities handle the necessary medical procedures. If you are the next of kin, they will reach out to you and let you know what to do. Many hospitals have their own mortuaries, where the deceased is temporarily held until you decide where the funeral will be held.

This becomes a requirement in the case of:

• Non-natural causes of death, such as violence, accidents, or unusual circumstances.
• Death occurring under anaesthesia or within 24 hours of its administration.
• Unexpected deaths.
• Death of an individual in an institution, prison, police custody, or a drug or alcohol rehabilitation centre, when the cause of death remains unknown.
• Cases involving individuals diagnosed with dementia, although police may sometimes deem coronial involvement unnecessary.

Following the burial or cremation, the funeral director will register the death with the Births, Deaths, and Marriages Registry in your state. Once the death registration is finalised, the Department of Births, Deaths, and Marriages will issue you a copy of the death certificate. A death certificate is typically required for legal and estate-related matters.

It’s important to note that the death certificate is different from the doctor’s report, which is known as the ‘Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.’

Typically, it’s the next of kin, which may include the spouse, child, parent, legal partner, or sibling. If the deceased has no known relatives, authorities may need to make the necessary arrangements. This is often facilitated by a social worker or another authorised officer.

No, however most funerals are organised within 7-10 days after the individual’s passing. If, for some reason, the funeral cannot be held within this timeframe, professional embalming by our qualified embalmer may be necessary to ensure respectful presentation and preservation of your loved one.

A viewing allows loved ones to see and spend time with the deceased before the funeral. In certain cultures, it may also occur during the funeral itself. While viewing is not obligatory, it is widely recognised and recommended for its therapeutic benefits during the grieving process.

Ultimately, the decision to view should be made based on personal choice, with sensitivity to the approach, environment and setting. When explaining viewing to children, it’s important to use language they can understand and allow them to decide whether they wish to participate.

In the event of a loved one passing away overseas, your funeral director will collaborate with the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant Australian consulate in that country to repatriate the body back to Australia. We also have the capability to work with international funeral directors. If the death occurs in a different Australian state, we’ll coordinate with our network of interstate funeral directors to ensure the safe return of your loved one.

Grief is a natural process, and its duration varies for each individual. Healing unfolds gradually. Many fear they’ll be unhappy forever, but for most, that’s not the case. While you may never completely overcome the loss and will always feel their absence, you will discover ways to adapt to life after their passing.

Grief is a deeply personal journey, and there’s no right or wrong way to experience it. The healing process unfolds at its own pace.

Offering comfort to someone who has lost a cherished loved one can be challenging. The most sincere and direct words you can share are, “I’m truly sorry to hear about [name].” Remember that you can’t ‘fix’ their grief, no matter how much you care. Practical gestures like assisting with meals, household chores, home maintenance, or child care can provide valuable support during their mourning. Engaging in conversations about the deceased and truly listening can also be comforting.

If you’re struggling to move forward after a loss and feel that you require more assistance than friends and family can offer, consider seeking guidance from a bereavement counsellor. Reach out to Grief Australia for bereavement counselling and additional grief support services. If you ever find yourself contemplating self-harm or have thoughts of suicide, please contact Lifeline’s 24-hour counselling service on 13 11 14.