Initial Steps
Fortunately we do not find ourselves in the position of having to make funeral arrangements for a loved one more than once or twice in our lives and so when it happens it can feel quite overwhelming and emotionally stressful. This is why it is so important to have the support of a Funeral Director that you can trust to handle all of the arrangements with integrity and compassion.
The initial steps depend on the circumstances as follows.
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When a death occurs in nursing home, hospice or hospital.
The doctor will be called to confirm that the death has occured. In most cases a Post Mortem is not required and the family can contact their funeral director who will liaise with the hospital or nursing home on their behalf.
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When a death occurs at home.
If the death was unexpected, the GP should be contacted first and may advise that the family contact the local Garda Station, as the Gardai may wish to contact the Coroner.
If the death was expected, the deceased will have been attended to by their GP who should be contacted first as they will be required to visit the home to confirm that the death has occurred. The funeral director can then be called but cannot proceed until the death has been confirmed by the doctor.
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It will be useful to have considered the following questions and your funeral director will assist you in making these decisions.
- Where would you prefer to hold the funeral service in a Church or a Funeral Home or a Crematorium Chapel?
- Will you require any musicians for the funeral service?
- Will you require a limousine or a number of limousines for the day of the funeral?
- Will your preference be for burial or cremation?
- Will the deceased repose in a Funeral Home, a Residence or a Hospital, Hospice or Nursing Home Mortuary Chapel?
- Will the death notice be published on local radio, on RIP.ie or in a newspaper?
- Would you like to pass the house on the way to the church or cemetery?
- Will the family carry the coffin on the day of the funeral and if so, who will be the six bearers?
- What clothes will be selected for the deceased to wear during reposing?