What to do When Someone Dies
Knowing what to do when someone dies can be difficult. First, contact their doctor or, if necessary, the coroner. Next, notify a funeral director, who will guide you through the arrangements and transfer your loved one into their care.
Some Decisions to Think About During the Funeral Arrangements Include:
The funeral typically takes place within a few days of meeting your director, unless delayed by circumstances like waiting for family. During this time, the director will handle all arrangements.
- The type of funeral you desire
- Whether your family member has already pre-arranged their own funeral
- When & where you would like the funeral to be held
- The type of service you would like
- The type of music to be played at the service
- Which clothing you would like your loved one to wear
- Whether you desire a viewing
- What floral arrangements would be appropriate
- Who you would like to be involved
What to do if Someone Dies in a Nursing Home or Hospital
In most cases, nursing homes do not have long-term facilities to care for a loved one once they have passed away. As per standard practice, the facility will contact family and notify them of the death. From this point, a funeral director will start making arrangements for the deceased on the basis there is no coroner investigation taking place.
In a hospital scenario, there are mortuary facilities and the hospital would take care of your loved one while a funeral director will make arrangements and the family manage the release forms.
If your loved one has passed away, we’re here to help. We provide a wide range of funeral services throughout Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Ipswich, Deception Bay, Caboolture, Bribie Island, Gold Coast, Noosa, Tewantin, Maleny, Montville, Gympie, Tin Can Bay, Toowoomba and surrounding areas.
FAQs
Personal belongings can be kept by the family, placed with your loved one, or included in the coffin if desired. If the death occurred in hospital or aged care, belongings are usually returned directly to the family. If your loved one is already in our care, we will guide you on what can and cannot be included and help you manage special keepsakes.
The Will does not need to be finalised before arranging the funeral. The Executor named in the Will usually manages estate matters. If there is no Will, Next of Kin normally takes responsibility. We can guide families to helpful resources if needed, noting we do not provide legal advice.
Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, but the first step is to contact a funeral director so we can bring your loved one into our care and guide you through the arrangements.
You do not need a Death Certificate to plan a funeral. The paperwork for registering the death and applying for the official Death Certificate is completed during the funeral arrangements and is issued by Queensland Births, Deaths and Marriages after the cremation or burial has taken place.
We support families across the Sunshine Coast and South-East Queensland, including Buderim, Maroochydore, Nambour, Noosa, Coolum, Caloundra, Hinterland communities and surrounding regions. If you are unsure, please contact us – we are available 24/7.