F.A.Q.
When a Death Occurs?
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Appoint a member(s) of the family to make the funeral arrangements.
Contacting the funeral director
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You should contact us as soon as possible, even before making any other funeral arrangements. Telephone: 1-868-223-2007/8 or 1-868-637-2009
Issuing the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
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This is the first step. How it is issued will depend on whether the deceased was at home or in a hospital (home for the aged) or Hospice.
To ensure that this form is filled out correctly, please note:
· Full name of deceased (as shown on his/her ID card) must be clearly written.
· Male/Female is circled or ticked off.
· Age and date of birth are correctly stated.
· There are three (3) areas where the date is to be clearly written.
· The Doctor’s name must be printed legibly and signed.
· All copies are to be stamped with the hospital stamp or doctor’s personal stamp if the deceased dies at home.
At home, you will need to contact the deceased’s doctor and the Police to notify them of the death.
The doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Death.
If a doctor has not examined the deceased within recent times, the Police will contact the District Medical Officer who will issue the Medical Certificate of Death.
An autopsy can also be done at the family’s request.
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At Home or at Work?
In a hospital or home for the aged, the staff will contact the next of kin and then arrange for a doctor to issue the Medical Certificate of Death.
In some cases, where the doctor is unsure about the actual cause of death, or if someone has died suddenly the doctor or family may request an autopsy. If an autopsy is not required, then the Medical Certificate of Death is issued.
In a hospice, the staff will contact the next of kin and then arrange for a doctor to issue the Medical Certificate of Death.
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While Under Supervision Care
What to Expect When You Arrive at The Funeral Home
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You will then be guided through the entire arrangement process, explaining how you can create a memorable personal celebration of your loved one's life. This is not a one-way conversation; we want to hear your ideas and desires, and use them as the foundation for the arrangement process.
This process may include:
· Preparing and filing the official death certificate
· Scheduling the location, date and time of services or events
· Selecting a casket, urn or other items
· Preparing an obituary notice
· Selecting programs, bookmarks and flowers.
You may also sign necessary authorisations or make arrangements to have them signed by the appropriate family members.
We would like you to bring any photos, a favourite song, or memorabilia so that together we can better discuss how you would like your loved one to be remembered. Having these things, and knowing their favourite song or favourite gathering place – even their favourite activity – will help us create a truly fitting memorial service.
Our funeral director will assist you in planning a loving tribute that captures the spirit of the person whose life you wish to honour.
To learn more about personalising the service, please read the Honouring Life section of this website.
The funeral director will discuss personalisation with you during your arrangement meeting.
Pre-planning is a matter of taking the time to think about – and record – your end-of-life desires.
It is a thoughtful gesture to those you love, and a way to let go of anxieties about the future.
Once done, you can relax, knowing your plans are in the hands of reliable friends or family.
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Why Should I Pre-Plan
Does Pre-Planning Require Pre-Payment?
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No, it's simple. You can set a plan to paper by simply recording your wishes, and leave it for your family to pay for your desired services at the time of your passing.
The accepted customs of dress and behaviour in a funeral have changed over time, but courtesy never goes out of style.
Here is what we would like you to know about funeral etiquette.
· Do not feel that you have to stay.
· Do not be afraid to smile.
· Do not feel you have to view the deceased if there is an open casket.
· Do not leave your cell phone on.
· Do not neglect to step into the receiving line.
· Do not be too hard on yourself if you make a mistake.
When it is all over, always remember to continue to offer support and love to the bereaved. The next few months are a time when grieving friends and relatives could need you most. Let them know that your support did not end with the funeral.
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Funeral Etiquette
