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When Should I Call the Funeral Director?
It is advisable to contact the Funeral Director as soon as possible. If you prefer, this initial call can be made on your behalf. Although early contact with the Funeral Director is advisable, this does not mean Funeral arrangements must be made quickly. Make arrangements when you feel most able to cope or when family support is available.
Will We Have An Opportunity To Say Our Goodbyes?
Yes. An opportunity for family to say goodbye can be arranged for you at the Funeral Home. This is often referred to as a private viewing. As the viewing of a loved one after death can be of tremendous value to the survivors, we believe it to be necessary to restore the dignity of the body so that viewing may be a time of strengthening and assisting the family to face the reality of the death. As a general rule, mourners should not be prevented from viewing, nor should they be forced to do so. A private lounge is available for families wishing to pay their last respects. While this might not be beneficial to all, it is some- thing that should be considered.
How Shall Our Loved One Be Dressed?
This choice is yours. Some families prefer to provide specific clothing (type of clothing is again your choice). What is appropriate in your situation? Where clothing is not supplied by the family, the Funeral Director will provide an appropriate shroud.
What Should We Do With The Wedding Ring And Other Jewellery?
This is a very personal decision. There is no right or wrong answer. Allow time to discuss this matter with your family.
When Can We Have The Funeral?
Your Funeral Director will be interested to know what timings will best suit you and your family. It is helpful to allow yourself time to consider all arrangements. Try not to rush Funeral timings. A carefully planned Funeral will be of tremendous value to you and your family. The Funeral Director will make contact with all the appropriate people, ie. doctor, church/clergy, cemetry/crematorium and confirm timings for you.
Burial Or Cremation ... Who Chooses?
If the wishes of the deceased are known they are followed in this matter. A cremation cannot take place if there are written instructions to the contrary. Usually, the person arranging the funeral makes this decision after consultation with the family. If this decision has been made, it is advisable to inform nursing staff and your Funeral Director as soon as possible. Additional certificates need to be arranged when families nominate cremation.
What Is The Difference Between A Coffin And A Casket?
The difference is basically one of design. Coffins are tapered at the head and foot and are wide at the shoulders. Caskets are rectangular in shape and are usually constructed of better quality timbers and feature higher standards of workmanship. The decision to select a coffin or casket is made by the family according to their personal preference. Many people regard the coffin or casket as an important tribute to the deceased and is therefore selected with care. However, to spend so much that it would mean future denial for those left behind would be misguided.
In Cremation, What Happens To The Coffin or Casket?
Fears that the coffin or casket is not burned and is used again are utterly without foundation. The coffin is always cremated with the body of the deceased person. All crematoria are controlled by Government regulations in all States.
Embalming ... Is It Necessary And By Whom Is It Performed?
Firstly, it needs to be said that modern embalming bears no relation to that practised by ancient civilisations. Embalming is essential if the deceased is to be transferred overseas. Some funeral directors regard embalming as essential in all cases because it fulfills the dual function of hygenic preservation and maintains the natural appearance of the deceased. Our policy at T.S. Burstow Funerals is to prepare every deceased person to one very high standard. This means a viewing can be arranged without prior notice. Should the circumstances warrant it, we do have the facilities to undertake complete embalming, and the high standards of the Australian institute of Embalmers are strictly maintained.
Who Places Funeral Death Notices?
Your Funeral Director will help you compile and place any required Funeral or Death notices.
What Departments Should I Advise?
Your Funeral Director will advise appropriate departments of your loved ones passing. Departments may include Social Security, Department of Veterans Affairs and the like.
Your Funeral Director Will Need To Supply Information To The Registrar General Of Births, Deaths and Marriages
1. Age of Deceased.
2. Where Deceased was born.
3. Given names and surname of Father.
4. Fathers occupation.
5. Given and maiden surname of Mother.
6. Where Deceased was married.
7. At what age.
8. To whom.
9. Given names and ages of children living.
10. Repeat 6 to 9 if married more than once.
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