Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Alongside the grief and emotion, many people find themselves asking a simple but overwhelming question: “What do I do now?”
According to Holy Cross Funerals Manager Peter Mullins, one of the biggest misconceptions people have is that funeral arrangements must be made immediately.
“People often think they need to make all the decisions straight away, but that’s rarely the case,” Peter says. “While there are some practical steps that need to happen early, families generally have time to consider their options and make informed decisions about the funeral service.”
The first step is understanding what needs to happen immediately after a death, which can vary depending on where and how the person has died.
If a death occurs in a nursing home, there is usually no mortuary facility on site. In most cases, the deceased will need to be transferred into the care of a funeral home within a few hours. For this reason, many residents nominate a preferred funeral director in advance. While the transfer into care often happens quickly, there is generally no urgency to begin planning the funeral itself.
Hospitals operate differently, with many having mortuary facilities available. Hospital staff will usually guide families through the next steps and advise when a funeral director should be contacted.
For an expected death at home, where a person has been receiving palliative care, there is also no need to rush funeral planning. Notifying a funeral home in advance can help families understand the process and feel more prepared when the time comes.
In the case of an unexpected or sudden death, emergency services should be contacted immediately. Depending on the circumstances, police, paramedics or the Coroner may become involved. If the death is referred to the Coroner, the release of the deceased may take longer and it may not be possible to confirm a funeral date straight away. However, families can still contact a funeral director when they feel ready and begin discussing the type of service they would like to arrange.
Once a funeral director has been engaged, the next stage is arranging the funeral service itself. This process usually does not need to be rushed, allowing families time to gather loved ones, consider options and make decisions that reflect the life of the person they are honouring. The exception may be certain cultural or religious traditions that require arrangements to be made more quickly.
Most importantly, remember that you do not have to navigate the process alone. Experienced funeral professionals can guide you through each step with care, compassion and practical support.
About Holy Cross Funerals
As Australia’s only not-for-profit Catholic funeral home, Holy Cross Funerals assists families of all faiths and denominations, providing compassionate guidance and personalised funeral services while giving back to local parishes and communities.
