First, give yourself time to take in what has happened. You can call a family member or a friend to let them know. After that, contact the deceased’s regular doctor, and once you have spoken to the doctor, contact the funeral home.

If death occurs at a public hospital, the medical staff there usually complete the required formalities and certificates. It will then be still up to the family to contact the funeral home. If death occurs in a nursing home or private hospital and you are not present, the staff will contact the next of kin.

1) A supportive friend or family member2) Information required for the funeral home to register the death with the Registrar – for example, date of birth and date of marriage, birth dates of children, parents’ names and places of birth3) Clothes you wish the deceased to be dressed in (including makeup if you desire)4) A photograph to be used for Memorial Cards or Bookmarks5) Favorite music of the deceased6) Prepaid funeral plan documents or grave lease details, if applicable7) A list of any questions you may have Also see a list on website: www.grief&sympathy.com

Sometimes people fear that having a funeral service will be too difficult to cope with emotionally, or that ‘there will be too much fuss’, or that it will be too expensive. Unfortunately, the decision not to have a funeral service may be regretted later, when the opportunity has passed by. Funeral services do not have to be large public gatherings – you may decide to have a small private ceremony, attended by close family and friends. There are many options available, which your funeral director can explain to you. For instance, you may choose to have a funeral in a church, chapel, hall, at the graveside, at your home, or another venue. Funeral gatherings – however large or small – allow people to gather together, to let you know that they care, to support you in this fragile time. Held in a supportive environment, a funeral service allows you to acknowledge your loss, accept the often painful reality of death and parting and honour the life of your loved one. A funeral service also marks the beginning of a changed way of life. As you slowly adapt to your loss, the realisation that you are not alone – that others feel for you – can offer comfort and hope.

Spending private time with the deceased person, before the funeral, can be beneficial for family and close friends. A viewing provides an opportunity to talk to thedeceased, or just to have some special time alone, with the coffin. It also helps the bereaved to accept the often painful reality of death, and to see that the deceased is now at peace.

Generally cremation is less expensive than burial. However, you can discuss the matter with a funeral director who will be able to advise you of the exact cost.

Yes the coffin is cremated with the body. Some metal handles and fittings may be removed because of the adverse effect their chemical composition can have on cremation chambers. Also see website: www.accaweb.com.au for more information

Grief is the name given to the feelings often experienced following a personal loss of any kind – it is perfectly normal and natural. One of the most common types of grief occurs following the death of someone close. Grieving is important as it allows you to adjust to your loss. During the process of coping with your grief you may experience a range of symptoms, some of which may include:Lack of energyHeadaches and a general feeling of being unwellFeeling excessively tired or active and unable to settleMemory lapses, distraction and having trouble concentratingAnger and irritabilityDepression or feelings of euphoriaFeeling closer to your faith or questioning your faith

Often it is best to express your grief, and this can be difficult depending on the person and circumstances involved. It is important to understand that grief is not a sign of weakness nor poor coping skills, it is a natural, healthy and normal way of coping with the loss and major life change.You will change. Your life has changed. Your moods will change. All of this is about adapting to the loss that has occurred. Even members of the same family may react differently. Grief is a personal experience. It takes time. You will recover, but allow time to adjust and accept. Port Lincoln resident Glenis Kennedy has written a very helpful booklet “Surviving the pain of separation” documenting her grief journey following the death of her husband Gary. If you would like to purchase a copy of Glenis’ booklet, please contact us, or write to Glenis at Post Office Box 324, Port Lincoln 5606 Also see website: www.grief.org.au www.palliativecare.org.au

Bereavement can be very lonely and isolating.Don’t avoid people who are grieving.Just being there, so that the bereaved know someone cares, can be the most important thing you can offer. Don’t try to take away the person’s grief—acknowledge it and listen to their story—don’t be judgmental. There are no right words to say. We can never know how the other person feels, so don’t say “I know how you feel” – we don’t. Instead of idle statements such as “let me know if you need anything” – you need to offer positive help.People suffering grief are not going to contact you to ask for help.Perhaps you could call in with some foodyou have prepared, or help with a domestic task.Maybe the garden needs mowing or weeding.Offer to do the supermarket shopping, run errandsor take children to school or other activities. Just be human—ask yourself “what would I find helpful in this situation?”

You will pay at today’s price, beat rising costs and avoid inflation and rising premiums. A prepaid funeral is also exempt from the Centrelink assets test so it can help you qualify for a pension or part pension.No ongoing payments. You will only pay for the funeral you want with no additional costs or premiums payable for you or your family. Once paid in full there is no more to pay unless additional items or services are required.Remove the worry for your family. When the time comes, it is all planned for and paid for and your family and friends won’t have to deal with the details and financial concern.No age limit or health checks are necessary. Everyone is eligible.The funeral service is assured to be exactly as you want it as you have selected everything! See website: www.fpmanagement.com.au