What Happens When You Contact a Funeral Home After Someone Dies?

When someone dies, it can be difficult to know what needs to happen next. Even when a death is expected, there are practical arrangements that someone will need to make.

For many families, contacting a funeral home is one of the first steps. A funeral director can explain what happens next and begin making arrangements when the appropriate formalities have been completed.

If someone dies at home and the death was expected, you can contact their GP or the appropriate healthcare professional. It might be a palliative care team, for example. They can advise on the next steps and the medical certification process.

When someone dies in hospital, hospital staff will explain what happens next. The person will usually remain in the hospital mortuary until the necessary arrangements have been made.

Different procedures apply when a death is unexpected. The death may need to be referred to the coroner before funeral arrangements can progress.

You do not need to understand every part of the process before contacting a funeral home. Your funeral director can explain which steps apply to your circumstances.

Bringing your loved one into the funeral home's care

Depending on the circumstances, the funeral director can arrange for the person who has died to be brought into their care.

The timing will depend on where the death occurred and whether any medical or legal procedures need to take place first.

Once your loved one is in the funeral home's care, the funeral director can discuss how they will be looked after before the funeral.

You may also be able to arrange a visit to see them. Your funeral director can explain the options available and help you decide what feels right for your family.

Arranging a meeting with the funeral director

After the initial contact, you will normally have a more detailed conversation about the funeral.

This may take place at the funeral home, at your home or remotely, depending on the services available and your preferences.

There is usually a lot to discuss, but you do not need to make every decision immediately.

The funeral director will guide you through the available choices and help you understand what needs to be decided first.

What decisions will you need to make?

If your loved one left no wishes one of the first things you will do is search for a funeral home near me. Location can be important, particularly if you expect to visit the funeral home several times. However, it should not be the only consideration.

One of the first decisions will usually be whether the funeral involves a burial or cremation.

From there, you can begin considering the type of service you would like. This might be religious, non-religious or a combination of different elements that reflect the person's life.

Other arrangements may include:

• the date, time and location of the funeral
• the coffin or casket
• funeral vehicles
• music, readings and hymns
• flowers
• notices and stationery
• charitable donations
• who will lead the service
• personal touches for the ceremony

Some families already know exactly what they want. Others prefer to consider their options over several conversations.

There is no need to make decisions simply because you feel they are expected. Ask questions and take the time available to understand your choices.

What if your loved one left funeral wishes?

Tell the funeral director if the person who died left instructions or discussed their funeral wishes with the family.

They may have specified whether they wanted a burial or cremation. They might also have chosen music, readings or other personal details.

There could also be a prepaid funeral plan in place.

If you know that a plan exists, provide the funeral director with any documents or provider details you have. They can establish what arrangements have already been made and what the plan covers.

If you are unsure, check important paperwork and speak to close family members who may know about previous arrangements.

Funeral costs can vary depending on the services chosen. The type of funeral, coffin, transport and additional personal requests can all affect the final amount.

There may also be third-party costs associated with the funeral.

Ask for a clear breakdown so you understand what is included. If you have a particular budget, mention this early in the conversation. The funeral director can then discuss suitable options with you.

What should you look for when searching for a funeral home?

Look at the services offered and whether the funeral director can accommodate your family's requirements. You may also want to consider the facilities available and the experience of previous families.

Most importantly, you should feel comfortable asking questions.

A good funeral director should explain your options clearly and give you the information needed to make your own decisions. That is part of the funeral director's role.

You do not need to have everything planned before calling.

The first call is simply the beginning of the process. From there, your funeral director can guide you through each stage and help you make arrangements at a suitable pace.