Dealing with the death of a loved one is usually a very sad and stressful time. The idea of organising a funeral or cremation is simply too upsetting for many people. Fortunately, there are several compassionate funeral companies in the Tablelands who can step in and organise the final farewell.
People want this last tribute to be a true reflection of a life lived. A business specialising in funerals and cremations can help ensure the farewell reflects the personality of the deceased.
Funeral directors are trained to assist in planning a religious or non-religious funeral or cremation and can ensure an individual is laid to rest with not only dignity, but a personal touch.
Their role is to support and guide you throughout the entire process. Families in mourning need time to make decisions carefully after the initial shock and emotions settle. Specialists understand this is a difficult time and are employed to ensure a meaningful and suitable tribute to allow everyone to express their grief.
At the first meeting with the funeral director, which can be arranged in the comfort of your living room or at the funeral home, you will be asked to nominate a day, time and place for the ceremony. You may also be asked about your choice of coffin, flowers, music, a photo display or video for the service and whether you would like to use the internet or newspaper to announce the death. You will be advised about the costs involved in the funeral. You will also need to bring clothes for the deceased to wear, including perfume, aftershave or makeup. It is also a good idea to show the funeral director a photo of the deceased to help prepare for the funeral day.
The director will liaise with all the service suppliers and settle accounts on your behalf and handle all the legal documentation required to finalise the estate.
There is no specific time frame for the burial or cremation but, if the service needs to be delayed for more than a month, there will need to be an embalming. The funeral or cremation can be held around three days later. If there has been a coronial enquiry it may take around five days. Tablelands Regional Council has several cemeteries where there are suitable areas to place or scatter ashes.
When someone passes away there are certain procedures that must be followed. A Tablelands funeral director can help explain these procedures in more detail. Hospitals and nursing homes can also arrange documentation for the funeral director. If death was due to an accident, a coroner may call for an autopsy.
Perhaps you want to organise your own funeral and would like information about a pre-paid funeral plan. Planning ahead for a funeral allows you to get your affairs in order and gives your family and friends time to grieve without worrying about making the right choices for the service.
