​What to do when a someone dies

When a loved one dies, we face a whirlwind of emotions and the pressure to make important decisions quickly. One of the first steps we need to take is to plan a heartfelt funeral or memorial service. We’re here to walk you through that process, and support you and your family through the challenges that come with losing a loved one.

This guide can help you understand the steps you need to take. 

What to do immediately after someone dies

 

Step 1
Let their doctor, family and close friends know

If your loved one passes away unexpectedly at home, it’s important to reach out for immediate assistance by calling triple-zero. If you’ve been anticipating their passing, you should let their doctor know. They’ll then help you to obtain the necessary medical cause of death certificate. If your loved one passes at a hospital or care facility, the staff will ensure the required procedures are carried out with care and sensitivity. 

Next, you may want to start reaching out to family and friends to let them know the person has passed. You don’t need to do this alone. You might ask a relative or close friend to help you.

 

Step 2
Contact a funeral director

Once you’ve notified the relevant people, it’s time to reach out to a trusted funeral  director who’ll help you begin the planning process. They will guide you and your family through any necessary steps and decisions. 

How to choose a funeral director

If you’re wondering how to choose a funeral director, we have a few tips. It’s important to carefully assess the services they can offer, as well as how they support you and your family beyond simply handling the logistics. You might consider factors such as their location, prices, facilities, cultural understanding, and their ability to accommodate specific religious or cultural practices. 

If you are seeking care and understanding during this sensitive time, we invite you to consider White Lady Funerals. Our dedicated team understands the difficulty of losing a loved one, drawing from decades of experience supporting families through loss. We’ll make sure your family is looked after while we give your loved one a meaningful, unique send-off.

How to plan a funeral

The women of White Lady Funerals understand the profound impact of losing a loved one. They’ll take the time to meet with you and listen to your needs and preferences. Together, you’ll create a bespoke funeral service that honours and celebrates the life of your loved one.

From the first call, they will provide support and a comforting presence. They’ll help you find a venue, manage the logistics and take care of all the details, relieving you of any additional burdens.

To help you understand and navigate this process, our Funeral Specialists have put together a complete guide to planning a funeral for a loved one.

Read our Guide to Planning a Funeral

What to expect from a funeral director

Here are a few things to expect when looking for a caring and compassionate funeral director:  

Guidance and support

A dedicated funeral director will take care of every aspect of your loved one’s funeral with compassion and respect. This includes organising pick-up and transportation, contacting venues and celebrants, and managing any administrative tasks. They will be there to ensure you and your family have a smooth and meaningful experience as you say goodbye to your loved one. 

Personalisation

A skilled funeral director stands ready to support you in creating a personalised and unique funeral service that beautifully honours the life and legacy of your loved one. They’ll work closely with you to ensure every aspect of the service captures their unique spirit.

Attention to detail

Your funeral director will handle all the necessary logistics, from coordinating vendors to managing timelines and accommodating any additional requests. They’ll be by your side every step of the way.

With care and compassion, the women of White Lady Funerals are here to guide you through life’s heaviest moments.

Ready to start planning?

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