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Organising a Funeral
Who organizes the funeral?
Usually, the next of kin or executor of the will is responsible for signing off on the funeral, however this is not always the case and families are encouraged to share any concerns they have about this with their nominated funeral director. Whilst is helps if only one family member liaises with the funeral director, we encourage families to work together to share the load and support each other through this difficult time.
Who do I contact?
Once you have decided on a Funeral Director, they will take over the preparation side of it on your family’s behalf. Naturally you will have input into the proceedings on the day, however they will organize for the release and transfer of your love one to their funeral home, appointment of a celebrant or minister, order flowers and in some cases music, and organize the death certificate on your behalf. They will also assist you with placing a funeral notice in the local paper. Essentially, the Funeral Director is the first and only contact you should have to make to organize this day.
Who pays for the funeral?
Whenever a homicide occurs, the Department of Justice (DOJ) will approve compensation towards the cost of the funeral to the amount of $6000 (per funeral). It is important that you notify the Funeral Director of this, as any amount above this will be passed back onto the family. Consider too that the headstone is a separate item to the funeral itself, and that the DOJ will not reimburse for separately. Because of this, you might like to talk to your Funeral Director about having the headstone costed into the funeral as a package to ensure you are not hit with additional costs later.
What will happen on the day?
On the day you may have organized for a viewing to take place (see below). Otherwise you will arrive along with other guests, taking some time to speak with friends and family if you wish. Once the service begins, everyone will be seated and the celebrant or minister (this may vary depending on religious or cultural beliefs) will invite friends and family members to read their personal eulogies. Usually one or two songs are played during the ceremony, these can be your loved one’s favorite song, or a song that reflects your loved one’s life. If your loved one is being buried, pallbearers will be asked to carry your loved one either to the gravesite or to the Hurst to be driven to the gravesite, where more words or prayers will be shared, along with scattering of flowers or releasing of balloons or doves in their honor. Cremations however are usually conducted at the funeral home. It is important to stress that funerals are extremely personal moments, please speak to your Funeral Director about ideas either you or they may have to personalize this day.
Do I get to say goodbye?
Yes. If you wish, you can speak to the Funeral Director about allowing a “viewing” to take place either the day before, or on the day of the funeral. A viewing allows family members to spend time with and say goodbye to their loved one in private. You may wish to write them a letter or find their favourite toy or CD to place with them inside the casket.
What to expect from a Funeral Director
Some Funeral Directors are members of the Queensland Funeral Directors Association, meaning they subscribe to a code of ethics. Irrespective of this, it is reasonable to assume the following treatment from a Funeral Director. Remember, this is your private day, and you are the client, feel free to shop around and find a Funeral Director that you are comfortable with, and who will treat you and your family with dignity and respect:
- Compassion and empathy
- Sensitivity
- Good listener
- Justifiable charges (its advisable to get a written estimate of charges)
- Confidentiality
- Options, and consent to personalize the funeral to meet your needs
- Professional and respectful staff
- Respect for any religious or cultural considerations
For more information on funeral directors, or to view the Funeral Directors Code of Ehics, contact the Queensland Funeral Directors Association; http://www.qfda.com.au/
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