Practical Guidance in a Difficult Time
When someone close to you passes away, it’s natural to feel a range of emotions, from shock and sadness to uncertainty. Alongside these feelings, there are also practical matters that need attention. This guide outlines the key steps to take, helping you approach the process with clarity during a time that can otherwise feel overwhelming.
In the First Moments: What Happens Next
Immediately following a passing, the situation will depend on how and where it occurred. If it happened at home and was expected with a doctor overseeing the patient’s care, such as during palliative care, the attending doctor or nurse should be contacted to confirm the passing. The doctor will advise whether emergency services should be called to issue a declaration of death. It can be helpful to pause and take a moment before proceeding. There’s no need to rush into decisions right away.If the passing occurred in a hospital or care centre then the doctors and nursing staff will take care of the necessary administration before a funeral director is contacted to assist further. Some passings in hospital, referred to as “procedure related deaths”, need to be reported to SAPS and referred to Forensic Pathology Services for further investigation.
If the death occurred unexpectedly or outside the home, emergency services and SAPS should be called. They will assist in confirming the passing and explaining what should happen next. All unnatural or suspicious passings must be referred to Forensic Pathology Services and a police docket will be opened for an inquest to be held.
Contacting the Right People
If the passing has been confirmed as natural, a funeral director should be contacted. They will guide you through the next steps, including arranging for your loved one to be transferred into their care. They can also provide advice on the documentation which will be needed and assist with coordinating formalities.
If the passing was ruled unnatural, a family member will need to visit Forensic Services to identify the loved one and to arrange for their transfer into the care of a funeral director once an autopsy has been completed.
When you feel ready, it’s also important to inform close family members and friends. This can be done at your own pace and with support if needed.
Bringing a Loved One into Professional Care
The funeral director will arrange for your loved one to be taken into their care. This step is carried out with dignity and respect, and it marks the beginning of the formal arrangements.
Having this step handled professionally can give you time and space to focus on what comes next without feeling rushed.
Gathering Essential Information
In the days that follow, certain documents and personal information will be required. These will include your loved one’s original ID document, a medical certificate (known as a DHA1663 Notice of Death), and contact details of the next of kin. This information will be used to register the passing and begin making the necessary arrangements.
Although this stage can seem administrative, working through one task at a time can help maintain a sense of structure during an otherwise uncertain period.
Planning the Funeral or Memorial
The funeral or memorial service provides a way to acknowledge a life lived and to bring people together in support and remembrance. Whether you choose a traditional service, something more personal, or a quiet farewell, it can be shaped to suit the wishes of the family or the loved one who passed away.
Decisions may need to be made regarding a viewing, burial or cremation, service location, music, readings, and the involvement of clergy or speakers. Guidance from a reputable funeral director can simplify the planning process and ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day.
Financial and Legal Considerations
There are often financial and legal matters to address, which may include claiming from a funeral policy or life insurance, contacting a pension provider, settling outstanding accounts, and managing the estate.
If there is a valid Will, the nominated Executor will oversee the distribution of assets and fulfil the legal responsibilities involved. These processes can take time and may require the support of legal or financial professionals.
Managing Personal and Practical Affairs
In addition to formal arrangements, there are practical tasks to consider. These may include returning medical equipment, cancelling subscriptions or services, handling personal belongings, and managing digital accounts.
Each family approaches this differently. Some prefer to deal with things soon after the funeral, while others take more time. There’s no single right way. It depends on what feels manageable for those involved.
Hopefully, your loved one was prepared for any eventuality and had their affairs in order by having a Life File in place. If there is a Life File available, it will likely contain all the important documents, which will help lighten the burden and provide some peace of mind to you and everyone involved in handling the personal and practical affairs.
When Quiet Support Matters
Dealing with the passing of a loved one involves both emotional and practical challenges. Having access to accurate information and experienced support can help ease some of the pressure.
If you are working through this process and would like assistance, please feel free to contact Sonja Smith Elite Funeral Group. Our experienced team is available to guide you through each stage with professionalism, care, and a clear understanding of what needs to be done. If you found this article helpful, you may find value in reading Sorting Through The Life Of A Loved One or Choosing the Perfect Final Resting Place for Your Loved One
