Frequently asked questions
If this death is unexpected, call the ambulance. The paramedics may call the police if the coroner needs to be involved to ascertain the cause of death.
If the death is expected, and the deceased has been under care of their doctor, take a breath, gather your thoughts and family, and call your doctor to attend your home and issue you with a Cause of Death Certificate. Now is also the time to notify your Death Doula if she/he is not already in attendance. Have a cup of tea and breathe.
There is no rush now. You may then call your home vigil or funeral provider and they will support you to carry out your wishes for all after death practices.
The police will notify you once the doctor’s certificate has been issued. You should contact the funeral director of your choice, and if the body of your loved one is deemed by the local coroner or hospital to have a determinant cause of death, then your funeral provider will require you to complete a release and transfer authority form in order to collect and transfer the deceased person to their premises.
In the interim, the body of your loved one will be held in the morgue of the local district hospital.
Yes, speak with your funeral director for guidance on how this can be achieved.
Yes. There are now numerous ministers who will conduct a funeral in the familiar setting of someone’s home. You may directly contact the office of the minister of your choice and ask for this service. Times are changing. A local priest has said that ”God is where the people are” and on that basis, all spaces can be made sacred for a funeral.
This is a very wonderful option for many people. It is cost effective (which we support) and it gives grieving family some time to settle their emotions before deciding on an very appropriate way to celebrate the life of their loved one at a later date.
Sacred Earth Funerals provide a Blessing Ritual with Sacred Oils to every deceased person that will be taken for direct cremation. We consider the small time and the great presence that it takes to perform this rite, a fundamental human dignity. We can also discuss options for arranging and/or conducting the memorial service at any time in the future.
Yes, of course. We can help. You can call us right now to discuss what is at the forefront of your worry or you can ring to book a meeting where we can develop a plan that will address all of your concerns regarding your loved one’s imminent death. Depending on your needs, we can offer our DEATH DOULA service and you may choose any assistance that is meaningful to you or your dying one.
Nothing is ever implied or expected. We are here to serve YOU.
Yes. We have all end of life planning documents, with the exception of the legal Last Will and Testament for you to complete. For the drafting of your legal Will, we recommend you contact your solicitor.
Please see our page called “Ënd of Life Planning”, link here –
for a comprehensive list of all of your options. These include the all important Advance Heath Care Directive, which is as significant at the end of life as the Last will and testament.
We can also provide you with a free Funeral Planning Guide. Please ask us.
