Losing someone you love is one of life’s most challenging moments. It’s overwhelming, emotional, and sometimes it’s hard to know what to do next. At Dignified Cremations, we understand how important it is to have clear, compassionate guidance during this time. That’s why we’ve put together this straightforward guide to help you through the first steps following a death, whether it happens at home, in care, or unexpectedly.
We’re here to take the weight off your shoulders. When you’re ready, just call us on 1800 11 33 55—day or night—and we’ll walk you through everything.
If the Death Was from Natural Causes
At Home
If someone passes away at home and the death appears to be from natural causes, the very first step is to contact their regular doctor. The doctor will visit, confirm the death, and issue a certificate – either a Life Extinct certificate or a Cause of Death certificate.
Once this is complete, and when you and your family are ready, call us at 1800 11 33 55. We will then arrange to bring your loved one into our care, and we’ll explain the next steps in a calm, respectful way. If the person had prearranged their cremation with us, let us know at this point—it will help streamline everything.
In a Nursing Home or Private Hospital
If a death occurs in a nursing home or private hospital, staff will usually contact the family first and then coordinate with Dignified Cremations to arrange the transfer. We’ll reach out to you the next day to gather important details and guide you through the arrangement process.
Most nursing homes ask for a preferred funeral director when someone is admitted. In rare cases where the family can’t be reached (e.g. on holiday), they may contact the nominated funeral director to step in temporarily.
In a Public Hospital
When someone dies in a public hospital, the hospital will take care of all legal paperwork, including the Cause of Death Certificate. Once you’re ready, give us a call, and we will make arrangements to bring your loved one into our care as soon as the paperwork is complete.
If the Death Was Accidental or Unexpected
At Home
If a sudden or accidental death happens at home, dial 000 for emergency services. If death occurs and the situation appears unexpected, the paramedics will notify the police. From here, two scenarios are possible:
- If there are no suspicious circumstances, the police will contact the person’s doctor to issue a Cause of Death Certificate. Once that’s done, you can call us, and we’ll bring your loved one into our care.
- If there are suspicious circumstances or the doctor can’t be reached, the police will arrange for the Government Undertaker to transfer the deceased to a government mortuary. If a doctor later agrees to issue the certificate, no post-mortem is needed. Otherwise, the Coroner will examine the case, potentially performing an autopsy before issuing a release for cremation or burial.
We can assist with the necessary paperwork and arrange the transfer as soon as the coroner approves it.
In Other Locations
If the death occurs away from home and under suspicious circumstances, police will arrange for the deceased to be transferred to the nearest government mortuary. The Coroner will investigate and release the deceased when appropriate. We’ll then submit the necessary paperwork and bring them into our care.
Choosing Your Funeral Provider – You Have the Right
If the death involves the Coroner, it’s important to remember that you are free to choose your own funeral director.
The government-contracted funeral service is only responsible for transferring the deceased to the mortuary. They are not permitted to solicit or pressure families into using their services for the funeral. Ethically and legally, the final choice always belongs to the family.
We are always available to step in once the Coroner’s investigation is complete.
We’re Here to Help
At Dignified Cremations, we’re focused on providing affordable, simple, and respectful cremation services. We understand that this is one of the hardest times in your life, and our goal is to help ease that burden wherever we can. Whether you’re facing a sudden tragedy or managing an expected goodbye, we are only ever a phone call away: 1800 11 33 55.
We promise to handle the details, so you can focus on what matters most – remembering, grieving, and beginning the healing process.
