The death of a loved one can be one of the most distressing things that any of us experience. Apart from the legal formalities arising from the death, there may be a need to inform others of what has happened, arrange the burial or cremation or in special circumstances arrange for the repatriation of the deceased to Northern Ireland or overseas.
There may also be other worries and concerns including how to deal with the costs of the funeral.
Unexpected events happen. Planning for funerals can help friends and family at a difficult time.
You can be assured that as an accredited member of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) you can confidently leave all the arrangements to us. Steenson Funeral Services offers a discreet, professional, caring and complete funeral service that will help the bereaved make the necessary arrangements at this most difficult of times.
We offer the following information in the form of answers to typical questions that we have been asked over many years as an aid to families and relatives coping with bereavement. However, please talk to us as soon as possible so that everything can be left in our care, helping us to give you peace of mind at this time of need, and provide dignity to your loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should you do when someone dies?
What should you do if death occurs outside Northern Ireland?
How do you register a death?
How do you make the funeral arrangements?
Can you provide advice on cremation?
Can you help with burial arrangements?
Can you help with newspaper notices?
What about flowers and wreaths?
Is there help with funeral costs?
Do you provide bereavement support?
What should you do when someone dies?
If a death has occurred at home or in a care facility then the family doctor (or out of ours doctor if the death is outside of working hours) should be contacted as soon as possible. A doctor must verify the death before we are allowed to remove your loved one into our care. The family doctor is responsible for issuing the Medical Certificate detailing the cause of death. This form is very important as it allows registration of the death to take place. In situations where the doctor is unsure of the cause of death he or she will need to refer the death to the Coroner who will decide whether or not a post mortem examination is required. If the death occurred in hospital, then the hospital doctor is responsible for issuing the certificate.
What should you do if a death occurs outside Northern Ireland?
At Steenson Funeral Services we have considerable experience of repatriating deceased persons to Northern Ireland from many countries and also from Northern Ireland to overseas. We can advise on legal requirements and procedures and can help with all the arrangements.
On issue of the Medical Certificate the death should be registered within 5 working days. Registration can take place at any Registrar's Office in Northern Ireland although the current system (implemented during the COVID pandemic) is for registration over the telephone. On registration, and the payment of a small fee, the Registrar will issue a form GRO 21 which permits burial or cremation.
How do you make the funeral arrangements?
Funerals are obviously very emotional events and it is advisable that they be carefully planned using a Funeral Director. Increasingly people are planning for the future and making arrangements for funerals. Please refer to the sections on Prepaid and Prearranged funerals. In these circumstances the arrangements have been carefully planned in advance with the Funeral Director. We can provide help and advice on all aspects of funeral arrangements. We have a Chapel of Rest and can arrange for religious services at our premises or at a church.
Can you provide advice on cremation?
Yes we can help you make the necessary arrangements for cremation.
Can you help with burial arrangements?
Yes, we can advise on the reopening of a grave or help to obtain a new grave. Please contact us.
Can you help with death announcements?
We provide a complete funeral service and will arrange death announcements and acknowledgements in any newspapers or more increasingly on social media.
What about flowers and wreaths?
We can supply fresh flowers through a local florist and we can also arrange for printed cards. We can also administer charitable donations in lieu of flowers and supply lists of the contributors to the next of kin.
Is there help with funeral costs?
For those on benefits or low incomes, there may be some help available with funeral costs. This may be in the form of a payment from the Social Fund or Bereavement Support Payment. Please contact us for further information on who can claim and how to make a claim.
Do you provide bereavement support?
Providing sympathetic care and professional advice to bereaved relatives and friends is an intrinsic part of a professional funeral director's service. Bereavement can take many forms and can last for a long time after a funeral. At special times for example, Christmas, it is usual to reflect on family and friends. This is especially true for the elderly who have been left on their own, or parents who have lost young children.
We would advise that you:
· Talk to other people about the person who has died, your memories and how you are feeling
· Try to eat properly and to rest (even if you can’t sleep)
· Take the time to grieve
· If things do not seem to be getting better do seek help and support.
Organisations such as Cruse Bereavement Care: Tel. 0808 808 1677 and The Samaritans: Tel. 116 123 may help.
It is important that you try not to:
· Isolate yourself
· Keep your emotions bottled up
· Think badly of yourself or feel guilty for not coping well
· Turn to drugs or alcohol – the relief will only be temporary.
Please speak to us if you have further questions.