|
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? You can be assured
that as an accre A doctor should be called when a death has occurred. At this point you should call R. Steenson & Son (028) 86762229 where we will be able to provide immediate help, advice and assistance at any time day or night. We offer the following information in the form of answers to typical questions that R. Steenson & Son 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 dignity to your loved one. Frequently
asked questions (FAQs) What should you do when someone dies? If death has occurred at home after an illness the family doctor should be contacted as soon as possible. It would be usual for the relatives to contact us after talking to your doctor. The doctor is responsible for issuing the Medical Certificate detailing cause of death. This form is very important and contains information on how the death should be registered. In situations where the doctor is unsure of the cause of death he or she will refer the death to the Coroner. If the death occurred in hospital, R. Steenson & Son can advise on what to do and can take charge of the arrangements. TOP What should you do do if death occurs outside Northern Ireland? R. Steenson & Son 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. TOP On issue of the Medical Certificate the death must be registered within 5 days. R. Steenson & Son will advise you of your local Registrar's Office. On registration, and the payment of a small fee, the Registrar will issue a GRO 21 form and a Form 36/BD8. The GRO 21 form permits burial or cremation. The other form, Form 36/BD8, will be required for benefit payment from Social Security Offices. Certified copies of these documents may be needed to close bank and or building society accounts, to claim insurance and for obtaining authority to deal with the deceased's estate.TOP 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. R. Steenson & Son 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?TOP Yes
we can advise on reopening of a grave or help to obtain a new
grave. Please contact us. Can you help with newspaper notices? R. Steenson & Son provide a complete funeral service and will arrange death notices, obituary notices and acknowledgements in local and national newspapers. TOP What
about flowers and wreaths? Is there
help with funeral costs?
Please
discuss this with us. We can advise whom to contact and what
forms are required to claim help. Northern Ireland residents
may be eligible for help towards the cost of the funeral if
the next of kin arranging the funeral are in receipt of one
of the following: - Do you provide bereavement counselling? 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. R. Steenson & Son have many years experience of providing support to the bereaved and as NAFD members can offer clients and their families access to a dedicated Bereavement Careline, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. The Careline provides:-
In the unlikely event that we cannot help, we will be able to refer you to trusted organisations and individuals that we have worked with for many years. |
dited
member of the National Association of Funeral Directors (
We
can advise on flowers. Our Wreath Store has a wide range of
wreaths and we can also arrange for printed cards. We can also
administer donations to charity or local hospitals and issue
donor notices to the next of kin.
Counselling at the time when the bereaved may need it, no matter
how long ago the funeral occurred.