Funeral planning: A guide for families at the time of a loved one's passing

Whether expected or not, losing a loved one is a deeply emotional and difficult time. You are likely to be feeling many different things – grief, maybe shock or denial, regret about the things that weren’t said, and pressure about the things you need to do next. These feelings are natural.

Salvos Funerals is here to make these next steps easier. By choosing us, you will experience quality care from our supportive and dedicated team whilst helping to fund the work we do that benefits so many in the community.

We hope you find this guide helpful.

If your loved one passes at a hospital

Most of us will sadly lose a loved one at a hospital. It is especially difficult given how clinical and intense the hospital environment can be, particularly for children. Salvos Funerals will provide you and your family with the warmth that you need at this time.

1. Call Salvos Funerals for guidance
2. You will need to complete some paperwork so we can bring your loved one into our care – we can guide you through this
3. We will help you through the next steps and make the necessary arrangements

Gayle’s story shows an example of the level of care we provide when a loved one has passed away in a hospital.

If your loved one passes at home

A death in the home can cast a cloud of grief over what is supposed to be our sanctuary. Take solace in the fact that your loved one spent their final moments in a comfortable and familiar place. We will guide you through the cloudy times.

1. The first thing you should do is call an ambulance, or the palliative care team if your loved one was under their care
2. You will be provided with paperwork that allows for your loved one to be brought into our care
3. Call Salvos Funerals when clearance has been given from the ambulance or palliative care team
4. We will talk you through the next steps and provide you with further paperwork to complete (we can help you)

If your loved one passes in a nursing home

There is sadness that comes with moving a loved one into aged care, and so much more when your loved one’s time comes. Know that Salvos Funerals and the facility’s staff are dedicated to helping you through the next steps.

1. Provide our details to the aged care facility so they can contact us and arrange for your loved one to be brought into our care
2. Once your loved one is in our care, we will talk you through the next steps and provide you with paperwork to complete. We can help you with this

If your loved one passes in a public place

To lose a loved one and have it happen in public, surrounded by people, can be such a traumatic experience. Please be assured that help is close by.

1. The first step is to call an ambulance. They may contact the police to see if the Coroner is needed, or if the next of kin is unknown
2. If the Coroner is required, your loved one will be placed in their care. Call Salvos Funerals if you need support or for the process to be explained
3. Call Salvos Funerals if the ambulance gives clearance. We will guide you through the next steps and can assist you with the paperwork provided

Reach out if you have any questions. Our supportive team is here 24/7 to assist.