From our experience we have found that families, no matter how well prepared, will feel overwhelmed, confused and unsure of what to do next. Here is a quick reference guide for when you are faced with the reality of death. Generally speaking there are 3 crucial initial concerns:
REMOVAL OF THE DECEASED
Death usually takes place at a hospital, hospice or a private residence, but occasionally elsewhere as in the case of road accident. The initial concern then is the REMOVAL of the deceased.
In the case of a hospital the medical staff will certify the death and either instruct the contracted Undertaker to facilitate removal to their mortuary, or request that the family supply them with the name of their chosen Undertaker. Most government hospitals have a contracted Undertaker who will temporarily removed the deceased to their mortuary until the family decides on their preferred funeral company. Provided this is done within 72 hours the contracted Undertaker cannot charge for this initial removal. If the hospital has no contracted Undertaker, as with most private hospitals and hospice facilities, the family is free to nominate whoever they wish to facilitate the removal. While some private hospitals and hospices have preferred service providers they cannot insist that you use a particular company. Once the removal has taken place the Undertaker would normally give the family some time to process the passing of their loved one before making contact to continue with necessary arrangements. Similar procedures would apply for most retirement homes.
In the case of death occurring at a private residence the doctor overseeing medical care would need to be informed. He/she might come to the residence to certify the death. If the death was to some degree expected the doctor may decide to approve the removal telephonically provided a medically competent person is present at the time of death, or the paramedics have been in attendance and provided a ‘Declaration of Death’.
If the person was an outpatient of a local hospital with a pre-
In the case of an accidental, unexpected, unexplained or suspicious death whether this takes place at home, in a hospital or elsewhere the authorities (i.e. police and/or medical professionals) will refer the matter to a government medico legal lab. In these cases the deceased is removed to the state mortuary with a post-
DOCUMENTATION
Administrative issues and DOCUMENTATION requirements are usually the next major concern for families.
A ‘Notice of Death’ (i.e. BI1663 form) is the main document needed. This is supplied by the doctor or, in the case of a state mortuary situation, the pathologist. It is the Undertaker’s duty to collect this form from the doctor when ready. Certain sections need to be finalised by the family and Undertaker before being taken to a local office of The Department of Home Affairs for registration. Home Affairs will then issue the abridged death certificate to the Undertaker who will pass it on to the family.
The original Identity Document of the deceased must be supplied to the funeral company as soon as possible. Copies will be made and the cancelled ID returned to the family. For administrative purposes the Undertaker will also need a copy a family member’s ID. This family member will sign all relevant documents. This should preferably be the ‘Nearest Relative’ but another family member, family friend/representative or Executor can also fulfil this role.
In some cases (see above) paramedics will be required to supply a ‘Declaration of Death‘ particularly when no other medical professional is present at the time of death. Under certain circumstances when death occurs outside of a hospital/hospice/retirement home situation the South African Police Services (SAPS) will also need to provide families with an ‘SAP180‘ form before the deceased is released to the Undertaker.
Other important documents such as a ‘B Form‘ (in the case of a cremation) and a ‘Burial Order‘ (supplied by an Undertaker) will be required. The acquisition and use of these documents are within the funeral company’s area of expertise.
SERVICE DECISIONS
While not as pressing as the above 2 points SERVICE DECISIONS are generally at the forefront of most families minds when losing a loved one. There are a number of key considerations here:
To a certain extent the family sets the pace in terms on service arrangements however all arrangements must be confirmed with the funeral company before the finer details are finalised. The behind the scenes acquiring of documents, booking cremation times, burial plots etc. may not always agree with the family’s timeline. Added to this is the availability of hearses, Undertakers and other essential personnel. If the case has been referred to the state mortuary to avoid disappointment it is best not to set final dates and times before the deceased is actually released to the funeral company.
When making service decisions what is appropriate and practical at the time needs to be evaluated carefully. The final wishes of the deceased obviously have to be considered and it would be natural to want to honour their memory. The need for family and friends to find a sense of closure and mourn in an appropriate way also has to become part of the decision making. A balance must be found between what it realistically possible, the wishes of the deceased and the needs of the mourner. We would suggest seeking the guidance of your Undertaker, priest/minister, or someone who has recently gone through this decision making process. A good place to start might be our ‘Service Options’ page.
A final urgent consideration for many today is the cost implication. While the Undertaker’s fees remain fairly consistent it’s the choices made from the available options that impact the cost of a funeral.
If in any doubt feel free to call us on 084 710 1234 at any time, or email info@shorelinefunerals.co.za for more information.