What do I do immediately after death.

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What do I do immediately after death.

Whether a death is anticipated or unexpected, it is a very difficult time for those close to the deceased. It is also a time when many decisions need to be taken, often very soon after the death, and this can cause considerable stress.

Our practical guide, below, gives you a quick step-by-step overview of the sorts of things you may need to deal with.

Not all the points on this list will apply to your situation, but many will. If the deceased left specific instructions regarding preferences for funeral and burial arrangements, with a list of people to be notified, your job is that much easier. If not, you’ll need to consult other family members and look for address or phonebooks that can help you with your task.
First things first

If the family doctor is not present or out of hours, contact the local care doctor.  The doctor will decide if the local Garda Síochána or coroner needs to be called. In the case of sudden or unusual death, do not move anything until an official pronouncement of death has been made by the doctor. Contact the next of kin, especially those abroad who may have to book flights.

If the deceased held an organ donor card, inform the doctor of this immediately.

Notify others of the death, close friends, relatives, neighbours, employer and work colleagues. Most people in Ireland contact a funeral director for help with funeral arrangements.

Others to notify in the days following the death include:

  • state authorities e.g., if the deceased was in receipt of a pension or other form of social security payment or health service
  • insurance agencies and financial institutions
  • the deceased’s solicitor

.

If it was the deceased’s wishes to be buried, find out if a burial plot exists and determine its exact location. If you are using a local funeral director, they may help you with this.

Agree the following with the family:

  • Will there be a repose? If yes, where will this be held?  A family Home or Funeral Home
  • Will the body be on view (open or closed coffin)?
  • Content for the death notice.  Family Members etc.,
  • Decide on coffin?
  • For cremation determine if you want ashes scattered, buried or kept at home.,
  • Do you want flowers or charitable donations (mention in death notice)?
  • Decide on prayers, readings, offerings, music and structure of the service
  • Decide on who should be involved in the service and remember to ask them in good time.

You may need to cancel some, or all, of the following:

  • standing orders
  • newspapers & other journal subscriptions
  • milk deliveries
  • coal deliveries
  • telephone and broadband internet connection
  • mobile phone
  • bin collection
  • rent
  • TV & radio licence
  • postal services (or have them re-directed)

If the deceased wanted a non-religious ceremony.  Ask your Funeral Director for advice.

 

Arrange for someone trustworthy to look after the house while you and the family attend the funeral. This is an important measure, to guard against burglary.

Avail of help that others may offer in sincerity and remember to keep a note of who to thank. Jobs that may need to be done include:

  • Cleaning the house
  • Looking after the children
  • Looking after an elderly person
  • Watering plants at the deceased’s home
  • Taking care of the deceased’s pet

 

Contact Us

We’ll take care of the arrangements allowing you to focus on your family.

We offer 24 hour support for the recently bereaved. If you need immediate help, support or advice, please don’t hesitate to call us on +353 (0)51 874 159






    From start to finish, the help and support you all gave us was beyond limits.  Our mother looked so peaceful and beautiful.  Our minds were put to rest when we saw how lovely and peaceful she looked on her final journey.  It is a credit to a wonderful team.

    Pat M.

    Martena, Niall, Michael, Jim, Noel  and all,   I just wanted to write to say thank you so much to you all, for your kindness and efficiency last week. My father’s funeral and cremation were beautiful and all went very smoothly.   Your kindness, respect and sensitivity was so much appreciated at this sad time.

    Michelle C.

    My family had the pleasure to meet John Thompson with Martina arranging my mothers  funeral.  It was not a sad occasion and they made the arranging so easy.  Memories were brought up, jokes were told, it was so comfortable, they were like old friends.. Thank you for all the kindness and ease you made us

    Edith Crowley

    I would like to thank Martina,  Michael Thompson and all his team, my mother looked like she did before she was sick.  It made is so happy, grateful and gave us joyful memories of her.

    Susan Roche

    Amazing people for amazing work.. From start to finish, would not deal with any other undertaker.

    Gillian and Claire

    Thank you, Michael and his team was very, very nice and understanding. He worked with us, with everything we needed or questioned. He made this time of sorrow go smooth.

    Trish and Mary W

    Michael, John, Martena, Jim, Noel and John Flynn.  Thank you for all of the advice and direction you were able to give my family and myself when organizing all the funeral arrangements. From start to finish we did not have to worry about anything, you covered everything and done all with the most professional manner

    Brenda

    Words cannot express how I feel about Thompsons Funeral Home, First class, expertise, compassion and the ability to make you feel at ease at a terrible and tragic time in our life.  Michael and Martina could not have done enough, any time of the day or night. From talking to the repatriation company and getting

    A Parent

    On behalf of my entire family, we would like to extend our thanks and gratitude for arranging for our father’s final journey home. You consistently insured that all details were addressed and solved every challenge that arose. At a time of great stress, you relieved us of those heavy burdens. We cannot thank you Michael

    Walsh Family, Waterford

    We would like to thank all the staff of Thompsons Funeral Home for their professionalism, kindness and help you provided to the family.

    Rita & Family

    Thank you Thompsons Funeral Directors for their sensitive  and professional handing of all our arrangements. It was very much appreciated.

    Warren & Family

    Michael, I would like to thank you and your team for your care, compassion and respect that you have shown us during our recent bereavement .  We appreciate all you have done for us.

    Margaret B and family