Death can happen at the most unexpected of occasions, when it happens suddenly; it is important to stay calm. If you do not know what to do, call a funeral director immediately and he/she will guide you step by step.
There are different procedures and it depends on the location where the death took place.
- Hospital (Public or Private)
- Hospice
- Nursing Home
- Home
If the cause of death is clear and straightforward and a doctor can certify the cause of death then it will not be a coroner’s case. A coroner’s case happens when the cause of death is unknown, unexplained or unnatural; the deceased will be sent to Mortuary@HSA for further investigations. A Police Investigation Officer (IO) will be assigned and the IO will brief and guide the family members on the necessary procedures. At the mortuary, the coroner will then review and decide if an autopsy is required. After all the procedures and required documents are completed, the death certificate will be issued and we will bring the deceased to our office to prepare for the funeral.
If the death happens in the hospital, hospice or nursing home and the doctor can certify the cause of death, the death certificate can be issued electronically immediately.
Once we have the death certificate, we will be able to proceed to arrange for the funeral. Do take note that while doing the death certificate, we will need to decide if we want to do a burial or cremation and the location of the cremation ~ Mandai, Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, or Tse Tho Am Temple.
Here are some preliminary questions that will kickstart the planning process,
- What is the religion of the deceased? Christian, Buddhist, Taoist, Free Thinker or Hybrid?
- How long is the funeral wake? 3 / 5 / 7 days.
- Where do you want the funeral wake to be held? Void Deck or private funeral parlours.
- Will you want to embalm? If no, then the casket will not have a glass window for viewing at the funeral wake.
We’ll be able to start with the basic set up of the funeral wake with these information. There will be other decisions to make, and these choices might have to be discussed with other vital family members. Decisions such as…
- Colour, shape, design of the casket
- Clothes for the deceased to wear for this final journey
- Photo to be displayed
- Religious requirements
- Food and transport for guests
Sounds like a lot?
Not to worry, we will guide you through step by step and remember there is no need to hurry and make hasty decisions. You will have ample time for family members to see the deceased before we bring him/her to our office. Tell us your concerns, asks us all the necessary questions and we will advise you on the appropriate course of actions to help you, your family and your loved one have a dignified and honourable final journey.
