When a Death Occurs

Navigating Life After Death?

The experience of loss always catches us off guard, regardless of whether we expected it or not. Our emotions, a reflection of our hearts, respond to the departure of someone who played an integral role in our lives. In losing them, we inevitably lose a part of ourselves. There is no definitive right or wrong way to react; each person grieves in their own unique manner.

We understand that the period following a death can be an incredibly challenging time in your life. This page aims to be a guiding compass, leading you through the steps that follow a bereavement. Our compassionate and experienced team of funeral arrangers is here to help alleviate some of the stress by providing advice, guidance, and support as you navigate the daunting task of arranging the funeral for your loved one.

Fortunately for many of us, planning a funeral for a loved one is a rare occurrence in our lives, and some may never have experienced it before. However, the loss of a loved one raises numerous questions, starting with the following: “What should we do first?”

Grief and the process of losing someone dear can evoke intense emotions, often hindering clear thinking. At Brighton Funeral Directors, our compassionate team is here to guide you through the necessary steps of registering a death and obtaining the required forms. With our extensive experience and knowledge, we aim to alleviate some of the burdens during this difficult time.

Available round the clock, Brighton Family Funeral Directors are ready to provide advice, guidance, and support whenever you need it. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us, even outside regular hours. We are dedicated to assisting you with anything you may require, day or night, at 01273 032589.

What to do when a loved one passes away at home?

When a loved one passes away at home, the first step is to confirm the person’s passing, a process known as verifying the death. If the deceased was under the care of a doctor, nurse, or special care team, it is important to inform them of the situation. They will send a doctor or colleague to officially confirm the death. Once you have contacted the doctor’s office or the out-of-hours team, a doctor will arrive promptly to verify the passing.

After the verification, you can reach out to Brighton Family Funeral Directors at 01273 032589. Our compassionate team will guide you through the process of bringing your loved one into our care. We provide round-the-clock service, 365 days a year, ensuring your loved one receives the utmost care and attention. If your loved one had seen their doctor within the last 14 days of their illness, a medical certificate will be issued stating the cause of death. This certificate will then be sent to the registrar within approximately five days to officially register the passing and obtain a death certificate.

My loved one has died in a Hospital or Hospice?

In the unfortunate event of a death occurring in a hospital or hospice, the compassionate staff will handle the necessary arrangements and inform the bereavement office. They will coordinate with the doctor to issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, which you may need to collect along with any personal belongings. At this point, the hospital or hospice may inquire about your chosen funeral directors. Please be aware that you have the right to select the funeral director of your preference.

During this challenging time, all hospitals, hospices, and care facilities will make every effort to provide support and assistance. Many have designated rooms where families can gather, even in the busiest of settings. Never feel like you are a burden; take your time and accept the help and support offered to you. The healthcare professionals understand the emotions you may be experiencing during this period. If you are alone, reach out to a friend or relative as their presence can be invaluable. Remember, it is crucial not to make decisions alone unless the death was expected and preparations were made.

When you contact Brighton Family Funeral Directors, we will find a suitable time for you to discuss your requirements and coordinate with the hospital or hospice to bring your loved one into our care.

How does a Doctor or Nurse verify a Death?

Certain procedures are necessary to confirm the passing of a loved one, and some individuals may choose to step out of the room during this process. These procedures involve observing the person’s pupils for any reaction, checking for signs of breathing, and listening for their pulse using a stethoscope.

While nurses can confirm a person’s passing, it is only a doctor who can issue a medical certificate of death (MCCD), which typically takes a few days to complete following the loved one’s demise.

In cases where the doctor is uncertain about the precise cause of death, such as in natural deaths without a doctor’s supervision in the past 14 days, or when the death is sudden or deemed unnatural, they may refer the case to the coroner for further investigation.

If your friend or loved one passes away in a hospital or hospice, the staff will make the necessary arrangements to verify the death.

How will we bring your loved one into our care?

For information on how we will bring your loved one into our care, please click the link above.

What happens if a coroner is involved when registering a death?

Please navigate to a coroner’s Involvement page for further information or click the link above.

Rest assured, you are not alone. We are here to offer the support and assistance you need. Whether it’s guidance on the next steps or providing whatever you require, we are committed to ensuring your utmost satisfaction. We will tailor our services to best suit your needs, providing exceptional care and undivided attention every step of the way.

See a coroners involvment