Arranging a Funeral

Funeral Services FAQ's & Information Guides

Please find following our information guide prepared to assist you with additional questions you might have at this time.

Our caring and expert team at Olsens are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you during this time, so please, call us for personal answers to your concerns and queries.

1. What do I do when someone dies?

When a death occurs at home, the first person that should be contacted is the treating doctor. For legal reasons, a doctor or the coroner must sign a death certificate.
When someone dies in a hospital or nursing home the family is notified and a medical death certificate is issued by the doctor. See the section First Steps When Losing a Loved One.

2. How much does a funeral cost? Is cremation less expensive than burial?

The cost of a funeral depends on the type of service chosen, either in Olsens Chapel or in a Church, at the Graveside or Crematorium Chapel. We service all cemeteries and crematoriums, but prices do vary, and detailed quotes are available on request.
A cremation service is often less expensive than burial, primarily due to the cost of the burial site, and costs vary, depending on your needs.

The arranging staff at Olsens can guide you through the planning process, explaining the services available and the costs involved.

You can make an appointment to meet at our office or you may wish to discuss the details in your own home, whichever you find more convenient.

3. Can I see my loved one again? 

A viewing is a special opportunity to say goodbye and spend time with your loved one.
Ideally the viewing takes place a day or so before the funeral in the privacy of one of our chapels.

• When there has been some suffering, it can be comforting to see your loved one at peace and rest.
• A viewing provides a last opportunity for family and friends to express thoughts, feelings and maybe to place a card or letter, photo, small keepsake or memento.
• Having a viewing satisfies the need to see someone one more time.
• In case of a sudden or traumatic death the viewing confirms there has been no mistake it has happened.
• May be the beginning of acceptance; painful as it is but vital for the healing to start.
• Often the immediate family may not feel the need for a viewing but consider the needs of other relatives and friends and allow them that opportunity.

Should you decide to have a viewing, it is important to carefully select the clothing.
Olsens can give you advice on these issues.

4. How soon can a funeral be held?

It is sometimes thought that the sooner the funeral is held, the sooner life may return to some sort of normality. But taking time to consider your options and ensuring that suitable decisions are made, can actually help in the healing process; a few days interval before the actual funeral can be helpful as there is a lot to do.

5. When will the deceased be transferred?

When a death occurs at home, first contact the treating doctor to issue a death certificate, then contact us to transfer. This can be delayed for a little while if you would like some private time with the deceased. You don't need to worry about what time you call, because we offer a 24 hour service, every day of the year.

If the person dies in a public hospital we will arrange the necessary certificates from Medical Admin. As most public hospitals have a mortuary, we usually transfer the deceased after we have met with you to make the funeral arrangements.

If the person dies at a nursing home, the staff usually contact the funeral director nominated by the family, to arrange a transfer, as most do not have mortuary facilities.

6. Will the same person look after me all the way through?

Wherever possible one experienced Olsens Arranger will be appointed to guide you through the funeral planning. Your Arranger will work with you and explain whatever is necessary to complete all arrangements and make all bookings on your behalf.

Olsen's team of Arranging Consultants are here to help and advise on every aspect of arranging a funeral service and you can be assured of our total commitment. On the day of the funeral, Olsen's Conductors will guide you through the service and are responsible for ensuring that everything proceeds according to your plans. Your first contact with Olsens may be after hours; our Duty Managers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

7. Can you find a minister/celebrant for me?

Of course it is your choice as to who should lead the service - a member of clergy, a celebrant, family member or friend. We can consult with your chosen clergy or celebrant or introduce you to one who can assist and support you through the service.

8. What about clothing?

You may choose to supply clothes. The deceased can be dressed as you wish, whether or not you are planning a viewing.

9. What is Embalming?

Embalming is the process of preserving the body. It is usually only necessary if a loved one's body is:

• to be buried above ground in a vault or crypt
• to be transferred overseas
• or if there is a lengthy delay between the death and the funeral

We can discuss these requirements with you, and where necessary, make the arrangements with our fully qualified embalmer.

10. What sort of information do I have to provide?

Information required for the registration of a death certificate includes:

• Place and date of birth
• Occupation and marital status
• Details of father's and mother's names (including mother's maiden name)
• Place of any marriages and name of spouse in each case
• Names and dates of birth of children
• Pension type if relevant

You may also like to think about your preferences for the service:

• Whether cremation or burial
• Where the service is to take place
• Whom you would like to officiate
• Any special requests.

To help you gather your thoughts before you make the arrangements, you can download our Personal Information Form (Word Document) to print and complete.

11. What happens to the ashes?

Ten days after the funeral service the Crematorium will write to advise you that the ashes are ready for placement or collection. They will deal with the person responsible for making the funeral arrangements and will provide you with options to consider.

12. What is a funeral service like?

A funeral service is a way of honouring a person and showing our respect. The way in which we do that is both individual and personal. There is no "normal" funeral service, only that which is appropriate for your family and friends.
You are forever separated from that person and our primary concern is the funeral arrangements we make are appropriate for you and them.

13. Where can I get help after the funeral if I need it?

Our ongoing care programme is available to all members of the family.  All of our families are called 6 weeks after the funeral or a letter is sent if they can't be reached.  If the family wishes we can send literature or arrange an appointment with our Bereavement Support Consultant.

14. How do I get a death certificate?

We apply electronically to the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages on your behalf. The Registry will forward the certified copy directly to the person making the funeral arrangements.
To help gather your thoughts before making the funeral arrangements, you can download our Personal Information Form (Word Document) to print and complete.

15 Whom do I need to notify?

The following checklist shows whom to inform of the death:

• Doctor
• Executor of Will
• Funeral Bond/Insurance or pre-paid?
• Centrelink
• Veterans Affairs
• Superannuation Fund
• Landlord or housing authority
• Insurance company
• Employers
• Clubs - RSL, Community, Sporting
• Banks, credit unions and credit providers
• Associated health professionals - dentist, physiotherapist, social worker
• Medical of Hospital Benefits Fund
• Medicare
• Council
• Meals on Wheels
• Utilities and suppliers - electricity, gas, phone etc.
• Motor Transport Authority - licence and registration
• Electoral office
• Tax office and accountant
• Post office - mail redirection
  
  

16.  What should I include in a eulogy?

The Eulogy is a very special funeral tradition that enables us to remember, respect and rejoice in the life of our loved one. The Eulogy is often the heart of the funeral, it makes people laugh, it makes people cry. It is where we pay tribute to our loved one, remembering their unique personality, their achievements, their greatest loves.

A eulogy might start with the speaker sharing a favourite memory of their time with your loved one and will then go on to weave a story of your loved one's life. Many people choose a close family member or friend to write the eulogy, while others have us help them prepare it so a celebrant can do the delivery. This is a personal decision for your family and we are happy to help guide you based on your wishes.

• Your first step should be to collect the facts, such as age, family information including children and marriages, places lived, career information, etc.
• Think about the person you're remembering. What stories come to mind? What kinds of stories or quotes capture their personality? It's a great idea to talk with other friends and family, so their thoughts can be included as well.
• Eulogies can be serious, full of family history and humorous, with anecdotes remembered and shared. It is preferable to be brief, rather than too long.
• Most importantly, remember to be yourself and speak from the heart.

17.  Can you help with Floral Arrangements?

Definitely, they are a very important part of the funeral and your Arranger is experienced in the wide variety of options available.  Flowers and plants can fill the air with their scent, fill the eye with beauty and help create a warm atmosphere at the funeral service for your loved one.

The flowers you choose might reflect your loved one's favourite blooms, be of a special colour, or have a special significance to your family. They are often placed throughout the chapel, with a special arrangement placed on top of the coffin.

You may even like us to organise a gift of a small potted flower or plant for each mourner, so they can take it home to plant in their own garden. This is another way Olsens helps you personalise the funeral service and a lovely way of helping people remember your loved one.

18.  Can you help with selecting Funeral Music?

Yes, your personal Funeral Arranger will be there to help you select from a range of musical options to be played prior to, during and after the funeral service.

Your loved one might best be respected, remembered or celebrated through music such as:

• Classical
• Choral
• Popular
• Country & Western
• Rock
• Instrumental
• Jazz
• Blues

You are able to choose from recorded or live music and we encourage you to take advantage of your Funeral Arranger's experience in this area.

19.  What are some special touches that can be incorporated to truly personalise a funeral?

As a funeral director, we are at the forefront of offering families personalised services that do justice to their loved ones. We will bring to your attention a number of opportunities for personalising your loved one's funeral and the experience of those attending it. Just some ideas that might suit your family include:

• A dove, balloon or butterfly release
• A gift of a potted plant to all attendees
• A motorcade of interesting vehicles
• Having a beloved pet present during a suitable part of the service
• A bagpiper or live jazz band to play at the end of the ceremony
• A unique location for part of the service
• Inviting attendees to paint a large vase, plate or canvas with a symbol or words that meant something to them personally
• A memory basket that people can drop a note into of their favourite memory. These can later be printed in a special coffee table book along with photos of your loved one
• Unfurling of a rainbow of ribbons in the chapel which are later cut to symbolize the release of your loved one from this world
• An honour guard at the end of the funeral made up of grandchildren, friends from sport/work/associations or other special people

At Olsens, it is our deep desire to have you experience a truly special funeral, one that will help you on your way to healing. We would be honoured to share our ideas with you and help you implement yours.

20. What is an Order of Service?

An Order of Service is a bit like a program. It is handed out to people attending the funeral.

A personalised order of service often has a photo on the cover and thus gives a visual reminder of a loved one. It acts as a guide during the service, and can include any verses or readings you have chosen, as well as special quotes and comments about your loved one. After the funeral it may become a treasured memento and family heirloom.

Olsens can assist you in all aspects of the production of the booklet and will ensure it is beautifully produced and ready on time for sharing at the funeral.

21.  What do I say to a grieving person?

There are no "right" words to choose when speaking with someone who has suffered bereavement. Just by being there, your support can offer great comfort, and your honesty can be more valued than clichéd statements. Be yourself, be there for each other in ways to provide both emotional and physical support.

During the early stages:

• Listen
• Be willing to take the time to talk with a grieving friend and encourage them to share their favourite memories. It always helps to have a friend close by, even if you don't feel like talking, so don't be worried about silence.
• Ask How You Can Help
• Offer to look after those small tasks that can become a chore - walk the dog, water the garden, cook a meal or take them to an appointment.
• Mention The Deceased's Name
• Including the deceased's name in your conversations makes it easier to talk about their death. Your friend needs to know you are comfortable talking and hearing about their loved one and that they will never be forgotten.
• Call them
• It can be difficult to call a grieving friend, but they will appreciate the effort. Just a quick call to see how they are doing can really help.

In Later Stages:

• Make opportunities to invite your friend to social occasions, include them in new activities and make plans together.
• Special Days and Anniversaries - these days can be the hardest for a grieving person. Plan ahead for those times when memories prevail. Suggest doing something together, to let them know that friends are ready to help through those difficult days.
• The best gift you can give a friend at a time of loss is the permission to grieve. Do not force a grieving person to "move on". Let them go at their own pace and help them through the process by providing encouragement and emotional support

22. Where can I go to get more information?

You may find useful information from the following organisations.
Selected Independent Funeral Homes
www.selectedfuneralhomes.org
Woronora Cemetery and Crematorium
www.woronoracemetery.org.au
NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
www.bdm.nsw.gov.au
NSW Attorney General's Department - Coronial Information and Support
www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lc.nsf/pages/coroners1a
Rookwood Memorial Garden and Crematorium
 02 9746 8945 
Glebe Coroners Court
 02 8584 7777

23. Do you do services for children?

The death of a baby or child is one of the most devastating losses anyone will experience. Olsens has become a leader in organising meaningful services for babies and children. This has been achieved by on-going consultation with the maternity wards of hospitals regarding procedures for creating memories of baby and with consideration for the on-going emotional care of the parents.
See Funerals for Babies and Children for more information.