Caring and Spending Time
Thinking about what will happen to a person’s body after they die can be something that people find difficult to think about. Furthermore, deciding whether you would like to spend time with someone after they have died can be daunting.
We would suggest that you do what feels natural to you, and try not to be too influenced by what other people feel you should do. It is entirely possible that you may change your mind about what you want during the funeral planning process and there are very few decisions that need to be made instantly.
Collection and Care of the Body
When you contact us, we will discuss with you what your wishes are in relation to the collection of the person’s body. Whilst many opt for the person to be collected from home immediately, you may choose to have the person who has died to remain with you. You may also wish for the person to be brought to Full Circle Funerals for washing and dressing, and then be returned to your home prior to the funeral service. Whatever you choose, please contact us so we can provide support as and when you may need it.
You may wish for the person who has died to be dressed in their own clothing, in comfortable clothes, full suit or their favourite outfit. Alternatively you may wish for them to remain in the clothes they died in or we could provide a gown.
We believe it is important you know that you can be involved in washing and dressing the person that has died if it is what you want. Some people find this meaningful, especially if they were providing personal care for the person towards the end of their life.
We also understand that there are some cultures where specific rituals must be honoured (maybe by specific members of the community or by a specific gender). Full Circle Funerals will facilitate, where possible, any cultural needs where they are made known.
There are a number of actions that can be taken to change the way a person looks after they have died. These range from applying make-up or positioning someone a certain way, to more invasive procedures such as embalming. We will not assume that you want us to intervene in any way, but will discuss the options available with you so that you can make a decision which is right for you and the person that has died.
Visiting
Sometimes seeing the person after they have died is very important to family and friends, but not everyone wishes to do this. If you, or family and friends, would like to spend time with the person we have private and peaceful visiting rooms where this is possible. If you would like a member of the Full Circle staff team to stay with you for support, this is something we are happy to do and you will not be rushed when visiting the person that has died.
If you choose to spend time with the person that has died and would like to have a few personal effects in the visiting room or some music playing, please let us know and we will organise this for you.
Very occasionally visiting may not be recommended. This will be dependent upon the cause of death and any infectious diseases which may be present. We will discuss this with you at the earliest opportunity.
Full Circle Funerals request that you let us know when you wish to come to visit the person that has died. We are also very happy to accommodate visits outside of normal office hours (with notice).
Personal Items
If you would like to have personal items in the coffin with the person who has died, please advise us. This could be things like a letter or photograph, or other items. If you would like these items to remain in the coffin when it is closed we will be able to advise you as to what items would be suitable. Alternatively, you might like these items returned to you. In which case please let us know and we will arrange this for you.
Caring and spending time with someone after they have died can be a hard decision to make but you can change your mind at any point during the planning of the service.
