The passing of a loved one is an intensely emotional experience. When it occurs at home, it can be particularly distressing and leave families feeling uncertain about the necessary procedures.
When it does happen, it’s essential to know the steps you need to take to ensure all legal and cultural requirements are met with respect and efficiency.
Steps to Take When a Death Occurs at Home
In the event of a death at home, it’s important to reach out to the appropriate authorities promptly.
Notifying the Relevant Authority After a Death at Home
Your immediate step is to contact the appropriate authority to certify the passing. If the deceased was under recent medical care for an illness, your primary contact should be their attending doctor, who may be able to verify the cause of death. Otherwise, reach out to your family doctor or a nearby general practitioner for a house visit to provide the necessary assessment. In situations where a doctor cannot attend promptly, you can seek guidance and initiate the required procedures by contacting a local funeral director or the police.
Role of the Doctor
Once the doctor arrives, they will conduct an examination to officially certify the death online. If the death is unnatural or violent, or if there are any suspicious circumstances, they are obligated to contact the Singapore Police Force. In turn, the police will refer this to the coroner by sending the body of your loved one to the Mortuary@HSA. Also, it is essential to cooperate fully and provide them with any information they require.
Obtaining the Death Certificate
After the doctor has certified the passing of your loved one, the next-of-kin (NOK), who is you, will be able to obtain a digital death certificate through the My Legacy portal.
We advise that you download this digital document promptly upon receiving the necessary digital death certificate number from the attending doctor. This digital certificate will be accessible for download for a period of 30 days, allowing you to store it securely on your personal devices for future use in various administrative processes.
The death certificate is an important legal document required for all subsequent arrangements, including the funeral.
Applying for a Permit to Bury or Cremate
After getting the certificate, you have the option to directly apply for the necessary Permit to Bury or Cremate through the National Environment Agency (NEA)’s e-Services portal. Alternatively, you can authorize a trusted individual, such as your appointed Funeral Director, to handle this application on your behalf.
This Permit to Bury or Cremate is a prerequisite before proceeding with the formal application for burial or cremation at government-managed facilities and for cremation services at private crematoria.
Contacting a Funeral Service Provider
You can contact a funeral service provider like Ang Brothers Funeral Services as soon as you have the death certificate. We’ll be able to assist you with the following:
- Arranging for the respectful collection of the body, whether from your home or the hospital mortuary.
- Coordinating professional embalming services, should they be required or desired.
- Ensuring the dignified transportation of your loved one to the chosen location for the wake or funeral service.
We also offer a comprehensive range of services to support you during this time, including assistance with casket selection and funeral bouquets, and complete arrangements for the wake and funeral service. Plus, we have extensive experience in coordinating with religious leaders of all faiths in Singapore and can manage all aspects of the cremation or burial arrangements according to the deceased’s religious affiliation or beliefs.
Important Considerations to be Aware of
During this sensitive time, it’s important to be aware of any specific cultural or religious practices that need to be observed for someone who has passed away.
It’s also essential to inform other family members, relatives, and close friends about the news. But make sure to be mindful of what you say and when you share it, offering compassionate support and allowing them the space to process their grief in their own way.
Additionally, be prepared to address post-funeral matters such as estate administration, which your funeral director can guide you or direct you to appropriate resources.
Finding Guidance During a Difficult Time
Navigating the difficult experience of a loved one passing away at home requires a clear understanding and respectful action. Familiarizing yourself with these essential initial steps can ensure that all legal and cultural obligations are met with both care and dignity.
At Ang Brothers Funeral Services, we understand the urgency and sensitivity of the situation and can be contacted at any time, day or night, for immediate assistance. Our dedicated team is committed to providing professional and empathetic support to families during these challenging times.
Should you require immediate assistance or have any inquiries regarding our funeral packages, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to offer guidance and support at every stage of the process, including what to say or give if someone has passed away.
