When someone has just died, people don’t usually search for funeral information using perfect industry terminology.
They pick up their phone and type:
“Funeral director near me.”
“Funeral home near me.”
“Someone has died what do I do?”
“24 hour funeral director Adelaide.”
Behind every one of those searches is usually a person having a very difficult day.
So what actually happens when you make that first call?
You Don’t Need to Know What to Say
You don’t need a checklist.
You don’t need to know which coffin you want.
You don’t need to have chosen burial or cremation.
You don’t even need to know when the funeral will be.
Start with what has happened.
An experienced funeral director will guide the conversation from there.
Is Alfred James Available 24 Hours?
Yes.
Alfred James states that its staff are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help families following a death.
Deaths don’t conveniently occur between nine and five.
If someone dies during the night, on a weekend or on a public holiday, families can still seek guidance.
What Information Will the Funeral Director Need?
Not everything needs to be provided during the first telephone call.
As arrangements progress, however, information will be required to register the death.
Alfred James advises that this can include the deceased person’s:
- full name
- address
- occupation
- place and date of death
- marriage details
- children
- parents’ details, including maiden names.
Your funeral director can explain what information is required and when.
What Happens Next?
The circumstances of the death determine some of the immediate steps.
A death in hospital may follow a different process from a death at home or one referred to the Coroner.
The funeral director can explain what happens next, arrange for the person who has died to be taken into care when appropriate and begin discussing funeral arrangements with the family.
When Do We Decide Between Burial and Cremation?
Not during the first thirty seconds of the telephone call.
Families can take time to understand their options.
Alfred James can arrange both burial and cremation, as well as direct cremation or burial without a public ceremony in appropriate circumstances.
Your funeral director can explain the differences and help you understand what is involved.
Where Can We Meet a Funeral Director?
Alfred James has funeral homes across metropolitan Adelaide in Prospect, Morphett Vale, South Plympton, Lockleys and Unley.
This provides options for families across many parts of Adelaide rather than requiring everyone to travel to one central location.
What If We Don’t Want a Traditional Funeral?
That’s okay too.
A funeral can be religious, secular, traditional, contemporary, large, intimate or highly personalised.
Alfred James notes that funeral venues can extend beyond chapels and churches to locations including parks, family homes, beaches, sporting clubs and other appropriate places.
The conversation should start with the person who has died and what matters to the family, rather than trying to fit every family into the same template.
The First Call Is Just the Beginning
When someone dies, the whole funeral can feel like one enormous decision.
It isn’t.
It is a series of smaller decisions.
The first one is simply finding someone who can guide you through what happens next.
For Adelaide families, Alfred James provides funeral services across the metropolitan area through its five current funeral home locations.
Sometimes the most useful answer to “What do I do now?” is simply:
Start with a conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I call when someone dies in Adelaide?
The circumstances determine who needs to be contacted first, but a funeral director can guide you through the next steps and explain what needs to happen.
Can I call a funeral director at night?
Yes. Alfred James states that staff are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Do I need to choose burial or cremation before calling?
No. Your funeral director can explain both options before you decide.
Where are Alfred James funeral directors located?
Alfred James has funeral homes in Prospect, Unley, Lockleys, South Plympton and Morphett Vale.
What information does a funeral director need?
Information required later for death registration can include the person’s name, address, occupation, death details and information about marriages, children and parents.
Can Alfred James arrange cremation?
Yes. Alfred James provides cremation options, including direct cremation.
Can Alfred James arrange burial?
Yes. Burial and graveside funeral options can be arranged.
Can the funeral be personalised?
Yes. Music, eulogies, flowers, coffin selection, celebrants or clergy and the style of the service can all form part of funeral planning.
Does a funeral have to be held in a chapel?
No. Depending on the circumstances, many other venues can be considered.
What if relatives cannot attend the funeral?
Alfred James can arrange funeral livestreaming so people who cannot attend in person may still be able to participate remotely.