What Do I Do When A Death Occurs?
To speak to someone call 905-361-9110.
We understand during this difficult time that there is a lot of confusion about the steps that need to be taken for funeral arrangements. Whether the arrangements are basic or elaborate, clearing up this type of confusion is so important to aid in the healing process. At Basic Cremations, we believe that educating our families in Mississauga is the key to beginning a proper healing process and the following is the complete 5 Step Guide to help you understand the events following the passing of a loved one.
Step 1 - First Contact
Regardless of the place of death, or whether or not the funeral arrangements have been pre-arranged, the executor of the estate of the deceased, or in the event of there not being a legal will, the legal next of kin, must contact a funeral or transfer service. During this first contact we will establish with you all of the necessary information regarding the transfer of your loved one into our care. If the death occurred at the residence we will assist you in having a doctor come to the home and pronounce the death if this hasn’t already taken place. This is referred to as a “release”. Unless prior government arrangements have been made we are not permitted to transfer the deceased until the release has been given to us from the doctor.
Step 2 - Making the Arrangements
OOnce a means of final disposition has been decided upon, you will need to start the arrangements by calling us. During this phone call we’ll take all of the information needed to complete the necessary documents to facilitate the disposition. We will email, fax, or meet with you to complete the documentation before we continue with the arrangements. Rest assured that we will take care of everything, and it can all be done without leaving the comfort of your own home.
Step 3 - While You’re Making the Arrangements
While you are making the arrangements we may have already arranged for the transfer of the deceased into our care. Depending on where the death took place the transfer will be completed immediately or within the timeframe allowed by venue. For example, if the death took place in a hospital the transfer may be delayed slightly due to any number of security issues out of our control. Hospitals are equipped with the proper holding facilities to accommodate this type of delay or any extended delay for that matter.
Step 4 - Completion of necessary paperwork
Once the arrangements have been made and the deceased has been transferred into our care, we will need to complete all of the required paperwork to facilitate the final disposition. Every death will need to be registered with the state or province. This includes the statement of death and the medical certificate of death. These two forms are brought to city hall and registered with the state or province upon which time we will be given a Burial Permit. The burial permit must be presented to a cemetery or crematorium in order for the burial or cremation to take place. If the final means of disposition is cremation, we must arrange for a Coroner to review the details of the cause of death and sign a Coroner’s Cremation Certificate. This form must also be presented to the crematorium before a cremation can take place. If a burial will be the final means of disposition the family must decide on a cemetery and a cemetery plot. This is something that you must do directly with the cemetery, however we can assist you in choosing a cemetery close to you and one that suits your needs. We will also make the appointment for you with the cemetery councilor. If you’re family already has an owned plot we will have the grave opened for the burial to take place.
Step 5 - On the Day of Final Disposition
If a burial has been arranged the time of the burial is set and your loved one will be transferred to the cemetery on time for the burial to take place. If the family has arranged to be present at the burial they would also meet at the cemetery at the exact time. After the burial, the funeral arrangements would be concluded and you will receive the aftercare package from us. If a cremation has been arranged the cremation will take place as soon as possible or at the scheduled time if the family has requested to be present at the cremation. Most often the cremation will take place 5 business days after the arrangements unless the family has arranged for an expedited cremation. Once the cremation has been complete, the family will either be called and pick up the cremated remains from the crematorium, or we will deliver to the home. A release form must be signed in order to receive the cremated remains.
The Aftercare Package
After final disposition the family will receive an aftercare package in the mail. This package will include 10 - 20 Funeral Director’s Proof of Death Certificates.