Frequently Asked Questions
Embalming
Embalming, in most modern cultures, is the art and science of temporarily preserving human remains to forestall decomposition and to make them suitable for display at a funeral. The three goals of embalming are thus sanitization, presentation and preservation (or restoration) of a dead body to achieve this effect. Embalming has a very long and cross-cultural history, with many cultures giving the embalming processes a greater religious meaning
What is a post mortem?
A post mortem (sometimes called an autopsy) is an examination carried out by a pathologist after a death where is necessary to establish the medical cause of death. The majority of deaths do not require any post mortem because the medical cause of death can be certified by a doctor who has been treating the deceased in the months prior to the death, i.e. a GP or hospital doctor.
Where do I get a death cert
A(1) Death takes place at home the attending Doctor will issue a Cause of Death Cert which you bring to the register of Births Death and Marriages at the Louth County Hospital to obtain a death cert
A(2) Death takes place in Hospital or similar institution. In this instance the Hospital will register the death and you should enquire from the registrar's office at hospital as to where you can obtain the cert
What should I do when a death occurs?
Contact your Funeral Director and they will ask you some initial questions which they require to ascertain the next appropriate steps. These questions might include:-
- Has the Doctor been in attendance and is he/she willing to sign a medical certificate?
- Has the death taken place at home or in the hospital or nursing home?
- Who is the next of kin?
- Would the deceased be reposing in residence or funeral home
- Is/was the family's/deceased's preference for burial or cremation
Is there any advantage where a loved one is terminally ill in contacting the funeral director?
Yes. It is the Funeral Directors aim to pose some questions which you have not thought about. It may help you to better carry out the final wishes of your friend/loved one. The Funeral Director will of course talk to you in the strictest confidence.
Can I make my own funeral arrangements?
Yes and in fact it is probably the best way for you to make sure your wishes are carried out. It would be advisable to inform a relative or/and your executors of your wishes. With that in mind it is always advisable to make a will.
Can I pay in advance for my funeral?
Yes. We offer a facility to pre-pay your funeral to your specified funeral arrangements.
What grants are available to the bereaved?
There are three grants available and depending on your individual circumstances you can qualify for one,two or even all three.
- Bereavement Grant from the Department of Social Community and Family Affairs
- Death Grant payable under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme
- Widowed Parents Grant, administered through the Pensions Services Office
