When somebody dies, families are asked to make decisions at a time when they are shocked, grieving and trying to take in a huge amount of information.
One of the things people do not always know is what actually happens after a funeral director takes their loved one into their care.
For many families, this part happens largely behind the scenes.
That does not mean it should feel hidden.
You should know where your loved one is, who is caring for them and what happens next.
When somebody comes into the care of Varty’s, they remain somebody’s mum, dad, husband, wife, partner, child, sibling or friend.
That never leaves our minds.
Bringing your loved one into our care
Depending on where somebody has died and the circumstances surrounding their death, arrangements will be made for them to be brought into our care.
Sometimes this can happen relatively quickly.
In other circumstances, particularly where a hospital, coroner or other authority is involved, there may be processes which need to take place first.
We will explain what is happening and what you can expect.
If there are delays outside our control, we will keep you informed.
Nobody should feel as though somebody they love has simply disappeared into a process they know nothing about.
Knowing who we are caring for
Accurate identification and record keeping are fundamental to funeral care.
From the point somebody comes into our care, information relating to them and their funeral arrangements must be carefully recorded and managed.
This continues throughout the time they are with us.
It may sound like an administrative part of the process, but behind every name and every record is a person who has been entrusted to us by their family.
That responsibility is taken extremely seriously.
Caring for someone with dignity
Much of a funeral director’s work happens where families never see it.
The person who has died needs to be cared for properly and respectfully while funeral arrangements are being made.
Every person is different, and the care required will depend on individual circumstances.
Our team will also talk to you about your wishes, including clothing, personal items and any arrangements you would like to make before the funeral.
If there is something you are unsure about, ask us.
There are very few questions we have not heard during our years of caring for families, and you should never feel embarrassed about wanting to understand what is happening.
Can I visit someone after they have died?
For many people, spending some time with the person who has died is an important part of saying goodbye.
If you would like to visit your loved one, speak to us and we can explain the arrangements and help you decide what feels comfortable.
Some families want a few quiet minutes; others want considerably longer.
You may want to sit, talk, bring something meaningful or simply spend some time together.
There is no particular way you are expected to behave.
And if you decide you do not want to visit, that is okay too.
You are allowed to ask questions
Recent events within the funeral profession have understandably caused people to think more carefully about what happens after someone dies and who is caring for them.
Families should feel able to ask questions.
Where is my loved one?
Who is caring for them?
Can I come and see them?
What happens next?
When will the funeral take place?
What happens if I change my mind about something?
Those are all reasonable questions.
A funeral director should be able to explain the process clearly, answer them properly and help you understand the choices available to you.
Preparing for the funeral
While your loved one is in our care, we will work with you to make the arrangements for their funeral.
Some families know immediately what they want.
Others have no idea where to begin. You don’t have to make every decision at once.
There will be decisions around burial or cremation, the service, transport, flowers, music, notices, readings and who you would like to be involved.
Our role is to guide you through what needs to happen, explain the options and help you create arrangements that feel right for the person who has died and the people who loved them.
On the day of the funeral
By the time the funeral takes place, a great deal of work will already have happened behind the scenes.
Our responsibility for the person in our care continues right through to the funeral itself.
For us, it is about making sure the arrangements you have trusted us to carry out are delivered with the dignity and attention they deserve.
Trust should never be taken for granted
Varty’s has been serving families in Wigan since 1936.
Across 90 years, funeral customs, technology and the choices available to families have changed enormously.
The responsibility at the heart of funeral care has not.
When a family places somebody they love into our care, they are placing an extraordinary amount of trust in us.
That trust is the responsibility we carry from the moment somebody comes into our care.
You should know where your loved one is, understand what is happening and feel comfortable asking questions at any stage.
If somebody has recently died and you need guidance about what happens next, please contact Varty’s Funeral Directors.
We are here to talk you through the next steps and answer any questions you may have.
Here when you need us
If you would like advice or support, the team at Varty’s Funeral Directors is here for you.
You are welcome to visit Darlville Funeral Parlour, Manchester Road, Ince-in-Makerfield, Wigan, WN2 2EA during office hours, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm.
Alternatively, you can call 01942 244712 at any time, email kristen@vartys.co.uk, or complete the contact form on our website families, the day can feel enormous.
