When a loved one is dying

What you can do now

Ask the healthcare team caring for your loved one who to contact when the death occurs, including outside normal hours. Keep those instructions somewhere easy to find. For questions about care or symptoms, speak with the healthcare team.

Talking to family

If your loved one wishes and is able to talk, ask what matters to them. They may have preferences about a private goodbye, a gathering or what happens to their ashes. Share what you know with the people who will help with arrangements, and allow space for different feelings.

Useful practical information

It can help to know where to find basic personal details, contact information for close family and any written funeral wishes. If there is an existing funeral plan, keep the provider’s details to hand and check what it covers. Know where important documents such as a will are kept; seek appropriate advice about legal or estate questions. You do not need to send these documents to us to ask for advice.

Deciding whether direct cremation feels right

Direct Cremation costs £1,645 and takes place without family or friends attending the crematorium. You can arrange a separate remembrance later. Read what is included, including collection within 20 miles of our Heathfield office. We will explain and agree any collection charge beyond that area before proceeding. If attendance at the crematorium or a burial service matters to you, the same team at Wealden Funeral Services can explain full funeral services.

Thinking about a goodbye beforehand

A private chapel visit is a short, private opportunity for immediate next of kin to say goodbye, without a formal service, for an additional £100. Alternatively, Attended Direct Cremation provides a ceremony in our private Heathfield chapel for up to 20 people, for an additional £395. A celebrant for that chapel ceremony is optional at a further £250, only with the attended choice. The cremation remains unattended with either option. Read about the chapel choices.

Calling SDC before the death

You can contact us as soon as you need advice. We can explain the choices and answer questions before the death. Discussing arrangements or asking for information does not commit you to using our service.

When the death occurs

Follow the instructions from the healthcare team or care setting. After the death has been formally verified, we can explain when your loved one can be brought into our care and begin discussing arrangements. You do not need to wait until registration before calling us. The necessary medical, registration and cremation paperwork must be completed before cremation takes place. Our guide to what to do when someone dies explains the next steps and the Medical Examiner or Coroner process.