What to do when a
loved one passes away

Luckily for many of us arranging a funeral for a loved one isn’t something we have to do very often throughout our lifetime. However when we do sadly lose a loved one, this brings about many questions, the first being “what do we do first?” Grief can be a powerful emotion and the need to think clearly is often difficult to achieve.

After the loss of a loved one, and only when you’re ready to, call Jennifer Ashe & Son Funeral Directors. Our family will be on hand to help you, we will talk you through the steps you need to take in registering a death and obtaining the correct forms needed. Our experience means that we can take the pressure away from you during your time of grief.

Jennifer Ashe & Son Funeral Directors are available around the clock to help and offer advice and support as questions arise. Please do not hesitate to contact us as soon as you feel able, even if this is outside of normal hours. We are here to help and assist you with anything you might need.

When a death which has been expected occurs at home, the doctor who has been treating your loved one should be contacted. The Doctor or a colleague will attend to confirm that a death has occurred.Once this has happened, contact Jennifer Ashe & Son Funeral Directors on 01543 378022 and we can arrange to bring your loved one into our care.

We are at your service 24 hours a day 365 days a year so rest assured our highest attention at all times. If your loved one has passed away at home and you have asked us to bring your loved one into our care, we will provide you with an estimated time during your initial call. We will also contact you when we are close by.

We ask that the road outside the house is kept as clear as possible and that any cars parked on the front drive are moved. When Jennifer Ashe & Son Funeral Directors arrive our Private Ambulance will aim to park as close to the property as possible and if permitted on the driveway itself, this ensures our duties are carried out quietly and discreetly, and with complete dignity.

If your loved one has seen their doctor during the last 14 days of their illness a medical certificate should be issued stating the cause of death, this certificate will then need to be taken to The Registrar within 5 days to formally register the death and obtain a death certificate.

When a death occurs in hospital, the staff nurse will arrange for a doctor to issue the Medical Certificate of Death, which you will need to collect along with any belongings. Contact Jennifer Ashe & Son Funeral Directors and we will arrange a suitable time to discuss your requirements and arrange to bring your loved one into our care.

When a death occurs at a nursing home, the nursing home staff will liaise with the doctor and then contact Jennifer Ashe & Son Funeral Directors on 01543 378022 to arrange for our family to bring your loved one into our care.

When someone dies unexpectedly, it is quite normal for the Coroner to be involved, especially if the person who has died has not been under a doctor’s care within the last 14 days. Her Majesty’s Coroner is automatically involved and an investigation is begun. If your loved one has not been under a doctor’s care on a regular basis, the emergency doctor, or any police involved, will inform the relevant Coroner’s office. Your initial contact in the event of an unexpected or suspicious death, should be with the Police, however we are on hand to offer support and advice when you need us.

Please inform the police officer present if you would prefer Jennifer Ashe & Son Funeral Directors to attend, we will then liaise with the police and arrange to take your loved one to the Coroner’s chapel of rest for you. Once the Coroner informs you that your loved one can now be taken to the funeral directors of your choice, contact Jennifer Ashe & Son Funeral Directors and we can arrange for your loved one to brought into our care.

When someone dies away from home, whether it be in the UK or overseas, contact Jennifer Ashe & Son Funeral Directors and we can make all the necessary arrangements.