How to plan a funeral during lockdown
With lock down restrictions already in place in South East Queensland and the likelihood of extension on the horizon, this article will help you navigate your options at an already difficult and emotional time.
- Restrictions in place stipulate that only 10 people including the celebrant and the funeral directors are allowed to attend any funeral or memorial service.
- Wakes and receptions must be postponed until after lock down.
- Travel outside a locked down area is NOT permitted.
- Places of worship are closed.
- Visitors are NOT allowed to your home.
At Newhaven Funerals, we have endeavored to ease the burden on your family as much as possible at this time. We are on call to answer any of your questions 24/7 and ready to give our advice and support at this difficult time.
Funerals are still going ahead with these reduced numbers and utilising our FREE live streaming video services from our Chapel at http://ecomemorialpark.com.au
All family and friends who are unable to attend the service at this time will be able to log in to witness the service from their own homes.
If the family want to postpone the funeral service until restrictions have been lifted, we will discuss the option of having a direct cremation now and planning for a memorial service at a later date.
We can still make all the arrangements for the Memorial Service.
Although it will be at a later date, it can still have the same meaning as a funeral. Instead of a coffin or casket being present at the service, the urn with the cremated remains can be on display along with other personalised display items such as photos, flowers and memorabilia.
In the meantime, we understand that you, your family and friends will be grieving your loss.
This is a time in your lives when more than ever you need the love, support and comfort of others.
We suggest that while lock down is still in place you consider some of the following options to make sure you stay connected and supported at this time:
Virtual Commemoration
Families and friends in lock down can host a virtual video meeting room like Zoom.
Virtual commemorations can allow everyone to participate by reading tributes; sharing stories; showing photos and even playing music.
Plan a mutual time for everyone to log into a Zoom meeting and feel united in sharing your memories of the special person you all have in common.
Group Chats
Whether it be on WhatsApp, Messenger or even group emails, keep in touch collectively with family and friends of the deceased.
A place where you can all check in with each other. Share condolences, personal stories or maybe photos. These are the conversations you might share ordinarily at a wake or reception.
Group Photo Album
You may have a selection of favourite photos of your loved one that you want to share with others who were important to them.
Setting up a Group photo album will allow friends and family to select and add photos to the Album digitally. Photos can be added as desired and everybody in the group can see each other’s photos.
Say Goodbye
Find a quiet time to be alone or as your family group at home to say goodbye in your own unique way.
Maybe in the garden or lighting a candle in the house. Sharing their favourite meal and raising a glass in their memory.
Pick up the Phone
Although words are hard to find at such a difficult time, hearing from loved ones is important.
If you want to support a grieving friend or family member, just let them know that you care.
Be ready to listen or except that they might not want to talk right now. Let them know that you will be there on the other end of the phone to simply listen when they do.
Seek Support
Dealing with the loss of a loved one at any time is distressing, but losing someone during lockdown, will bring additional challenges.
Coping with grief at this difficult time may cause additional feelings of frustration, anger and isolation.
Your grief is significant and cannot be postponed or put off for another time.
Reach out to family and friends over the phone or message them.
If you find it too hard to connect with people you know, please seek support and guidance from organisations we have listed on our website https://newhavenfunerals.com.au/help-with-grief/
We also highly recommend: Whats Your Grief https://whatsyourgrief.com/
If you are worried about yourself or a loved one in isolation, call or visit your GP
We are here to support you at this difficult time, so please don’t hesitate to call us with any questions or advice you may need on 1800 644 524
Article by Tim Connolly Funeral Director – Newhaven Funerals
Tim Connolly – Funeral Director Newhaven Funerals Brisbane & Gold Coast. Growing up around funerals since the age of six allows Tim a unique understanding of how a family owned funeral business should be. Since leaving school in 1992 Tim has been deeply involved in all aspects of operating their family owned business, including operating crematoriums, memorial gardens and pet cremation business. Tim is always available to assist all clients with any request |
