Most funeral directors will help you to plan ahead for a funeral and offer advice on payment options.
To find a funeral director in your area, see the Australian Funeral Directors Association website, the National Funeral Directors Association of Australia website or check the Yellow Pages.
When planning a funeral:
- be an informed consumer and don’t be reluctant to ask questions
- discuss all available options before making a decision that fits your financial needs and wishes
- plan a personalised ceremony or service to help you begin the healing process - getting through grief is never easy but having a meaningful funeral or tribute will help.
Ensure you:
- consult the will of the deceased for any unique funeral arrangements to be made
- inform relevant people as quickly as possible
- consider the location, type of service, casket or urn, flowers, music, cars, eulogy, and pallbearers
- provide relevant information (eg surviving family members, the location of services etc) for the newspaper notices.
Arranging a funeral - Australian Funeral Director's Association.
What if I can't afford to pay?
If you're unable to pay for the funeral of a friend or family member, you may be eligible for a basic, dignified funeral through Funeral Assistance SA.
Coping with grief
People learn to adjust to the death of a loved one in different ways. The length of grieving will also vary - it's not unusual for grief to be felt over an extended period.
Where can I get help and support?
Lifeline Australia provides information and counselling - phone them on 13 11 14.
Other organisations across the state, that specifically provide bereavement counselling, are available through the SA Community website.
The National Health Services Directory is a government website that lists many health services available across South Australia. Have a look at services listed or browse the topics to find more information about grief and places you can go for support.
Where can I get more information about grief and loss?
GriefLink - an association based in South Australia, has some useful information about death-related grief.
Dealing with trauma and grief - Healthdirect
SA Health have information and help for people experiencing grief, and for people supporting a bereaved person.
