Funeral Directors can avail of up-to-date information and advice
on the procedures required and practical guidelines to assist
them in supporting the family involved by phoning the
'Information Hotline for Professionals'
at
087-423777
(available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
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Funeral Directors will be in contact with the parents within hours of
the death of their child. The funeral ritual is as important in the death
of a child as it is in the death of an adult.
- Ensure that your employees are fully aware of the facts, as well
as the myths, about SIDS. ISIDA's training video for professionals
can assist in this area. Be aware of the up-to-date information on
SIDS and the procedures currently in practice.
- Always refer to the child by his/her name and acknowledge the reality
of the child's death to the family.
- Ensure that the family are not rushed into making hasty decisions
about funeral services and burial arrangements.
- There is a responsibility to let the family or possibly a close
relative or friend know that there are considerable financial costs
incurred with certain funeral arrangements. Respect and care can be
shown to the dead child without incurring these costs.
- Advise parents that there are many options for a child's funeral,
ranging from a full church service to a simple prayer service in the
child's home.
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- Should parents choose to take their child home prior to the funeral
service, ask parents about their wishes regarding transporting the
child from the hospital to their home. Ensure that they have advice
about the practical care their child will need while at home. It is
best if this information is written down for them (Appendix C).
- Reassure parents that discolouration, due to pooling of blood, is
natural after death.
- Tell the parents that it is entirely appropriate for the coffin
to be carried by the parents in a car driven by a friend or relative,
if they so wish.
- Ask parents about their wishes regarding flowers and advise mourners
accordingly.
- If you are offering parents the opening a new family grave rather
than burying their child with deceased relatives or in any other existing
grave, due regard must be given to the financial costs involved.
- Ensure that you take instructions regarding arrangements from the
parents themselves. Go over with them exactly what has been planned,
check that all their wishes are included and that they understand
what is to happen at the funeral.
Remember that the sudden death of an infant or young child normally
affects all who come into contact with it. If you feel that
you would like to talk to someone, ISIDA provides a confidential
Nationwide Helpline 1800 391 391
where you can contact someone who understands and is willing
to listen - you do not have to be a parent or relative.
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