Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience, whether it happens suddenly or is anticipated. During this time of profound grief, family members face numerous responsibilities that can add to the stress.
Understanding the necessary steps can help alleviate some of this burden. To assist you in navigating this difficult period, we’ve created a comprehensive guide on preparing for a funeral in Singapore.
Step 1: Download the Digital Death Certificate
If the Death Occurs at Home:
Contact your family doctor or a local doctor to certify the death. Once certified, you’ll receive a digital death certificate number. Download the certificate from the My Legacy portal within 30 days.
If the cause of death cannot be certified by a doctor or a doctor cannot be contacted, call the police. The body will be transported to the Mortuary@HSA.
The coroner will decide if an autopsy is needed and you will be notified to collect the body typically the next day.
This certification can only be issued if the doctor is certain of the natural cause of death.
If the Death Occurs in a Hospital:
The attending doctor certifies the death and issues a digital death certificate number. Download the certificate from the My Legacy portal with hospital staff assistance if needed.
If the death cannot be certified, the hospital will inform the police and the body will be sent to the Mortuary@HSA for examination.
If the Death Occurs Overseas:
Visit the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority’s website for more information about registering a death and for guidance if a death occurred overseas.
Register the death with the relevant foreign authorities. Seek assistance from the Singapore Overseas Mission. Coordinate with funeral directors in both the foreign country and Singapore to repatriate the body.
The funeral directors will guide you through the necessary procedures to bring your loved one home.
Things to Take Note: After your loved one’s life comes to an end, you will need to obtain a Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD) to register the death within 24 hours.
Trust Funeral Services to guide you with compassion and dignity during this difficult time. Reach out today for personalized funeral arrangements that honor your loved one.
Reporting Unnatural Deaths in Singapore: Procedures and Legal Guidelines
In cases where the cause of death is unclear or if it is suspected to be unnatural—such as in instances of surgical complications or accidents—the doctor must report the incident to the police.
Under such circumstances, even if the individual passed away in a hospital, the police must be notified if the death could be linked to unnatural causes.
When police involvement is required, the deceased will be transferred to the Mortuary@HSA, located at Block 9 of the Singapore General Hospital. It is necessary for the next-of-kin to visit the mortuary to formally identify the body.
Upon visiting the mortuary, the next-of-kin should bring several documents, including:
- Their own identification, such as an NRIC or passport.
- The deceased’s identification documents, like an NRIC, passport, or birth certificate.
- Any medical records and medications associated with the deceased.
At the mortuary, a coroner will examine the circumstances surrounding the death and decide whether an autopsy is necessary. The next-of-kin will be informed about the coroner’s decision and will be advised on when they can collect the body.
Step 2: Select a Funeral Home
Upon obtaining the digital death certificate, the next step involves hiring a funeral director who plays a crucial role in managing the logistical aspects of the funeral.
The funeral director’s responsibilities include coordinating the collection and, if necessary, the embalming of the body, as well as ensuring its safe transportation to the wake venue. This selection is vital as it leads to the next important phase of the funeral process.
Step 3: Plan the Wake and Funeral Ceremony
Organising a funeral in Singapore requires several important decisions, but with the guidance of your funeral director, the process can be less daunting. Here are some key considerations:
Location: Options for holding wakes include void decks of public housing, the premises of private residences like condominiums and landed properties, and dedicated funeral parlours. Each location offers distinct advantages and drawbacks.
For example, holding a wake in a void deck provides convenience for the family, allowing easy access to home comforts. However, the public nature of these spaces means they cannot be locked, necessitating continuous supervision, possibly by hiring a night guard.
Duration: While some families may choose a direct cremation or burial without a wake, traditional wake services can last from three to seven days, allowing more time for friends and family to pay their respects.
Casket Choice: The decision between an open- or closed-casket can profoundly affect the funeral experience. An open-casket service allows one last opportunity to view the deceased, which can aid in the grieving process. Such services require embalming.
Conversely, a closed-casket service, which does not require embalming, might be preferred by those wishing to preserve their last memory of the deceased as they were in life.
Scope and Style: The extent and style of the wake and funeral often reflect personal, cultural, or religious preferences. Budget also plays a significant role, influencing whether the arrangements are modest, elaborate, or somewhere in between.
At Funeral Services, we provide a range of packages to accommodate different preferences and budgets, ensuring a respectful and dignified farewell for every individual.
Final Disposition: Cremation is increasingly preferred in Singapore, a practical choice given the limited land available. Post-cremation, the ashes can be placed in a columbarium, kept at home, or even scattered at designated sites like the Garden of Peace.
An emerging trend is the creation of keepsake jewellery, allowing mourners to carry a small part of their loved one’s ashes in beautifully crafted pieces, maintaining a physical connection wherever they go.
Should you opt for burial, it’s crucial to understand that in Singapore, the burial term is limited to a maximum of 15 years. After this period, the remains are exhumed and subsequently cremated.
Additionally, some funeral service providers, such as Funeral Services, offer the convenience of arranging a house call doctor on behalf of the family if needed.
Let Funeral Services help you navigate the complexities of funeral planning with expertise and care. Contact us now for comprehensive support tailored to your needs.
