What Happens Next

We are very sorry for your loss. This can be a deeply difficult and emotional time, and it is natural to feel unsure about what to do next. The information below is offered to gently guide you, at your own pace. Mulberry Funeral Directors are here to support you whenever you feel ready.

You will need to contact your GP surgery so that a doctor can attend and confirm the death. When you feel able, you may then contact Mulberry Funeral Directors, who will carefully guide you through the next steps and arrange for your loved one to be brought into our care.

The nursing home staff will take care of the immediate arrangements, including contacting a doctor. They may also assist with contacting a Funeral Director. You can speak with Mulberry Funeral Directors whenever you are ready to receive further guidance and reassurance.

If the death was expected, the hospital will arrange the medical certificate needed to register the death and will let you know when this has been completed.

If the death was unexpected, the Coroner may need to be involved to help establish the cause of death. This process will be explained to you, and you will be kept informed.

In either situation, Mulberry Funeral Directors will work closely with the hospital to ensure your loved one is cared for with dignity and respect.

The death usually needs to be registered within five days in the area where it occurred. At the registration appointment, you can obtain copies of the death certificate, which are often needed for practical matters such as banks and insurance.

If the Coroner is involved, you will be advised when registration can take place.

Embalming is a thoughtful, professional process. Though some think it’s just about appearance, it’s mainly for hygiene – slowing the natural changes after death.

We carefully replace the body’s fluids with a preserving solution. When done soon after passing, it helps keep the face and body looking as familiar as possible, bringing comfort to loved ones during viewings.

At Mulberry Funeral Directors, we’re here to support you in planning a fitting funeral for your loved one.

If they left specific instructions – in a Will or via a Pre-payment Funeral Plan – please bring these to us so we can follow their wishes carefully.

If no instructions were left, the choice of burial or cremation, and the location, is yours. We’ll handle all bookings, liaising with churches, celebrants, cemeteries and crematorium to find a convenient time, which we’ll discuss with you first.

Funerals don’t have to be religious or include a church service. We’ll talk through all options with you, and the final choice of service will always be yours – we’re here to help, not to sell.

There is no right or wrong way to move through this time. Take things one step at a time, and know that Mulberry Funeral Directors are here to help guide and support you when you feel ready.