What is a care home’s role after death?
Death isn’t a conversation we should be afraid to have. It’s an inevitable thing, something we all reach as life ends. And whilst it may be scary, it’s also an opportunity to find peace.
At Birchwood House, we believe in making the aftercare surrounding death as peaceful as possible. We work with families to create a funeral after a loved one has passed, and how this celebration goes is entirely up to you. Whether you’re looking for a traditional funeral, or considering an alternative approach, we will always work to give you or your loved one the send-off they deserve, and in a way that feels right for them.
Why we need to talk about death
We can’t control our death, but we can control our ‘goodbye’. By encouraging open conversations around death, we can create a space of acceptance, taking some of the fear out of dying. Yes, death marks the physical end of life, but many religions and cultures believe that life now embarks on its next spiritual journey.
That’s why Birchwood House encourages open conversations around death. We don’t view it as morbid to prepare plans and arrangements for after your passing. If anything, having a dedicated funeral wish can actually grant more autonomy over your life, ensuring your personal preferences are respected.
What we can plan for after death
Ultimately, however you want your loved ones to celebrate after your death is up to you. For some people, a traditional funeral is preferred, as this brings a sense of comfort and familiarity, but there are a number of growing alternative options which may be better suited. For example, there’s a rise of ‘colourful’ funerals, where family members will wear bright colours to celebrate the character of the person who’s died.
Coffins and caskets are also moving away from their traditional wooden material. You may prefer a cardboard coffin, made from recycled paper and wood pulp, or a wicker coffin, made from sustainable materials such as willow, as these are both environmentally friendly. A banana leaf coffin is also biodegradable, and in some cultures the leaves are said to symbolize evergreen love, which can be a powerful sendoff statement.
Whatever you’re thinking, we are here to talk about it. We also partner with respected local services to ensure that you or your loved one’s funeral can be directed in the best possible way. Henry Paul Funerals was rated the best Funeral Director in Tunbridge Wells, and they offer a range of services, including coffins made from different materials. Welham Jones is an independent, family run business, also offering a complete range of packages to support you during the grieving process.
How Birchwood House can help
At Birchwood House, we understand how important it is to have control of your life until your last moment. We can help you prepare for death, and support your loved ones with after care.
Our services include:
- Dignified assistance: after passing, our staff are trained to treat the body respectfully, providing personal care until the resident is taken on their next journey to the chapel of rest.
- Practical arrangements: our team can help notify the local funeral director and advise with the next steps on the death certificate and registering the death. The choice of undertaker is very much a personal decision, but wherever possible we like to support and promote our local community businesses.
- Emotional support: Birchwood House works in unison with the Hospice in the Weald to provide pastoral care throughout the palliative care journey, so that counselling is offered and received whenever needed. This can be an essential aspect of supporting families throughout the stages of grieving, as first introduced by the Kübler-Ross model.
To find out more about how Birchwood House can help you or your loved one, please get in touch today.