A practical guide for carers, family, friends and for people who are dying.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be advised that this document refers to material of a sensitive nature.

Information in this booklet was based originally on the Queensland Health booklet 'When someone dies', This booklet has since been reviewed by clinicians, consumers, and content experts from across the ACT for use in the ACT.

Supported by:

Death is not the opposite of life, but part of it.

When someone is dying or has died, it can be a very difficult and stressful time for carers, family and friends. We hope this booklet will give you support and direction during this time. It has information and practical ideas about things to do before and after an adult family member or friend dies in the ACT.

Separate information is available for children who die in the ACT, please ask the Paediatric Specialist Palliative Care team.

You might struggle to deal with the coming days and weeks on your own.

Asking for help is OK. You could contact your spiritual or cultural leader, social worker, family, chosen family or friends. There are also community organisations who can support you.

Grief is a normal and natural response when we experience loss.

Grief can affect our lives in a number of ways, but it also lets us slowly adjust to our loss and continue to go about our lives.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve (see Caring for yourself and others).

Grief and loss are very personal experiences. We hope this practical information helps you in your journey at this time.

See Section 6: Definitions, if you need more information about terms marked in italics.

Section 1: Caring for yourself and others

Understanding grief

Grief affects our thoughts and feelings, how we do things, and our relationships with others.

It can also have a physical impact. It’s important to know that grief is normal and it affects people in different ways including but not limited to:

• crying and sadness (or not wanting to cry)
• anger and irritability
• regret
• feeling numb
• problems sleeping and having nightmares
• changes to appetite
• problems concentrating and making decisions
• feeling tense, sick or having breathing problems
• losing interest in family, friends and hobbies
• feeling confused or not sure where you are
• nausea and headaches.

There are lots of other reactions to grief. Caring for someone who is suffering is confronting and when someone dies after suffering for a period of time, it's common and even natural to feel a sense of relief when their pain has ended. You might not have all of these feelings, but if you do, they will not necessarily come in any particular order.

The death of a person can also cause other disruptions in your life, which may, in the moment, cause some people to feel more distress than the death itself. For example, the death may change your income or housing situation. These feelings are completely normal.

Your grief is like your fingerprint. It is unique and personal to you.

Grief has no timeline

The amount of time spent grieving is different for everyone, and that’s OK. You may feel grief for a long time, even for many years. At first, people often feel grief more strongly.

As time passes, we learn to include grief in our lives. Sometimes, after a period of feeling good, we find ourselves feeling sadness, despair or anger. This is a natural part of grief, and it may happen repeatedly.

Often people have better periods of grief or bereavement if they feel they have a choice, autonomy and the ability to participate in the time leading up to and after death. This is a time where people are often doing things for the first time, like organising a funeral. It can also be a time of significant decision-making and expenses.

Making choices that help you to process your feelings can make a big difference.

Consider what you want the days to look like after someone's death. For example, what roles can friends or family fill, or what jobs can they do for you at this time. Is it important for you to spend time with your person after their death? Would friends or family like to contribute creatively?

Writing stories or poems, choosing music, creating photo albums, or even decorating a coffin, can be meaningful ways to spend time after death.

Taking care

It’s important to remember that everyone grieves in their own way and may go about caring for themselves and others in different ways as well.

Here are some ideas that may help:

• get enough sleep – people often have trouble sleeping during times of grief. If you find it hard to sleep on a regular basis, speak to your nurse or doctor
• eat a healthy diet and exercise
• talk to your employer about what support might be available, such as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), compassionate leave and flexible options for returning to work when you are ready
• delay making big decisions
• create a memorial or do something to honour the person who has died
• do something for yourself every day, and do your usual activities as much as you can
• you may want to reflect and talk about what death means, and how you may find value in what is happening. See Support Services.
• ask your friends and family to help or say yes when they offer. Use the power of your community
• practise your own spirituality, culture or religion – this might be meditation, yoga, prayer or talking with your chaplain or faith leader
• talk with your social worker/ grief counsellor or the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit.

You may be able to talk about your emotions and find comfort with the help of family and friends, or you may need some extra help. There are many organisations that can help you. Support Services are listed. Don’t be afraid to reach out.

Feelings of grief may be overwhelming over a long period of time and affect the things you need, want and enjoy. If this happens to you and these feelings continue, you may want to talk to your GP or a grief counsellor (see Support services).

Talking to children about death and dying

Children will feel, understand and talk about grief and loss in different ways. This is because of their age, personality, family culture, understanding of death and past experiences of loss.

Take the time to talk and listen to children before and after someone has died. Answer their questions about death in an honest and consistent way.

For more information, visit Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement – children and grief handouts.

How to manage communicating with others

Sharing information with others can be overwhelming. You may not feel like talking to others or may want to protect people from what you are feeling. This is normal. You may want to ask a family member or friend to give regular updates to others in your network.

Sometimes people may say things that are upsetting because people don't know what to say. They don't mean to upset you. It is important not take things personally at this time. Have a plan for what you will do if this happens, for example walk away or politely make people aware of what is or isn’t helpful.

More information on dealing with grief and communicating with others can be found on the app MyGrief, downloadable on your phone or other device. Please ask a nurse or social worker for information if you are not able to download the app.

Scan the QR code for the MyGrief app.

Section 2: Preparing for death

Palliative care service and support

A person who has a life limiting illness can talk about palliative care services and support with a doctor, nurse or other health professional. If they have palliative and end of life care needs that can’t be met by their primary or specialist healthcare team, they should be referred to specialist palliative care for further management. It can be helpful to visit facilities such as Clare Holland House (ACT Hospice).

Voluntary Assisted Dying

Voluntary assisted dying is another option of end-of-life care, along with palliative care, available to people who meet strict eligibility criteria and who are experiencing intolerable suffering from a condition or conditions that will cause their death. Voluntary assisted dying is a legal process to request medical help for eligible people to end their life.

We can all plan, discuss and prepare for the end of life at any time. This may help make the experience more comfortable and provide a greater sense of control when it happens.

If someone close to you is nearing the end of life, you can help them to:

• carry out advance care planning if they are able to with health professionals, carers, family and friends to talk about their wishes, values, beliefs and preferences for future medical treatment (see Support services)
• appoint an Attorney for personal, health and/or financial matters using an Enduring Power of Attorney form so long as they're able to at act.gov. au/health/end-of-life-and-palliative-care/advance-care-planning. It may be useful to seek professional advice about options/preferences
• write a will if they are able to. They should seek advice to ensure their needs are met/satisfied. A well written will can have the additional benefit of easing load on successors, family and executors. Make sure your will is up-to-date and easy to find
• consider who will care for children, other dependants and pets
• write letters, record videos, create photo albums or put together keepsakes for loved ones. Some people may wish to write cards or arrange gifts for future birthdays or significant life events
• say goodbye to those they love and care about
• let health professionals such as your doctor, nurse or social worker know if emotional and/or spiritual support is needed, and talk about any important cultural practices
• talk to health professionals or friends and family with previous experience about what to expect during and after the dying process. Funeral directors and death doulas can also help you understand what happens after
• organise to see a chaplain or faith leader in the time leading up to death
• arrange for interpreters, seek support from multicultural community leaders
• decide where they would like to be cared for as they approach the end of life, if possible. This may include:
in their own home
on country
in hospital
in a hospice
in a residential aged care facility.
• prepare for death at home or on country (if applicable). Talk about this and plan it with health professionals. Work out which doctor will issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death when the time comes.

Consider how you would like your person cared for immediately after death:

• talk with family, carers and health professionals about practices for funeral rites, who will make decisions, any prayer customs or how to respect traditions
• if the family would like to spend time with their person who has died, whether that's at the place of death or the funeral home
• if the family would like to participate in washing and dressing their person
• if a vigil at home or at the funeral home is important
• if the family wants to participate in things like decorating a coffin or something similar
• how the person who is dying will be part of the planning
• talk about organ and tissue donation, understand what’s involved, and let their carer or family know their wishes, for more information visit donatelife.gov.au
• talk to your chosen funeral director in advance about how they can support you with the care of your person at home and after death.
• start funeral planning if possible, and talk about who will be the point of contact for organising the funeral
• think about how to pay for the funeral. For more information, including likely costs and assistance options, see Arranging a Funeral).
• This may include:
  setting up a funeral savings account

  life insurance or superannuation

  buying a funeral benefit product, such as a prepaid funeral, funeral bonds or funeral insurance. You can find more information about paying for funerals at The Australian Securities and Investment Commission website.
• make a list of their personal details and passwords and store them in a safe place. You may choose to use the Tasks and contact list in the middle of this booklet to help you decide what information you might need
• add a ‘legacy contact’ to Facebook or other social media to allow someone they trust to manage their account after they die.

Supporting someone who is dying can be stressful. For suggestions on how you can look after yourself during this time see Caring for yourself and others.

Section 3: First steps

This section has information about things that happen soon after a person dies. Not all will be related to your situation.

Dying at home or in the community

How will you know when a person has died?

• breathing stops
• there is no heartbeat, and
• no pulse can be felt
• the person cannot be woken up
• eyelids may be half open
• their mouth may be open
• pupils are fixed.

The death will be verified by a medical practitioner or other approved health professional.

Expected death

An expected death at home means you can have time with the person who has died before anything needs to be done. If this happens during the night, you can wait until the morning to carry out next steps, if you are comfortable with this.

It is perfectly safe and legal to have your person home for many hours or even several days, if this is important to you. If this is something you’d like to explore, you may like to speak to a funeral director or death doula about supporting you for at-home funeral care.

If dying at home is expected, it is important to have spoken with the person’s health professional about who to contact to issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death when the time comes. The certificate needs to be completed within 48 hours of the person’s death. Any authorised practitioner who knows the person’s medical history and can certify the cause of death is able to complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.

When you are ready, contact your doctor, palliative care service, Voluntary Assisted Dying service, or funeral director. The person may then be taken into the care of your chosen funeral director or where you have arranged for them to go.

Your funeral director will not be able to take your person into care until you have either the Verification of Death (i.e. from home-based palliative care) or the Medical Certificate Cause of Death (from your health professional).

Unexpected and reportable death

People sometimes die unexpectedly at home or work; by accident; or even a medical treatment that does not go to plan. If this happens call the Ambulance on 000.

Sometimes a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death cannot be issued. This may happen if someone who seems healthy dies unexpectedly at home; the authorised practitioner cannot determine the medical cause of death; death is suspected as due to unknown causes, or if the death is unnatural. The police are contacted by the health practitioner or paramedics in these circumstances. This may seem worrying or excessive, but it is a normal part of the process. The police will talk with a team of independent doctors to work out whether a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death can be issued.

If a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death cannot be issued, the police will report the death to the coroner and arrange for the person to be transported to a health facility or mortuary by a government contracted funeral director. There is no obligation to then use that funeral director; each family can choose their own.

The coroner will work with a team of coronial nurses and forensic pathologists to work out a probable cause of death through an autopsy or post-mortem. The coroner will release the body as soon as possible—almost always within three days of the person’s death. The person may then be taken into the care of your chosen funeral director.

Other types of reportable deaths include those where a person died during or within 24 hours of an invasive procedure or are in the care of a community or government organisation in custody.

Dying in a hospital, hospice or residential care facility

If the person dies in a hospital or facility, the staff will help you to understand the process and what you need to do. There’s usually no need to rush. You can have time alone with the person who has died before anything needs to be done. Your family may want to wait until other family members and friends have a chance to say goodbye.

Ask questions

If you need more information or support, or do not agree with something, please ask. The healthcare team are there to support you.

Make sure staff know about any end-of-life practices, like what needs to happen to the person’s body in preparation for burial or cremation, so that the right steps can be taken.

Usually, these things will happen shortly after the person dies:

• health professionals will complete official documentation in relation to the death
• a doctor will complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. If the doctor is unsure whether a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death can be issued, they can contact the coroner. This will generally be related to concerns around treatment and care. The coroner will work with a team of independent doctors to determine whether the death is reportable
• after staff talk with you, the person may be transferred to the mortuary or another suitable room
• any belongings the person had with them at the facility will be given to the family by nursing staff
• the person may remain at the facility until the funeral director is chosen and plans are made to move them to the funeral home
• if a carer, family or friends are coming to say goodbye, talk with staff about how long the person who has died can stay at the facility. Different places have different processes.

Cultural practices and traditions

If the person being cared for is in a hospital or other care facility, please tell the staff caring for them about any cultural practices or traditions you would like followed when the person dies.

Hospitals and other facilities in the ACT work with local faith organisations to help with necessary services around death and burial as required.

Visiting a person who has died

Some people find it helpful to see the person after they’ve died or even spend a longer period of time with them. This is called a viewing, vigil or simply spending time. Deciding whether to visit is a personal choice. You can talk about this with a health professional, grief counsellor, funeral service or death doula.

It is important to know that not all facilities have a mortuary or a family room for viewings or vigils. They may make a room available for you. Viewings may also be arranged at the funeral home or at home.

Some people also want to wash and dress or provide other care and practices for their person after their death. Before appointing a funeral director, check whether the funeral home allows washing and dressing viewing as part of their service. There may be an extra cost for this.

Organ and tissue donation

Organ donation is only possible in very specific circumstances. If the person died in an intensive care unit, you may have been approached about giving consent for organ and tissue donation to help save lives through transplantation.

A DonateLife Specialist Coordinator from DonateLife ACT will check your loved one’s recorded decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register and assess whether they are medically suitable to donate. The coordinator and healthcare team will guide you through the process, provide clear information, and offer ongoing support. For more details, visit donatelife.gov.au.

Eye tissue donation can occur in a wider range of circumstances. It may be possible if someone dies in other areas of the hospital, in a residential care facility, or even at home. In some cases, eye tissue donation can also be arranged through a funeral home, provided it is done promptly.

In other places, including hospital wards, residential care facilities, funeral home or at home, the person may be able to donate their eye tissue. A DonateLife Specialist Coordinator or the healthcare team can talk you through this process.

Organ and tissue donor acknowledgement

In recognition of the significant contribution that organ and tissue donors provide to the community, the ACT Government passed legislation to provide the opportunity for this to be formally acknowledged on the donor’s death certificate and/or in a letter from the Chief Minister. These acknowledgments are available for organ/tissue donations made in the ACT. There is no limit on when these requests for acknowledgment need to be made. For more information, visit accesscanberra.act.gov.au search 'request a death certificate'.

Body donation

The person may have prearranged donation of their body to a university. The university will need to be told of the person’s death in order to check the person is suitable for their program and arrange transportation as soon as possible. Transportation is usually managed by the university’s contracted funeral director.

It can be difficult to talk about death and dying. Everyone responds in their own way. Dying should be discussed with honesty, sensitivity and respect.

Registration of the person’s death and obtaining a death certificate

The funeral director will normally submit the death registration on your behalf, but they will first ask you to provide them with some personal information about the person who has died. A Death Certificate is a formal certificate produced by the government and is provided to the family once a death has been registered.

This includes:

• the person’s full legal name at the time of death
• any other legal names they were known by (for example, maiden name)
• date of birth
• place of birth (town, state, country)
• if born overseas, the period of time spent in Australia
• usual occupation
• last home address
• if the person was of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin
• the name and any former name of the person’s parents and their parents’ occupation
• relationship status at the time of death:
  married, in a domestic partnership (as defined by Legislation ACT 2001 – SECT 169), civil partnership, divorced, widowed or single

  if in a relationship, the name and former name of their partner.
• previous relationship details:
  if the person had any other marriages, civil unions, civil partnerships, domestic partnerships

  the name and former name of their partner

  date and place of each marriage, civil union or civil partnership

  The status of the partnership (for example, current or former)
• details of children (including adopted children, but not children given up for adoption or stepchildren):
  name, date of birth, if they are living or deceased.

It’s important that the information is true and correct to the best of your knowledge as it will appear on the death certificate. A death certificate is proof that the person has died – you may need to show it to finalise the person's estate.

Funeral directors often send a copy of the death certificate to the family as part of their service. You can also request a copy online through Access Canberra’s Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Two types of death certificates are available in the ACT – a death certificate with the cause of death and a death certificate without the cause of death. You can now choose which legal certificate you show to an organisation if they do not need the cause of death.

A bank or similar organisation may want evidence that a person has died. While waiting to receive a Death Certificate,a Medical Certificate Cause of Death or a Coroners Certificate may be used as evidence in most places.

Appointing a funeral director

Most people in the ACT use a funeral director to help organise a funeral or memorial service. You don’t have to have one, but they can make things easier. You can choose a funeral director by searching online, talking with family and friends. Usually, people choose local funeral directors as they may need to visit a few times. A list of funeral directors, servicing our region is available.

Always check what the quote for the funeral service includes and doesn’t include. You may wish to seek multiple quotes. Many funeral directors can take calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information, see Arranging a funeral or memorial service.

Arranging a funeral or memorial service

The way we acknowledge the death of a person can look different between cultures and families.

A funeral is usually held at a funeral home, cemetery,crematorium, church or place of worship. Funerals involve the burial or cremation of the body of the person that has died.

A memorial service can be held anywhere (often in someone’s home). Memorial services do not involve burial or cremation.They are usually organised by a close relative. If there is any dispute over who is organising the service, seek legal advice.

If you have chosen to appoint a funeral director, they will usually organise:

• transport, care and viewing of the person who has died
• the service, including the cremation or burial, in consultation with faith group leaders
• returning the person’s remains to either their home, interstate or overseas for a cost
• registration of the person’s death with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
• Funeral Directors often send a copy of the death certificate to the carer or family as part of their service. You can also ask for a copy by applying online through Access Canberra. There is a fee for this.

You can talk to your funeral director about your choices and preferences for:

• whether you would like a service, a memorial, or neither
• when you would like that, and where
• your budget and financial considerations
• spending time with your person after their death
• your preferences for burial or cremation, including what you would like to do with any ashes
• cultural or religious customs and practices
• music, flowers, photos, symbols, orders of service, etc, if they are important to you
• whether you want anyone to speak or lead a service
• whether you want a newspaper notice
• any other ideas you may have for creating a meaningful funeral.

Scan the QR code for more questions you may want to ask your funeral director.

funeralsaustralia.org.au/arranging-funeral/ ACT Funeral Providers are listed.

Paying for a funeral

Funerals in the ACT can vary a lot in price. The cost depends on your funeral director and the type of service you have. Funeral directors often quote a service fee which can include the things you may choose to do yourself, such as if you would like flowers. You are entitled to ask for a breakdown of all costs and seek quotes from multiple providers. You are also entitled to question quote items and request their removal, or provide items yourself. This is an area that can have significant cost differences. It is worth noting that a burial or funeral outside of normal working hours, on weekends or public holidays will usually cost extra. The average funeral can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000, depending on what options or additional services you choose.

An ACT funeral assistance program is available for ACT residents in financial hardship who are unable to meet the full costs of a funeral for immediate family members. To be considered for this program you must undergo a financial assessment of your income, expenditure and assets and of the person who has died.

The program is administered by Tender Funerals, Tobin Brothers Funerals, Toscan Dinn and William Cole Funerals. If you think you may need this help, please speak with one of these funeral directors before making any arrangements,or contact the ACT Revenue Office (eligibility criteria applies) (see Support Services).

Some funeral services may have a fund to support families who do not qualify for government funeral assistance, but still face serious financial distress as a result of needing to arrange a funeral.

The NSW Government offers funerals and cremations when the person who has died lived in NSW at the time of death, has no money or assets to pay for their funeral and their friends and/or relatives are unable to pay for the funeral.

Stella Bella Little Stars Foundation offers financial help to eligible families who are struggling financially following the death of their child. If you would like more information about this, please talk with a social worker who will help you get in touch with Stella Bella.

Funerals and wills can be the source of conflict in families due to differences in opinions and beliefs, and complex family relationships. Keep communication open, and get help if needed.

If you have any concerns about cost, ask your funeral director for a quote that breaks down the cost of each item.

The cheapest option is a cremation without an official service. This is sometimes called direct or unattended cremation. Unattended burials may also be available.

Funeral costs may be covered by:

• pre-paid funeral plan/ bonds taken out by the person who has died
• funeral insurance or a savings account the person has arranged to pay for their funeral
• family and friends
• the person’s estate – the bank may pay a funeral account, if there are available funds in the person’s bank account
• the person’s superannuation fund – this can take time and will be executed through their will
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs, or the person’s trade union
• government or not-for-profit funeral assistance
• no interest loan schemes.

If you need other financial help, see Financial Help section, or contact Services Australia. They will let you know what you might be able to claim.

Where to get help

Not all situations are straightforward, and some people may benefit from talking to people outside of their family/friend network.

A GP can help you by writing a mental health care plan where the government pays part of the cost of counselling for you. You will usually need to pay the gap, which will vary depending on which counsellor you chose.

In the ACT there are also a number of private practices that offer bereavement support for a fee which you will need to pay.

Find a list of services that can help with grief, financial, legal, advocacy and other issues in Support services.

Tasks and contact list

We have created this checklist as a prompt for things you may need to do and people/organisations you may need to contact. There is also a column for you to allocate different tasks to family or friends to share the load at this time.

Additionally, the Australian Death Notification Service allows you to notify organisations such as banks, superannuation, telecommunications, utilities and government services using a secure online form.

Scan the QR code to access the Australian Death Notification Service.

First steps

Bereavement

Financial, social and welfare

Employment and education

Utilities and mail

Transport

Health Services

Lifestyle and personal

Housing

* Eligibility criteria apply. Check each section to see if it is information you want or need.

** This information is specific to the ACT—different processes and contact details may be applicable in other states and countries.

Section 4: What you can do next

Gather key information

There can be a lot of things that need to be done after someone dies.

The Tasks and contact list may help you keep track of who to contact. Getting important information and paperwork together can help make these tasks easier. Information could include:

• the person’s full legal name (birth name or legal name at the time of death; avoid using nicknames)
• last residential address
• the original or certified copies of their driver’s license and passport
• any other first and last names they have used, including surnames prior to marriages
• their Medicare number, Tax File Number and Centrelink Customer Reference Number (if they had them)
• the person’s date and place of birth (town and state if born in Australia and country if born overseas) and date of arrival in Australia if born overseas. If the person was visiting from overseas their Embassy can be contacted for support
• marriage and/or divorce certificates, or date of marriage/civil partnership if certificate not available
• name, occupation and date of birth of the surviving spouse if they had one
• financial information, including loan details, house title/lease documents, superannuation, investments and insurance
• any pre-planned funeral paperwork.

Notify agencies and cancel or transfer services

Once you have the death certificate you can start notifying agencies and organisations. The processing time for the death certificate varies. It may take up to several weeks. You may need to give other information including:

• your personal details
• proof of your identity and relationship to the person who has died
• certified copy of the death certificate. This can be certified at your local police station for free, or your local pharmacy (for a small fee). It’s a good idea to get several copies certified at the same time.

This booklet contains a checklist of tasks to carry out and people/ organisations to contact (see Tasks and contact list). Some things will not be relevant to you or the person’s circumstances. Check each section to see if it is information, you want or need.

Notifying Centrelink

If the person who died was receiving a payment from Centrelink, it is important to notify Centrelink as soon as possible. This will stop an overpayment. If an overpayment is made, it must be paid back to Centrelink. For members of a couple or a person receiving a carer allowance, a bereavement allowance may be available.

Scan the QR code for a comprehensive list of 'What to do when someone dies'. This information is also available from your social worker and a Centrelink office

Notifying the bank

Financial institutions have different processes for managing a deceased estate.

1. For accounts only in the name of the person who has died – after you call, the bank will freeze the person’s bank accounts. Banks will generally pay funeral expenses from the person’s account when given an original tax invoice from a funeral director. You will need to make sure all direct debits have been stopped to avoid dishonour fees.
2. For accounts in the deceased person's name and someone else's (joint account) – transactions from joint accounts should continue as normal. Joint bank accounts may be transferred into the name of the remaining joint account holder.

Wills and estates

Some people have a will and others die without one (intestate). A will needs to be written before someone dies.

If the person who died has a will, the executor of their estate needs to be informed. If there is uncertainty about whether the will is valid, or other support is needed, you may choose to get:

• independent legal advice
• advice from the Public Trustee and Guardian of ACT
• probate from the Supreme Court of ACT.

If a will is unavailable, letters of administration will be needed to manage the estate.

This might feel intrusive or upsetting, but it is important to do. When giving information, you can ask why it is needed and how it will be used.

Section 5: Support services contact list

If you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450

ACT Government

The ACT Government provides free 24 hour health lines for various health-related concerns.

Emergency Health Advice:

For life-threatening emergencies.
Phone: 000

For after-hours urgent public health matters.
Phone: 02 5124 9700

Health Direct:

For health information and advice.

Phone: 1800 022 222
Web: healthdirect.gov.au

Access Mental Health:

For mental health concerns and support.

Phone: 1800 629 354

Advance Care Planning

ACT Health information about advance care planning.

Phone: 02 5124 9274
Email: acp@act.gov.au
Web: canberrahealthservices. act.gov.au/services-and-clinics/services/ advance-care-planning act.gov.au/health/end-of-life-and-palliative-care/ advance-care-planning

Caresearch

Information and resources about living with or caring for someone with a serious illness, preparing for the end of life, and how to manage bereavement, grief and loss.

Phone: 08 7221 8233
Web: caresearch.com.au

DonateLife

Information about organ and tissue donation.

Phone: 02 5156 6662
Web: donatelife.gov.au

Palliative Care ACT

Palliative care resources for people living with a terminal condition and their carers, family and community.

Phone: 02 6255 5771
Web: pallcareact.org.au

Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator Service

Provides free information and support to help people understand and navigate the voluntary assisted dying process in the ACT.

Phone: 02 5124 1888
Web: act.gov.au/health/ end-of-life-and-palliative-care/accessing-voluntary-assisted-dying-in-the-act#Services-and-support

Counselling and grief support

Counselling and grief support is available from the below agencies where criteria is met. Support is also available through private counsellors in the ACT. You may wish to speak to your GP about accessing support through a mental health care plan.

13Yarn

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages who are going through a tough time and feel like having a yarn.

Phone: 13 92 76, available 24/7
Web: 13YARN.org.au

ACT Community Health Canberra Health Services – Community Care Social Work

Short term grief, loss and bereavement counselling. Goal orientated counselling for any emotional and social adjustments you may be going through, such as anxiety, stress and/or depression.

Phone: 02 5124 9977
Web: canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/services-and-clinics/services/community-care-social-work

Beyond Blue

24-hour telephone counselling service. Online and email counselling available 7 days a week.

Phone: 1300 224 636
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Canteen

Support service for people aged 12-25 living with cancer, including patients and their siblings, and young people with parents or carers with cancer.

Phone: 1800 945 215
Web: canteen.org.au

Carers ACT

Counselling and coaching following a death is available for registered carers.

Phone: 1800 422 737
Web: carersact.org.au

Clare Holland House

Provides counselling and support for families of patients who have received palliative care from Clare Holland House or Home-Based Palliative Care.

Phone: 02 5124 0000
Web: canberrahealthservices. act.gov.au/services-and-clinics/services/clare-holland-house-outpatient-clinics

Dementia Australia (ACT)

Provides support, information and counselling for carers and family following the death of a person with dementia.

Helpline Phone: 1800 100 500
Chat Live: dementia.org.au/ get-support/counselling

DonateLife ACT

Provides follow-up information, support following a death and counselling to families of organ and tissue donors and others touched by the donation process.

Phone: 02 5156 6662
Web: donatelife.gov.au

Everyman

Provides a general counselling service for men, which includes support around grief. Appointment required.

Phone: 02 6230 6999
Web: everyman.org.au

Grief Australia

Resources, specialised grief counselling and support through the Mygrief app and online support groups.

Web: grief.org.au

Grief Line

7-day telephone counselling service for people experiencing grief. 24/7 online forum to connect with others who are grieving.

Phone: 1300 845 745
Web: griefline.org.au

GriefLink

Resources for the bereaved and grieving, their carers, friends and colleagues, and for health and welfare workers.

Web: grieflink.org.au

Kids Helpline

Telephone and online counselling service and crisis support for young people aged 5 – 25.

Phone: 1800 55 1800
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

Leukaemia Foundation

The foundation can arrange counselling for families where someone has died from blood cancers and disorders.

Phone: 1800 620 420
Web: leukaemia.org.au

Lifeline

24-hour telephone and online counselling service.

Phone: 131 114
Web: lifeline.org.au

Marymead Catholic Care

Provides welfare support and counselling for families, including counselling after a death. An appointment is necessary.

Phone: 02 6162 6100
Web: catholiccare.cg.org.au

MensLine Australia

Telephone and online support and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns.

Phone: 1300 78 99 78
Web: mensline.org.au

Meridian Wellbeing Services

Provides a general counselling service for members of the LGBTIQ+ community and their chosen families. Meridian Wellbeing is not a crisis service, however, can offer support counselling for persons coping with grief. Appointments required.

Phone: 02 6257 2855
Web: meridianact.org.au

Parentline

7-day telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers of children.

Phone: 1300 30 1300
Web: parentline.com.au

Partner Loss Support Group ACT

A self-help group for people whose partners have died.

Phone: 02 6297 1052
Web: partner-loss-support-canberra.com

ReachOut Australia

Support, tools and tips for young people and their parents.

Free anonymous online support: au.reachout. com/peerchat
Web: au.reachout.com

Red Nose

Provides support to any person affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or child.

Phone: 1300 308 307
Web: rednose.org.au/grief-and-loss-support/overview

Relationships Australia Counselling Service

Free counselling and support services to help bereaved families, friends and community members including coronial counselling following a death under investigation by the ACT Coroners Court.

Phone: 1300 364 277
Web: relationships.org.au

StandBy Support After Suicide

This service is a support, information, and referral service for families, friends and others when someone has died by suicide.

Phone: 1300 727 247
Web: standbysupport.com.au

Stella Bella Little Stars Foundation

Offers Bereavement support and assistance to families whose child has died.

Phone: 0423 439 889
Email: stellabellasmum@ gmail.com
Web: stellabellalittlestars.org.au

Suicide Call Back Services

24-hour telephone and online counselling for people affected by suicide.

Phone: 1300 659 467
Web: suicidecallbackservice. org.au

The Compassionate Friends ACT and Queanbeyan

A self-help group of parents, siblings and grandparents with a family member who has died, offering telephone and face to face support, monthly sharing meetings, social gatherings, a newsletter and a library.

Phone: 0494 149 866
Email: tcf.actqbn@gmail.com
Web: compassionatefriendsact. org/

Violet

Provides free information and support at cost focusing on the last stage of life and the grief and loss that accompanies it.
Web: violet.org.au

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service

Provides support and counselling for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families.

Phone: 02 6284 6222
Web: winnunga.org.au

Your general practitioner

To find a general practitioner in ACT go to:

Web: findahealthservice. act.gov.au

Financial Help

ACT Islamic Jamaaza Services

Provide a sharia-approved burial funding solution for members.

Phone: 0413 469 648
Web: aijs.org.au

Care Financial Counselling

Phone: 1800 007 007
Web: carefcs.org

Centrelink

Information on eligibility and how to apply for Australian Government support.

Phone: 132 717
Web: servicesaustralia.gov.au

Financial Counselling Australia

Information about financial counselling and help to find a qualified counsellor.

Phone: 1800 007 007
Web: financialcounsellingaustralia. org.au

The Public Trustee and Guardian ACT

Statutory authority that provides support including will-making, enduring powers of attorney, and managing deceased estates.

Phone: 02 6207 0028
Web: revenue.act.gov.au/ community-assistance/ funeral-assistance

Trevor Daly Fund

The Trevor Daley Fund is a community support fund that provides financial assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS in times of financial hardship.

Application forms and further information are available by contacting the Meridian Client Services Coordinator on 6257 2855.

Web: meridianact.org. au/trevor_daley_fund

Funerals

ACTMA Funeral Service ACT Muslims Australia Inc

Phone: 1300 SALAAM
Email: info@actma.org.au
Web: actma.org.au
Address: 1 Curley Street, Spence ACT 2615

Australian Securities and Investment Commission

Information about paying for a funeral.

Web: moneysmart.gov. au/manage-your-money-in-retirement/manage-health-costs-in-retirement/ paying-for-your-funeral

Bare Cremation

Phone: 1800 071 176
Web: bare.com.au

Funeral assistance

Information on eligibility and how to apply for funeral assistance.

Phone: 02 6207 0028
Web: revenue.act.gov.au

Grantly Perry and Sons Funeral

Phone: 02 6241 4101
Email: enquiries@ perryfunerals.com
Web: perryfunerals.com
Address: 156 Mount Pleasant Drive, Googong NSW 2620

Lovell Meizer Funerals

Phone: 02 4822 4400
Website: lmfunerals.com.au
Address: 73 Reynolds Street, Goulburn NSW 2580

M.H. O’Rourke Funerals

Phone: 02 6297 1052
Email: info@ orourkefunerals.com.au
Web: orourkefunerals.com.au
Address: 113 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan NSW 2620

Middleton Funerals

Phone: 02 6188 8695
Email: care@ middletonfunerals.com.au
Web: middletonfunerals. com.au
Address: 156 Mount Pleasant Drive, Googong, NSW 2620

No Funeral No Flowers No Fuss

Phone: 1300 854 971
Web: nonono.com.au

RJ Sidney Craig Funeral Directors

Phone: 02 4821 2122
Web: rjsidneycraig.com.au
Address: 298 Sloane Street, Goulburn NSW 2580

Salvos Funerals

Phone: 1300 003 893
Web: salvosfunerals.com.au
Address: c/o The Salvation Army, National Secretariat, (By appointment)
2 Brisbane Avenue, Barton ACT 2600

Simple Farewells

Phone: 02 6263 6737
Email: info@ simplefarewells.com.au
Web: simplefarewells.com.au
Address: 2/10 Liardet Street, Weston ACT 2611

Simple Goodbyes

Phone: 02 6161 5859
Web: simplegoodbyes.com.au
Address: 17 Lyell Street, Fyshwick ACT 2609

Simplicity Funerals Mobile Arranger

Phone: 1300 556 222
Web: simplicityfunerals. com.au/locations/act/

Tender Funerals

Phone: 02 6171 6229
Email: Canberra@ tenderfunerals.com.au
Web: tenderfunerals. com.au/canberra
Address: 11 Glenbrook Lane, Fairbairn ACT

Tobin Brothers Funerals

Phone: 02 6295 2799
Web: tobinscanberrafunerals.com.au
Address:

• 101 Nettlefold Street, Belconnen ACT 2617
• Unit 8A Tuggeranong Square, 310 Anketell Street, Tuggeranong ACT 2900
• 75 Canberra Avenue. Kingston ACT 2603
• 91 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan NSW 2604

Toscan Dinn Funerals

Phone: 02 6287 3466
Email: info@toscandinn.com.au
Web: toscandinn.com.au
Address: 10 Liardet Street, Weston ACT 2611

White Lady Funerals

Web: whiteladyfunerals.com.au
Address:

• 101 Nettlefold Street, Belconnen ACT 2611
  02 6251 4368
• 75 Canberra Avenue, Kingston ACT 2604
  02 6239 7023
• Unit 8A Tuggeranong Square, 310 Anketell Street Tuggeranong ACT 2900
  02 6293 3199

William Cole Funerals

Phone: 02 6253 3655
Email: info@ williamcolefunerals.com.au
Web: williamcolefunerals. com.au
Address: 60 Nettlefold Street, Belconnen ACT 2617

W.T. Dennis & Son Funeral Directors

Phone: 02 6226 4871
Web: wtdennisson.wordpress.com
Address: 9 Rossi Street, Yass NSW 2582

Legal and advocacy matters

Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)

Phone: 1800 765 767
Web: alsnswact.org.au

Canberra Community Law

Community legal centre providing legal services to people on low incomes or facing other disadvantage in Canberra and its region.

Phone: 02 6218 7900
Email: info@canberracommunitylaw.org.au
Web: canberracommunitylaw.org.au
Address: Level 5, 10 Rudd Street, Canberra

Justice of the Peace

Justice of the Peace provides a free service and is authorised to administer oaths and affirmations, witness statutory declarations and affidavits, witness signatures and attest and certify documents.

Web (list of signing centres): actjpa.org.au/locate-a-jp

Legal Aid ACT

Legal help for financially disadvantaged people.

Phone: 1300 654 314
Web: legalaidact.org.au

Multicultural Hub

Support for refugees, migrants and asylum seekers.

Phone: 02 6100 4611
Email: info@mhub.org.au
Web: mhub.org.au
Address: Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, Level 2, 180 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601

Women's Legal Centre

Free legal advice and representation to women, trans and gender diverse people. It also has the Mulleun Mura Program staffed by Aboriginal women who can help women and families access legal help.

Web: wlc.org.au

Youth Law Australia

Community legal service for anyone under 25.

Phone: 1800 950 570
Web: yla.org.au

Section 6: Definitions

Advance care planning

involves thinking and making choices now to guide your future health care. It is also a process of communicating your wishes.

You can do this by having a conversation with those close to you and writing down your preferences (see Support Services).

Autopsy or post-mortem

an examination of a body after death conducted by a pathologist.

Medical Certificate of Cause of Death

a legal document completed by a doctor that certifies the manner and cause of death. This is different to the death certificate.

Certified copy

a copy of an original document that has been verified as a true copy by an authorised person, for example a Justice of the Peace or a Commissioner of Declarations.

Coroner

an official person who is responsible for investigating the deaths of people who have died in a sudden, violent, or unusual way.

Death certificate

the official registration of the death. The funeral director will usually help with this, or you can contact the Births, Deaths and Marriages ACT.

Enduring Power of Attorney

a legal document that gives another person/people the authority to make personal and/or financial decisions on your behalf. For personal and health matters, your attorney’s power begins only if and when you lose capacity to make those decisions. For financial matters, your attorney’s power begins whenever you want it to and you nominate the start date. You can still continue to make any of your own decisions while you are capable of doing so.

Estate

the property and assets (such as vehicles, investments and bank accounts) owned by a person at the time of death.

Executor

if you are named as executor in someone’s will, you are responsible for carrying out the terms of their will when they die.

Funeral director

arranges for care of the person who has died, offers guidance/ support to the family, makes arrangements for the funeral service, and provides professional advice.

Intestate

if a person dies without a valid will, there is no executor and therefore they have died intestate (see Public Trustee and Guardian and ACT Courts for more information).

Letters of administration

the next of kin, such as a spouse, takes on the role of administrating the person’s estate if they die intestate. Letters of administration show that the court has examined the relevant documents and is satisfied that the person named in the grant is authorised to administer the estate. Contact ACT Courts for further information.

Mortuary

a room or health facility used for storage of a person who has died before autopsy, burial or cremation. Some (not all) mortuaries will include a viewing area.

Palliative care

healthcare that focuses on improving quality of life for people of any age living with a life-limiting illness. It includes responding to physical, psychological, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual needs. It does not aim to slow down or speed up the dying process.

Probate

the Supreme Court of ACT official recognition of a will as legally valid. Probate is often needed before the executor of a deceased estate can take control of the estate’s assets (administer the estate).

Public Trustee and Guardian

offers a free will-making service and can give general information on wills and estates, and the administration of deceased estates.

Voluntary Assisted Dying

a legal process in which an eligible person can have medical assistance to end their life at a time of their choosing. To access voluntary assisted dying in the ACT a person must meet all the legal requirements and follow all the steps of the process within the ACT borders. For information you can ask your health care practitioner or contact the Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator Service (see Support Services section)

Will

a legal document that states what a person would like to happen to their money, belongings and other assets when they die; names who they want to give their estate to (beneficiaries); and who they would like to administer their estate when they die (executor).

The amount of time spent grieving is different for everyone, and that’s OK.