Whilst in our care

To help families of the deceased to understand what happens to the body of the deceased person whilst in our care we provide you with a brief overview. The deceased is lifted from his or her place of death, placed on a stretcher and covered with a clean cloth. He or she is wheeled or carried to a custom built vehicle and transferred into our care at one of our mortuaries.

The person will be placed in a cool room until preparation is commenced. After preparation is completed a viewing can be arranged (if required) to pay your final respects, and the funeral service can proceed.

France Family Funerals staff are trained to ensure that the deceased person obtains the highest levels of respect at all times. Qualified staff wash and groom the deceased, disinfect and preserving fluids may be used to preserve the body and prevent the spread of infection. Sometimes embalming may be involved if the body is to be interred above ground (in a crypt or vault). If the body is to be cremated, surgical implants such as pacemakers and radioactive implants have to be removed. Your religious norms or personal preferences are strictly followed in all aspects in preparing the deceased.

Trained staff undertake the preparation procedure which varies in time depending upon your religious and personal preferences. To ensure that the viewing experience meets your expectations it is prudent to allow enough for the preparation process to be completed. Procedures are the same for babies and young children.

During the funeral arrangements you have the option of choosing the type of coffin or casket that meets your preferences and budgetary requirements. Sometimes the person may list their preferences prior to their death (e.g. Pre-Arranged Funerals).

The deceased needs to be transported from the place of death to a mortuary, then to the place of the funeral service, and to the cemetery or crematorium. The vehicle has to meet certain health and safety requirements, and a hearse is usually required. The deceased is usually taken from the mortuary to the cemetery or crematorium at a time that suits the family and the cemetery or crematorium. Although many families may choose not to attend at the cemetery or crematorium if the funeral service has been completed elsewhere (e.g. chapel or church).