The journey of saying farewell to a loved one extends beyond the funeral ceremony. For bereaved families, understanding the range of services and support available during this difficult time is essential.
This article delves into the multifaceted aspect of funeral services in Singapore, focusing on what funeral homes offer in terms of post-funeral services, as well as exploring other avenues where families can find assistance and support after the funeral.
Do Funeral Homes Provide Post-Funeral Services?
Funeral homes often provide a range of post-funeral services. While these services can vary depending on the country, cultural norms, and the specific funeral home, some common post-funeral services offered by funeral homes include:
- Assistance with Legal and Administrative Tasks: This can include helping the family with death certificates, insurance claims, and other paperwork related to the death.
- Memorial Services: Some funeral homes assist with organizing memorial services, which might be held at a later date after the funeral.
- Grief Counseling and Support: Many funeral homes provide access to grief counselling or can refer the family to support groups and counsellors.
- Handling of Remains: This includes assistance with the burial or cremation of the remains, and in some cases, dealing with the transportation of remains if the burial site is in a different location.
- Monument or Headstone Services: Assistance with selecting, purchasing, and installing a monument or headstone at the burial site.
- Thank You Cards and Obituaries: Help with drafting and sending out thank you cards, and in some cases, assistance with writing and publishing obituaries.
- Annual Remembrance Services: Some funeral homes host annual services to remember those who have passed away in the previous year.
- Planning Future Services: Assistance with planning future memorial services or anniversary events.
It’s important to note that the availability of these services can depend on the specific funeral home and the package selected by the family. It’s always a good idea to discuss these options directly with the funeral home to understand what services they offer.
Other Places to Seek Post-Funeral Assistance
Post-funeral assistance can be sought from various sources aside from funeral homes. These include:
- Religious Organizations: Many religious groups in Singapore offer support services for bereaved families. This can include counselling, memorial services, and assistance with religious rituals.
- Community Centers and Social Service Agencies: Local community centres and social service agencies often provide counselling and support groups for those who are grieving. They can also assist in practical matters such as coping with loss and transitioning back to daily life.
- Government Agencies: Some government agencies in Singapore may offer support or resources for families dealing with the loss of a loved one. This can include financial assistance for low-income families or guidance on legal and estate matters.
- Online Support Groups and Forums: There are numerous online platforms where individuals can seek emotional support and share their experiences with others who have gone through similar losses.
- Professional Counseling Services: Professional counsellors or therapists who specialize in grief counselling can provide individual or family therapy sessions to help cope with loss.
- Legal and Financial Advisors: For assistance with wills, estates, and other legal or financial matters after a death, legal and financial advisors can be consulted.
- Non-Profit Organizations: There are non-profit organizations dedicated to helping individuals deal with grief and loss, offering various services from counselling to practical assistance.
- Hospitals and Hospice Care Centers: Hospitals and hospice care centres may also offer bereavement support services or can refer individuals to appropriate resources.
Post-Funeral Customs
Post-funeral necessities are largely influenced by the cultural and religious beliefs of the deceased and their family. Singapore, being a multicultural society, sees a variety of practices based on different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Here are some common practices across different communities:
Chinese Traditions:
- Ancestor Worship: Setting up an altar at home for the deceased, which may include the deceased’s photograph, incense, and offerings.
- Qing Ming Festival: Families visit the graves or columbaria of their ancestors to clean the sites, offer food, burn incense, and paper offerings.
- Memorial Services: Held on specific days after death, like the 7th, 49th, and 100th day, to honour the memory of the deceased.
Malay/Muslim Traditions:
- Tahlil Ceremonies: These are gatherings where prayers are offered for the deceased, commonly held on the 3rd, 7th, 40th, and 100th day after death.
- Reading of the Quran: Family members may read the Quran at home in memory of the deceased.
- Charitable Acts: Giving to charity in the name of the deceased is a common practice.
Indian/Hindu Traditions:
- Ash Immersion: The ashes of the deceased are commonly immersed in a river, often within a specific time frame after the cremation.
- Shraddha Ceremony: Held on the 13th day after death, this involves rituals to provide peace to the soul of the deceased.
- Annual Ceremonies: These are performed every year to honour the deceased, like the Thithi, which marks the death anniversary.
Christian Traditions:
- Memorial Services: Held in the church or at home to remember the deceased.
- Visiting the Grave: Families may visit the cemetery to pay respects, often on significant dates like anniversaries or religious holidays.
- Charitable Donations: Making donations to the church or charities in the name of the deceased.
General Practices:
- Estate and Legal Matters: Handling the deceased’s estate, including wills and property distribution.
- Thank You Notes: Sending out thank you notes to those who attended the funeral or offered condolences.
These practices can vary greatly depending on individual beliefs and family preferences. It’s common in our society for people to respect and incorporate different traditions due to the multicultural environment.
Final Thoughts
Navigating through the aftermath of a loved one’s passing is a challenging journey. Fortunately, there a multitude of options are available to assist families during this period.
From the comprehensive post-funeral services provided by funeral homes to the support offered by various community, religious, and government bodies, families have access to both practical and emotional support. These practices not only honour the memory of the departed but also provide comfort and closure to those left behind.
