Into the Red Zone - Traffic light funerals
February 1, 2022
Most public funerals have been Vaccine Pass funerals recently, and that has meant no limit on numbers.
We have needed more staff at the door to scan passes so that the start time of the funeral is not delayed.
Most families are choosing to livestream the service. Our offer for complimentary live streaming from our chapel has been very well received.
Generally speaking, most people have been very understanding and helpful. There have been a few who have not had their passes with them or were not valid. Sadly they have not been able to attend in person but have been able to watch remotely.
This has changed and now we are in RED. What does that mean for funerals?
- For a service where everyone has a Vaccine Pass, there can be up to 100 people in a single defined space. We suggest these services be invitation only rather than a publicly notified service.
- A service without vaccine passes, there is a limit of 25 people baste on 1-metre distancing. These services will need to be by private invitation only.
- We need to continue with record-keeping, scanning and mask-wearing. Mask-wearing will be mandatory at all funerals and gatherings.
Funeral homes are required to have a health and safety plan which is current for the traffic light setting. This has to be shared with friends and whanau
What plans do we have in place?
- Asking families to make scheduled appointments for arrangements and viewings and limiting the number at any one time. We will be asking if you have a vaccine pass when you contact us so we can reschedule your visit appropriately.
- Arrangements can be made over the phone if needed.
- We are scheduling service so that there is plenty of time to sanitize and ventilate the premises.
- All our staff will be wearing PPE.
- We are now offering livestreaming at no charge from our chapel (there is still a charge for hosting on-demand service if required)
- We offer complimentary bereavement support.
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It is tough enough losing a loved one at the best of times but so much harder when our normal patterns, traditions and supports are disrupted.
New Paragraph
What exactly is a direct cremation
If you have been keeping up with the news lately you may have noticed several distressing stories about a lack of care demonstrated by some funeral directors when being contracted by bereaved families after the loss of their loved one. There is no government regulatory authority for funeral directors in New Zealand but all funeral directors must comply with legal requirements around care of the deceased as specified in the Burials and Cremations Act. In addition, there are requirements for fair pricing and contracts under the Fair Trading Act, as well as obligations that apply under the Consumer Guarantees Act. We are members of the Funeral Directors Association so adhere to the ethics and standards that are part of our membership. We know that transparency of pricing is important along with ensuring that the options chosen work with families’ budgets. We regularly provide detailed pricing estimates along with information to help with farewell planning. Our many years of experience have also shown us that it is important to be looking at the ‘big picture’ when choosing a service provider. When you engage Gillions to look after arrangements for your loved one you will have the comfort and assurance that they will be well looked after from the time we transfer them to our care until the time we take them to the crematorium or cemetery. Our care for you continues beyond this time as we know that grief does not have a time limit.
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How Victorians Mourned
Because pets can't speak their grief often manifests in behavioural changes
Making the decision to euthanise a pet is never easy
We’re often asked whether children should be involved after a family member's death, and if so, how? While you know your children best, our general advice is to include them as much as possible. Children will take cues from the adults around them, so if you're open and honest, they will likely follow suit. Answer their questions directly but avoid unnecessary details unless they're asked. Their inquiries will be shaped by their age and previous experiences, such as the death of a pet. Children under 7 may not fully understand that death is permanent, universal, and involves the body stopping completely. They may ask more literal questions, like "Who will Nan play with in heaven?" or "Who will take me to the park?"
In some cultures, being around the deceased is a natural part of life, but in Western culture, we’ve moved away from this. At Gillions, we believe in supporting families to be as involved as they wish in caring for their loved one after they’ve passed. This may include helping to dress them, spending time with them, or bringing them home before the funeral. While it’s natural to feel unsure about this, we often hear from families that the experience was deeply meaningful. Dressing a loved one can feel like a final act of love, especially if you helped care for them before they passed. We encourage children to be part of this process too.
Grief is a deeply personal journey, influenced by past experiences and the circumstances of loss. When a death is sudden, for instance, grief can feel more complex and harder to navigate than when the death was expected. While many find their own path through grief, others may require additional support
It is not just children who are deeply affected by the loss of a pet. Grief is a price we pay for love.
