03 455 2128
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.
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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.
I still remember the heartache of putting our beautiful girl, Keira, to sleep after 15 years with us. We had a deep bond. She travelled with us overseas and to different cities. Her demise was very sudden and came as such a shock. Pets provide unconditional love, happiness, and joy. When that is taken away, there is a void left in their place. They are a loved member of the family. Some may not understand the depth of your grief, but for you, it is real. At Gillions, we have all lost pets. The grieving process cannot be forced or hurried; for some, it can be measured in years. Reaching out to others who have lost pets can help ease the grieving process. Since 2019, we have held an annual pet memorial—a funeral for your pet. We include the elements of a traditional funeral: a musician, celebrant, a slideshow of all the loved pets, a memorial tree, and light refreshments afterwards. Our next pet memorial will be held on Sunday, October 6th, at 2 pm in the Gillions Chapel. Please send your photos to pets@gillions.co.nz by September 30th. If you are unable to attend in person, we will live-stream the service. "Everything you love will probably be lost, but in the end, love will return in another way." - Franz Kafka (1883-1924)
Address
407 Hillside Road
South Dunedin
Dunedin 9012
Contact
03 455 2128
Office@Gillions.co.nz
