Common Questions
What to do when someone dies?
No matter if a death is sudden, or if it’s something that was a long time coming, the loss of a loved one makes us feel emotional and overwhelmed. No amount of preparation can fully prepare you for the loss of a loved one. When you are in a heightened emotional state, even the most basic decisions can seem staggering. The following is a rough guideline of what needs to be done within the first 24 hours after death.
When Death Occurs at Home
If the person was not under hospital care, call the police, in your area, immediately. The police will visit the home and gather the relevant information to ascertain how the death occurred. However, a medical examiner must confirm death. It is the medical examiner who will determine whether further action is necessary. Furthermore, the medical examiner must release the body before a funeral home can be involved. If the person was under hospital care, inform the hospital of the death first and they will notify you of what the proper procedures are to follow.
When Death Occurs at a Hospital or Nursing Home
The staff of a care facility such as a hospital or a nursing home will notify you and the necessary authorities immediately after a death has occurred. The funeral home needs to hear directly from you (the family, family representative, legal representative or friend) at the time of death. If you are present at the hospital when the funeral director arrives, they may ask a few questions about the deceased’s and your wishes and set up a time to come into the funeral home to make arrangements. However, if you are not present, call the funeral director to discuss these arrangements.
Where do I register the death of a loved one?
After receiving the medical certificate of cause of death it must be taken to the Registrar General Department (RGD) and a burial order will be issued. If an autopsy is required, the burial order will be issued on the day of the autopsy; and, not before. You may also apply for a death certificate at the time of receiving the burial order; with the exception of Forensic cases where an autopsy report is needed to accompany the burial order for registration. These specific autopsy reports are usually ready within 6 months.
If my loved one died overseas, do I need to register his/her death in Jamaica?
No, once the death occurs outside of Jamaica no local registration is necessary.
Does Godfrey's Funeral Home ship and receive human remains?
Yes, we ship and receive to and from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and the Caribbean, respectively. Please contact us if you require our services for other countries.
Does Godfrey's Funeral Home offer pre-planning services?
Yes. We provide you with the option of securing a future funeral at today’s cost. Give us a call on (876) 786-3861 or (876) 442-2221 for more information.
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Does Godfrey's Funeral Home have a chapel?
No. But we will assist you in finding one to host the funeral service of your loved one.
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Does Godfrey's Funeral Home operate island-wide?
Yes. We provide 24-hour service island-wide.
