Some people like to spend time with their loved one in the Funeral Home to say goodbye before the funeral itself. Joseph Poots & Son Funeral Directors can talk this through with you so you can decide if it’s something that you, or other family members and friends, would like to do.
After you’ve decided on a coffin, you’ll be able to let us know what you would like the person who has died to be dressed in. This is often their own clothes of your choosing, or we will dress them in a shirt with tie or a nightdress.
Everyone entrusted into our care is treated with the utmost respect and dignity and prior to be being placed in the coffin or casket will be washed, shaved, dressed, hair styled, nails painted if requested etc. regardless of whether someone is visiting.
If you would like to visit and spend time with your loved one we recommend embalming as the best possible care. Embalming is a specialised treatment carried out by our trained, professional team that preserves and sanitises, creating a natural and comforting lasting image of the deceased until the funeral service.
We are always happy to accompany you into the rest room and stay with you as long as you would like us to. While there you are welcome to place items into the coffin such as letters, cards, flowers or personal items. Those items will remain in the coffin when it is closed, although there may be some restrictions such as batteries or glass for cremations but we can guide you with this.
Religious wash and dress
If, as part of your religion, you would like to wash and dress your loved one yourself, this can be arranged. We can organise a suitable day and time for you to have exclusive access to our facilities and provide any assistance you may require.