Home Based Death Care
Home-based death care is a model of after-death care in which family and friends take on the role of caring for the deceased, either independently or with limited support from funeral professionals.
While this care often takes place in the family home, it can also occur in other familiar settings such as an aged care facility or hospice. This approach allows family and friends to continue offering care in death, just as they may have done in life, fostering connection, intimacy, and a deeply personal experience.
If your person dies somewhere other than at home, you have the option to bring them to your own home, or to the home of a friend or relative, if that feels right for you. There is no legal requirement to appoint a funeral director or to transfer the person to their premises unless that is your choice. Once your person is where you would like them to be, you can take the time you need to be with them and to consider your next steps. You may wish to spend time sitting with them, provide after-death care such as washing, dressing or shrouding, create a shroud carrier or coffin, or begin to plan and hold ceremony or ritual in a way that feels meaningful and personal.
If you are in a private home, your person can remain with you for several days, and there is no legal requirement for embalming to occur. In fact, embalming is not necessary in most cases, especially when the body is being cared for at home. The timeframe for how long your person can stay with you varies by state and territory, so it's important to check local regulations. That said, many families find that 3 to 5 days is a reasonable period—particularly if the death was expected and you can maintain a cool environment. How long your person stays with you is ultimately a personal choice. It should reflect what feels right for you allowing time to sit, grieve, care, and say goodbye in your own way.
When caring for your person at home, it is generally recommended to maintain the body at around 5 degrees Celsius for optimal preservation. This can be achieved in a home setting using various methods, such as cooling beds or blankets, a Cuddle Cot® (for children), ice packs, dry ice, or Manaaki Mats. In some cases, portable air conditioners can also be used to help maintain a cool room temperature. These options are available in Australia depending on local resources and services. As long as the temperature is kept cool and stable, there is no need to involve a mortuary or refrigeration in the initial hours or days of care.
Sometimes, a family may wish to spend time with their person for a few hours, a day, or longer, but may not feel ready or able to handle the logistical, administrative, or hands-on aspects of after-death care. In such cases, a home funeral death practitioner, such as a holistic funeral director, can provide valuable support. It's essential to remember that families and communities have the flexibility to be involved in these processes to whatever degree they feel comfortable.
If a family decides to engage a Funeral Director, one option is to hold vigil with their person at the premises of a Funeral Director. Many Funeral Director facilities offer spaces for families to spend time with their person, and after-death care assistance can be provided. While the time frame for this may be more limited than in a private home, it can still be the right choice for some families, providing a supportive environment during the grieving process.
While it is not a legal requirement to use a Funeral Director, in some States, they may be necessary for certain functions, such as transportation or arranging cremation. Funeral Directors can also offer support for families who wish to handle some or all aspects of home-based death care. It’s crucial to have clear communication with a Funeral Director before making any decisions. Discussing your wishes and expectations upfront will help ensure you understand what services they can provide, what they can accommodate, and what is achievable, so you can make an informed decision about their role in YOUR process before engaging them. If your chosen Funeral Director chooses not to allow you to include home based care as part of their service you are at liberty to switch to a Funeral Director who will.
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