Support while someone is dying and immediately after death.

Even when a death is expected, the changes that occur can be confronting and difficult to interpret. A person may become more sleepy, eat or drink less, communicate less, experience changes in breathing or become less responsive. The changes and the time over which they occur are different for every person.

Questions about pain, breathing, medication, symptoms or physical care should be directed to the person's doctor, nurse or palliative-care team. If something changes suddenly or causes concern, contact the treating team or seek urgent medical help.

There is no requirement to make every moment profound. Familiar voices, ordinary conversation, music, touch, silence, laughter and simply sitting nearby can all have a place. The person may want to talk, or they may not. Family members may want different levels of involvement.

Damien can help families prepare questions, make practical arrangements and create space for the person and the people around them to respond in their own ways.

An expected death at home still needs to be formally verified by an authorised health professional. Follow the person's home-death plan and contact the doctor, nurse, palliative-care service or after-hours contact identified in that plan.

Depending on the arrangements, location and time of death, a doctor, authorised nurse, paramedic or another authorised professional may verify that death has occurred. If the doctor or palliative-care team cannot attend or arrange verification, they may direct you to call an ambulance.

Verification of death and the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death are related but separate processes. The professional who verifies the death may not be the medical practitioner who later completes the certificate recording the cause of death.

Where the death was expected and the relevant professionals have been contacted, there may be time to pause. Subject to the care plan and professional advice, family may wish to sit with the person, contact others, say goodbye or observe personal, cultural or spiritual practices.

You do not have to make every funeral decision in the first few minutes or hours.

Once the immediate clinical or official requirements are understood, families may begin considering what happens next. Damien can help identify priorities, understand wishes left by the person and divide practical tasks.

• Preparing questions for a funeral director.
• Considering burial, cremation, direct cremation, a funeral or a later memorial.
• Writing and proofreading death or funeral notices.
• Writing or editing a eulogy.
• Designing an order of service and other ceremony materials.
• Gathering photographs and creating a video tribute.
• Planning music, readings and personal elements.
• Coordinating ceremonies, memorials and related events.
• Supporting families through disagreement.

Within Macquarie Valley Funerals' service area, funeral arrangements and related funeral services involving Damien are provided through his role as General Manager of Macquarie Valley Funerals and Monuments. Elsewhere, The Death Guide may provide independent planning, writing, coordination and practical assistance while working alongside the family's chosen funeral director.