What to do when
a loved one dies?
Whatever the situation, we are here to help,
guide and attend where needed.
At moments like this, families often feel overwhelmed and uncertain what to do next. At J Punton & Son, we are here to guide you gently through every step with care, kindness and reassurance.
As independent family funeral directors serving Snaith, Goole, Selby and the surrounding villages for over 70 years, we understand that every situation is different and every family will need support in their own way. Whether a death occurs at home, in hospital, in a care home or unexpectedly, we are available 24 hours a day to offer advice and practical help whenever you need us.
If a loved one dies at home
If the death was expected, the GP, district nurse or hospice team should be contacted first. Once the they have confirmed the death, you are welcome to contact us at any time of day or night and we will make arrangements to bring your loved one into our care with dignity and respect.
If the death was unexpected, the emergency services should be contacted by dialling 999. Once they have attended, or directed you to contact the doctors, nurses, or paramedics to attend and verify, you will be told that you can contact us to attend and either bring the loved one into our care. In some situations, the Coroner may become involved. and we may be asked to take the loved one through to the hospital mortuary in the area covered by the coroner. We can still offer guidance and support throughout this process.
If a loved one dies in a Care Home, or Hospice
Similar to being at home, if the death was expected, the GP, district nurse or hospice team should be contacted by the Care Home first. Once the they have confirmed the death, the care home usually contacts us on your behalf to make arrangements for us to bring your loved one into our care.
If the death was unexpected, the same procedure takes place as if at home, but the care home will make all the contacts, on your behalf. Once clearance has been given, they will contact us (if you are not present) to bring your loved one under our care. We will contact you to let you know that they are being looked after by us, once under our care.
If a loved one dies in hospital
The staff will usually guide you through the next steps and explain how the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death will be issued. Once you feel ready, you may contact us and we will liaise directly with the hospital or care home to make arrangements on your behalf.
Registering the death
A death must normally be registered within five days in England and Wales. This only applies once the registrar has all the paperwork from the doctors. You do not need to wrry about this timeline, it is the registrars responsibility to offer you an appointment within 5 days. The registrar will provide the necessary documents needed for the funeral arrangements to proceed. We can advise you on what paperwork is required and help explain the process if you are unsure.
When you contact J Punton & Son
We will guide you carefully through every stage of arranging the funeral, including:
Bringing your loved one into our care
Discussing funeral wishes and options
Arranging burial or cremation
Helping with service details, music and personal touches
Floral tributes and printed orders of service
Memorials, ashes and remembrance options
Support with notices and practical guidance
Every funeral is unique, and we will always take the time to listen and help create a meaningful and personal farewell that reflects the life of your loved one.
Personal, traditional and woodland funeral services
We offer traditional funerals, bespoke celebrations of life, woodland and green funeral options, direct cremation, memorial services and peaceful ashes interment with remembrance tree planting within our woodland area.
Whether you would like a quiet family service or a larger celebration of life, we are here to help you make the arrangements that feel right for you and your family.
We are here whenever you need us
During one of life’s most difficult moments, you do not need to face everything alone. Our family is here to support yours with compassion, professionalism and gentle guidance at every stage.
If you would like advice or need immediate assistance, please contact J Punton & Son at any time, day or night.
