If you’ve just received a call from the nursing home saying your loved one has passed away and it’s time to organise a funeral director, you may be feeling a flood of emotions—shock, sadness, confusion, and even pressure. You are not alone, and you don’t have to make any rushed decisions.
At eziFunerals, we understand how confronting this moment can be. We’re here to help you navigate this step with confidence, compassion and clarity. Whether you’re ready to make arrangements now or just need advice on what to do next, this guide will support you through the process.
Why Do Nursing Homes Ask You to Arrange a Funeral Director?
When a person passes away in a nursing home, aged care facility, or hospice, the staff are required to follow a formal process. One of their first steps is to contact the next of kin or nominated family member and ask: “Who is your chosen funeral director?”
This is not meant to alarm you—it’s simply part of their duty of care. They need to release the deceased into the care of a licensed funeral provider as soon as possible, especially if the nursing home doesn’t have mortuary facilities on-site. But what they don’t often tell you is that you are not obligated to choose a funeral director immediately or go with the one they suggest.
Do I Have to Use the Funeral Director the Nursing Home Recommends?
Absolutely not. You have the legal right to choose whichever funeral director you wish, regardless of any partnerships or suggestions made by the nursing home or staff.
Some nursing homes may recommend a specific funeral home that they regularly work with—but these recommendations may not always be in your best financial or emotional interest. In some cases, nursing homes have commercial agreements with funeral providers, which can lead to biased suggestions.
At eziFunerals, we’re 100% independent. We help families compare local funeral directors, understand their options, and avoid unnecessary costs or pressure. You should never feel rushed or obligated to make a fast decision without proper information.
Step-by-Step: What to Do When the Nursing Home Calls
If the nursing home has just called, take a deep breath and follow these steps:
1. Ask for Time
You are allowed to take a few hours to choose a funeral director. Thank the staff for notifying you and let them know you’re taking time to organise arrangements.
2. Avoid Pressure
Do not feel pressured to use the first funeral director mentioned. Let the nursing home know you’re comparing your options using an independent platform like eziFunerals.
3. Use eziFunerals to Compare
Jump online to eziFunerals.com.au and enter your suburb. You can instantly view and compare trusted, reviewed funeral directors in your area. Get quotes, view services, and read genuine reviews—all in one place.
4. Speak to a eziFunerals Concierge Advisor
If you’re unsure where to start, our Funeral Concierge service can guide you step-by-step. We’ll help you select a funeral director, understand costs, and organise everything from transport to ceremony planning.
Common Questions Families Ask in This Situation
Do I need to sign anything right away?
No. Don’t sign any documents or contracts until you are comfortable and confident with your chosen provider.
How soon does a funeral director need to collect the deceased?
Usually within a few hours. However, most nursing homes will keep the body safely and respectfully stored while you make your decision.
What if I already have a pre-paid funeral plan?
If your loved one had a pre-paid funeral plan, you’ll need to contact the nominated funeral provider. eziFunerals can help you locate this information if it’s not immediately available.
Can I plan the funeral online?
Yes. With eziFunerals, you can plan most aspects of the funeral online—including choosing a director, arranging cremation or burial, selecting a coffin or casket, and even notifying family and friends.
Why Choose eziFunerals Instead of Going Direct?
We’ve helped thousands of Australian families make informed funeral choices with confidence. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Independent & unbiased: We’re not owned by funeral homes or big corporations.
- Transparent pricing: No hidden fees or inflated costs.
- Real reviews: Read honest feedback from other families.
- Quick comparisons: Save time and stress by seeing all your options in one place.
- Trusted by families nationwide: We’ve become Australia’s go-to source for funeral planning.
What Happens After I Choose a Funeral Director?
Once you’ve selected your preferred funeral provider through eziFunerals, they will take over the transfer of your loved one from the nursing home and begin the necessary arrangements. You’ll then have time to:
- Discuss funeral or memorial service options
- Choose between cremation or burial
- Personalise the service with music, readings, or cultural rituals
- Organise viewings or private farewells if desired
Your chosen funeral director will guide you through these steps with compassion and professionalism. But remember—you are always in control.
Don’t Rush. We’re Here to Help.
The loss of a loved one is never easy, and being caught off guard by a sudden call from a nursing home can make things even more stressful. But you are not alone. At eziFunerals, we believe every family deserves time to make thoughtful, informed decisions about their loved one’s final farewell.
We encourage you to use our platform, read the guides, compare services, and reach out for support. Whether you need to arrange a direct cremation, a simple service, or a traditional funeral, we’ll help you find a provider that aligns with your values, budget, and wishes.
Final Thoughts
When the nursing home calls and says you need to organise a funeral director, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. But remember:
- You are in control.
- You don’t have to rush.
- You have options.
Let eziFunerals be your trusted partner through this journey. We’ll help you compare, choose and plan—without the stress.
Peter Erceg
Peter Erceg is the Owner and Founder of eziFunerals. He has had a long history within the funeral industry, and is a published author of ‘What Kind Of Funeral: A self help guide to planning a meaningful funeral’. Prior to eziFunerals, Peter worked in the public sector and health industry for more than 30 years. The views and opinions expressed on posts are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of eziFunerals and members.
