Support if someone you know is dying
Help and guidance
We understand that when someone you know is dying, you may have questions about what to expect and what you need to do. It can be difficult to know where to start, especially when there’s so much to think about.
We’re here to help you understand the practical steps and choices you may need to consider. Explore the sections below for guidance and information that can help you feel more prepared for what comes next.
How we can support you
When someone you care about is approaching the end of their life, it can be a difficult and emotional time. Alongside caring for them, there may be practical things they want to put in place, including sharing their wishes for the future.
If you're supporting a loved one, or you're planning ahead for yourself, we're here to help. Our experienced funeral team can answer your questions, explain the options available and provide support whenever you need it.
Talking about death isn't always easy, but it can be one of the most important conversations you'll ever have.
Understanding someone's wishes can bring reassurance to everyone involved. It can help ensure their funeral reflects the life they lived and it can help make decisions a little easier for family and friends when the time comes.
Everyone is different. Some people are happy to talk openly, others need more time. It's perfectly okay to have these conversations gradually and revisit them when the time feels right.
If you'd like extra support, you could speak to your GP, healthcare team, hospice staff, faith leader or a bereavement support service. Guernsey Hospice provide compassionate support for patients and families, and our funeral team are always here to listen too.
There’s no right or wrong way to say goodbye.
Some people want a traditional funeral with familiar customs, while others prefer something more personal or a simple direct cremation. Every farewell is unique, and we'll help you create one that feels right.
If you're not sure where to begin, we're here to help guide you through the options without any pressure.
You may want to talk about:
whether they'd like a funeral service
whether they would prefer burial or cremation
where they'd like the service to take place
who they'd like to lead the service
who they'd like to speak or play a special part
their favourite music, readings or poems
any personal touches they'd like included
whether they'd like guests to wear something specific
where family and friends should gather afterwards
what they'd like to happen to their ashes, if they're cremated
Writing these wishes down can also be helpful, so they're easy to share with family when the time comes.
Having an up-to-date Will gives peace of mind that someone's wishes are clearly recorded.
It can explain how they'd like their money, property and belongings to be shared, as well as include guardianship arrangements for children and wishes for treasured possessions or family pets.
If a Will hasn't yet been written, it's worth speaking to a local solicitor or legal adviser who specialises in Wills and estate planning.
Some people choose to set money aside or make arrangements in advance to help reduce financial worries for those they leave behind.
If you're thinking about planning ahead, we're happy to explain the different options available and provide a clear estimate of funeral costs.
Whatever your budget, we'll help you arrange a meaningful farewell that honours your loved one.
When someone dies, there are often practical matters to deal with. It can make life much easier if important information is organised in advance.
You might encourage them to keep details of:
bank and savings accounts
insurance policies
pensions
investments
utility providers
passwords and digital accounts
important legal documents
Letting someone they trust know where these documents are kept can save unnecessary stress later on.
Many of us now have online accounts, email addresses, social media profiles and digital subscriptions.
Talking about what should happen to these accounts can help avoid uncertainty later. Some people choose to close accounts, while others prefer to leave them as a lasting place for family and friends to remember them.
Planning ahead can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone.
Whether you want to talk through funeral wishes, understand the choices available or simply ask a question, our caring team is here to support you with kindness, compassion and practical advice.
Whenever you're ready, we'll be here to help.
Guernsey Hospice
Citizens Advice Guernsey
Guernsey registrars (for Wills and death registration guidance where appropriate)
Local bereavement support services