‘Death kit’ shows how to care for deceased loved ones at home
BY CHARLIE GALL SLASH the soaring cost of funerals by becoming a DIY undertaker.
That’s the advice from a charity which is calling on the bereaved to consider looking after their loved ones’ bodies at home.
Pushing Up The Daisies supports do-it-yourself dispatches unveiled in Dead Good being screened at the Glasgow Film Festival.
The charity’s controversial “Death Kit” suggests stocking the home freezer with blocks of ice to “cool the body”.
There’s also advice on obtaining “continence and disposable bed pads and waterproof dressings and/ or help with washing/dressing”.
It also suggests asking a doctor to remove pacemakers – a job normally done by an undertaker.
And when moving the body people know that they have options once a loved one dies. Funeral poverty is a hot topic. Funerals are getting more expensive and more people are getting into financial trouble.
“One way to avoid this is to explore the option of family and friends doing more, or taking time to get a good deal from a funeral director.
“This usually begins with confidence in looking after someone’s body at home, even for a few days.” ●Dead Good will be screened on Tuesday, February 26, and Wednesday, February 27.
Tickets for the screenings at the Centre for Contemporary Arts are available at https://glasgowfilm. org/shows/dead-good-pg or www. pushingupthedaisies.org.uk ● NEXT of kin (or an appointed person) must obtain a medical cause of death certificate from a GP or hospital doctor.
Once obtained, a death in Scotland must be registered with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages within eight days. around the home “consider a trial run...to make sure you can get around corners etc”.
Director Rehana Rose’s documentary follows the bereaved as they participate in the ritual of care after death.
Charity founder Kate Clark is raising awareness about what people can do themselves after a loved one dies.
Moray-based nurse Kate said: “Our organisation is all about letting