If your loved one has died in the Algarve
You have our deepest sympathy. We recognise your pain at the time of the loss of a loved one and we are here to help. Whether you or the person who has died have a faith or not, we hope we can offer you any assistance that we can at this difficult time.
You may be in a state of shock when you read this page, or you may be calm or thankful that suffering is over. It is possible that your loved one hasn't actually died yet. Whatever your situation, there are practical things that need to be done and we hope that we can help.
You may be in a state of shock when you read this page, or you may be calm or thankful that suffering is over. It is possible that your loved one hasn't actually died yet. Whatever your situation, there are practical things that need to be done and we hope that we can help.
First of all, don't feel rushed. It is usual in southern Europe to hold the funeral within 48 hours, but this isn't necessary. Both burial and cremation are available but for the majority of funerals here in the Algarve cremation is the preferred option.
What to do in the event of a death:
AT HOME:
Ring a doctor, preferably the doctor who has been treating the deceased. If a hospital has been involved recently, then they may be able to help. If you need help outside normal hours, the emergency number is 112 for all services including health. You can ask for an English speaking operator if necessary. A medical certificate must be obtained before the funeral director can move the deceased. Ring a funeral director.
The funeral director will make all the arrangements for the funeral, including a religious service, if the family so wish, and see to all the necessary paperwork. A death must be registered at the local Town Hall within 24 hours. The funeral director should see to this.
Do not ring the police (GNR) unless there are suspicious circumstances.
IN HOSPITAL:
The hospital staff will provide the death certificate, but tell them which funeral director YOU want; You don’t have to have the one they suggest.
Funerals:
The chaplains conduct large numbers of funerals, and try to offer a high standard of pastoral care to the bereaved.
When a loved one dies, the first contact with the funeral director will be through hospital staff or the local doctor, who will ask where the deceased should be taken. Once this has occurred, relatives will go to the funeral director to arrange the funeral, and will be asked if they would like a religious service. If this is the case, they should ask for an Anglican priest, (Igreja Anglicana) not Protestant or Evangelical unless they wish for a Free Church minister. The funeral directors staff will then contact one of the chaplains directly, in order to confirm availability at the preferred time. Following this, one of the chaplains will get in touch with the bereaved.
It is most important to note that it is not essential for the funeral to take place within 48 hours of the death. Several additional days may be obtained by the embalming of the deceased (usual in the UK), enabling family and friends to make suitable travel arrangements. Families are sometimes concerned about where they will be able to find a priest: this is done quite simply by asking at the funeral directors.
What to do in the event of a death:
AT HOME:
Ring a doctor, preferably the doctor who has been treating the deceased. If a hospital has been involved recently, then they may be able to help. If you need help outside normal hours, the emergency number is 112 for all services including health. You can ask for an English speaking operator if necessary. A medical certificate must be obtained before the funeral director can move the deceased. Ring a funeral director.
The funeral director will make all the arrangements for the funeral, including a religious service, if the family so wish, and see to all the necessary paperwork. A death must be registered at the local Town Hall within 24 hours. The funeral director should see to this.
Do not ring the police (GNR) unless there are suspicious circumstances.
IN HOSPITAL:
The hospital staff will provide the death certificate, but tell them which funeral director YOU want; You don’t have to have the one they suggest.
Funerals:
The chaplains conduct large numbers of funerals, and try to offer a high standard of pastoral care to the bereaved.
When a loved one dies, the first contact with the funeral director will be through hospital staff or the local doctor, who will ask where the deceased should be taken. Once this has occurred, relatives will go to the funeral director to arrange the funeral, and will be asked if they would like a religious service. If this is the case, they should ask for an Anglican priest, (Igreja Anglicana) not Protestant or Evangelical unless they wish for a Free Church minister. The funeral directors staff will then contact one of the chaplains directly, in order to confirm availability at the preferred time. Following this, one of the chaplains will get in touch with the bereaved.
It is most important to note that it is not essential for the funeral to take place within 48 hours of the death. Several additional days may be obtained by the embalming of the deceased (usual in the UK), enabling family and friends to make suitable travel arrangements. Families are sometimes concerned about where they will be able to find a priest: this is done quite simply by asking at the funeral directors.
FUNERAL OPTIONS
Burial:
This is an option here in the Algarve but the system here provides that often this is for a time limited period. Please ask the Funeral Director about the options available if this is your preferred choice.
Cremation:
Since March 2020 there is a crematorium at Albufeira and another at Faro. Our priests are able to conduct services at Albufeira or in church preceding or following cremation. This can be followed by the repatriation of the remains to a family burial plot in the UK or elsewhere.
Repatriation of the remains:
If your wish is to have your loved one taken back to the UK or other destination then please discuss this with the Funeral Director or the Chaplain.
Burial:
This is an option here in the Algarve but the system here provides that often this is for a time limited period. Please ask the Funeral Director about the options available if this is your preferred choice.
Cremation:
Since March 2020 there is a crematorium at Albufeira and another at Faro. Our priests are able to conduct services at Albufeira or in church preceding or following cremation. This can be followed by the repatriation of the remains to a family burial plot in the UK or elsewhere.
Repatriation of the remains:
If your wish is to have your loved one taken back to the UK or other destination then please discuss this with the Funeral Director or the Chaplain.
Our Chaplains and our Congregational Wardens are available to offer advice on organising a service.
For Contact details click here.
For Contact details click here.