When someone is unwell

Preparing quietly, while there is time

When someone you love is seriously unwell, some of the arranging can be done now — quietly, and without setting anything in motion.

Arrange a quiet conversation

A quiet bench among the roses in the memorial garden at Springvale

Nothing you tell us today sets anything in motion. It only means less to decide later.

Why families call us now

Ringing a funeral home while someone is still with you can feel like giving up. In our experience it’s the opposite — a last practical kindness, for them and for you.

Their voice is in it

Many people find real comfort in saying what they’d like. If they’d rather not, that’s alright too. We follow their lead.

Fewer decisions later

Choices made now are made calmly. The alternative is a dozen questions in the first few hours, when you’re least able to answer them.

One call, when it comes

With the details on file, the call you make later is short. Tell us where they are, and we take it from there.

A conversation on your terms

We’ll come to you — home, hospital, hospice, aged care — or talk it through by phone, in as many short calls as you need. Some families would rather meet away from the house. That’s often the right call too.

No cost, no paperwork, no obligation to choose us afterwards. Take it as far as you want and stop wherever you like.

Arrange a quiet conversation

A Candour funeral arranger sitting with a woman in her living room at home

How it works

We listen.

An hour or so, at whatever pace suits. Tell us a great deal or almost nothing — both are useful. Nothing is decided on the spot.

We hold it quietly.

It’s written up and kept on file. Nothing booked, nothing paid, nothing done until you call. Change any of it, any time.

We’re ready when you ring.

Whatever the hour, one call is enough. We already know what was wanted, so we can begin straight away.

“We rang Candour a fortnight before. It meant that on the day, all we had to do was sit with her.” Cameron

5.0 · 32 Google reviews

What can be settled now, if it feels right and time allows

It needn’t happen in one sitting, and most families only get to part of it.

An order of service and a sprig of eucalyptus resting on a chair before a service

The shape of the day

Cremation or burial. A small private farewell, or a full service with everyone there.

See all farewell types →

A garden funeral service with timber chairs and a white wicker coffin at a heritage property

Where it is held

A chapel close to home, a garden, a clifftop club. Knowing the place settles much of the rest.

See venues near you →

A native coffin spray in gold and green tones

The personal touches

Flowers, music, photographs, the coffin — the details that make the day sound like them.

See what is possible →

A linen memorial book, order of service booklet and ceramic urn on a table at home

The practical details

Names, dates, next of kin, the doctor we’ll need to speak with. Dull, but it saves you finding it later.

And what can wait

Almost everything. Who speaks, what the booklet looks like, the last song, where everyone goes afterwards — none of it needs an answer now.

This isn’t a list to finish. Many families stop after one conversation and never come back to it. That’s enough — when you ring, we already know the shape of what was wanted.

When the time comes, one call

Whenever it happens — at home, in hospital, in care — call 1300 788 881. Any hour. There’s no rush at your end: we’ll talk you through what happens next and come when you’re ready.

What to do when someone dies →

Other ways to plan

If that isn’t quite where you are, start here instead.

Recording your wishes

A free conversation where we write down what you’d want for yourself.

How recording wishes works

Pre-paid funerals

Secure our professional services at today’s prices, safeguarded in an independent funeral bond.

See how pre-paid works

See all three ways to plan →

Questions families ask

Is it too early to call you?

No. Families call us the week of a diagnosis, months into palliative care, and sometimes in the last few days. There’s no point too soon, and none too late.

Does it cost anything, or commit us to Candour?

Neither. The conversation is free, nothing is paid in advance, and you’re under no obligation to use us. If you choose another funeral home, we’ll wish you well.

Should the person who is unwell be part of the conversation?

Only if they want to be. Some are relieved to say what they’d like and know it’s written down. Others would rather not, and their family plans quietly. Both are common — we take our cue from you.

Can you come to a hospital, hospice or aged care home?

Yes, anywhere across Greater Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. We’re used to visiting wards and care homes, and we keep it brief and unobtrusive.

What if they die before we’ve finished planning?

Then we work from whatever we have. Even a name, a date of birth and a preference for burial or cremation makes the first hours easier. Ring 1300 788 881.

What happens when the time comes?

You call, any hour. We’ll ask where they are, speak with the care team if needed, and bring them into our care when you’re ready. There’s very little for you to decide that day.

Candour Funerals

Whenever you are ready

There’s no right moment for this call, and no wrong one. Ring any hour, or send a note and we’ll come back to you.

Call 1300 788 881 Ask us anything