Home Vigils and Cool Plates

When Julie Goswell’s cancer returned in 2006, at the age of 38, Jules was determined her community would have the opportunity to travel with her as she met the challenges of living and dying. She wanted to know as much as possible about what would happen to her body as she died – and after. It was important to her and her partner that she stayed at home after she died, and we did this with dry ice and lots of hands-on care. Jules’s coffin was brought to the home and decorated and people came and spent time with her. It was a rich and bonding time for everyone involved. In an act of deep generosity, in keeping with Jules’s nature and politics, she left a bequest that meant Life Rites could purchase the first Cool Plate in the Sydney Metropolitan area. It has since supported many families to continue to care for their own at home. We love you, Jules x

By slowing down the process between death and the funeral arrangements, you are able to catch your breath and begin the task of knowing what is best for you, your family and your community. The Australian Health Department Regulations allow the body of your family member or friend to be at home for up to 5 days for personal and cultural reasons. Most people only wish to extend their time by a few hours or overnight. To do so, the body needs to be supported by keeping the temperature between 1 and 5 degrees Celsius, and the surrounding area cool. If the death is unexpected, it may become a ‘reportable’ death, which means the body of your family member or friend may need to go to the coroner for the cause of death to be determined. Life Rites would then arrange to bring your person home for the vigil. A Life Rites’ practitioner will talk you through the set up and use of the Cool Plate and how best to support all involved during this time. We can deliver the Cool Plate to your home, walk through the preparation of your family member with you, and be available to oversee the vigil as needed.

Manaaki means ‘to take care of’. Manaaki Mats are a New Zealand based company who provide a specialised cooling resource to offer bereaved parents. Manaaki Mats provide a safe, simple & effective way to keep the body cool. Using this resource slows down the natural changes that occur after death and most importantly allows the family more time before burial or cremation. Manaaki Mats allow you choices as to where you would like to place your baby/ child; in your arms, in a bed or cot. It is a more natural, environmentally friendly and affordable alternative to chemical embalming. The founders of Manaaki Mats are Annie Meredith & Claire Turnham.

Cuddle Cots are specialised cooling units for babies. Donated to us by Bears of Hope, our Cuddle Cot can enable parents and families to take their baby home and create precious memories in the days leading up to the funeral.

Noone wants to anticipate the loss of their child, but at Life Rites, through our Manaaki Mats and Cuddle Cots, we are here and ready to offer something so simple and profound in the most heartbreaking of times.

We give practical and emotional support to people living with a terminal illness. An end-of-life or death doula provides guidance through what is often a difficult and complex time for everyone involved.

Whether it’s your own death or someone you love, navigating unfamiliar territory can be challenging and unsettling. We offer a range of services that provide sensitive guidance at all stages of the process.

We work with a wide-range of people and offer a wide-range of services to help you make the best and most appropriate choices for you and for all involved.