For the first time in the 83-year history of the funeral director cooperative DELA, funerals also take place during Easter. Today, Easter Monday, there are almost eighty funerals. That number is comparable to a normal working day outside the corona epidemic. On Easter Monday, four of DELA's 21 crematoriums were open for cremations and farewell services. Two thirds of all crematoriums are open on Easter Monday.
crowds
Currently, the DELA cooperative, market leader in the Dutch funeral industry, provides twice as many funerals than usual. To ensure that funerals take place at the location of choice as much as possible, DELA also extends the opening hours of the crematoriums during the holidays. DELA previously offered funeral options in the early evening and during the weekend.
peak in Brabant
Most of the locations opened during Easter are located in Brabant and Limburg. Due to the extra openings, there are currently funerals seven days a week. In this way, the funeral director ensures that all funerals are as beautiful and dignified as possible.
personal farewell
Thanks to the longer opening hours, DELA can handle the extra funerals during the corona crisis. Funerals have been adjusted for surviving relatives because of the RIVM guidelines. DELA supports the next of kin with advice and assistance and thinks along with them about how to say goodbye as beautifully and personally as possible.
sixty percent also via livestream
Due to the government directive, only a maximum of thirty people are allowed to say goodbye. That is why DELA now offers, in addition to the farewell service, free alternatives such as live streams and video recordings, so that friends and family can experience the goodbye, even remotely. DELA notes that the relatives understand the situation and are happy with the alternatives offered. Live streams are used in sixty percent of the funerals.
research grief
DELA will organize (joint) remembrance meetings for surviving relatives who now have to say goodbye to their loved ones, other than desirable. In addition, DELA is currently investigating with its members what other needs there are in the field of grief and remembrance.
