Oman is a country in the Middle East that has a strong tradition of providing end-of-life care to its citizens. Hospices in Oman provide specialized care for patients with life-limiting illnesses, focusing on improving their quality of life and relieving symptoms. In this article, we’ll explore hospices in Oman, local customs and practices when someone dies, and what to do when someone passes away.
Hospices in Oman
Hospices in Oman provide palliative care for patients with life-limiting illnesses, focusing on improving their quality of life and relieving symptoms. Hospices in Oman offer a range of services, including medical care, pain management, and emotional support for patients and their families.
There are different types of hospice care available in Oman, including:
Inpatient hospice care: This type of care is provided in a dedicated facility and is suitable for patients who require 24-hour medical care and support.
Home hospice care: This type of care is provided in the patient’s home and is suitable for patients who wish to spend their final days in the comfort of their own surroundings.
There are several hospices in Oman, including:
The Oman Cancer Association: The Oman Cancer Association provides support and care for cancer patients and their families, including hospice care.
The Al Nahdha Hospital: Located in Muscat, Al Nahdha Hospital provides palliative care for patients with life-limiting illnesses.
Local Customs and Practices When Someone Dies in Oman
When someone dies in Oman, there are certain customs and practices that are followed. These customs and practices may vary depending on the region and the family’s cultural and religious beliefs.
Death announcement: It is common for death announcements to be placed in local newspapers, announcing the passing of the deceased and providing information about the funeral arrangements.
Funeral: Funerals in Oman are typically held within a day of the person’s passing. They are often simple affairs, with close family and friends attending. Burial is the only form of burial in Oman.
Dress code: The dress code for funerals in Oman is typically formal, with traditional Omani clothing being the norm.
Condolences: It is customary to offer condolences to the family of the deceased. This can be done in person or by sending a condolence card.
What to do When Someone Dies in Oman
When someone dies in Oman, there are several steps that must be taken. Here’s what you need to do:
Contact the police: If the person passed away at home, you need to contact the police. The police will come to the house and certify the death. If the person passed away in a hospital, the hospital staff will take care of this.
Notify the authorities: You must notify the local authorities of the person’s passing within 24 hours. This can be done by calling the Ministry of Health or by visiting in person.
Register the death: The next step is to register the death. This can be done at the Ministry of Health, and you will need to bring a copy of the death certificate with you.
Arrange the funeral: Once the death has been registered, you can start making arrangements for the funeral. You can choose to work with a funeral director or make the arrangements yourself.
Decide on burial: Burial is the only form of burial in Oman. You will need to make this decision when making funeral arrangements.
Notify family and friends: You should inform family and friends of the person’s passing as soon as possible. You may also want to consider placing a death announcement in a local newspaper.
Cancel services: You will need to cancel any services or subscriptions that were in the deceased person’s name, such as utilities or insurance policies.
Settle the estate: The deceased person’s estate will need to be settled. This may involve appointing an executor, paying any outstanding debts or taxes, and distributing any assets to beneficiaries.
Notify the bank: If the person had a bank account, you will need to notify the bank of their passing. The bank will freeze the account until the estate has been settled.
Oman has a strong tradition of providing end-of-life care to its citizens, with a range of hospice services available to those in need. When someone passes away in Oman, there are customs and practices that must be followed, and certain steps that must be taken to notify authorities, register the death, and make funeral arrangements. By following these steps, you can ensure that the passing of your loved one is handled with care and respect. It’s important to remember that each family and community may have their own unique customs and practices, so it’s important to consult with local resources and professionals as needed.