Sweden is a country located in Northern Europe that has a well-developed healthcare system. The healthcare system provides end-of-life care to patients with life-limiting illnesses. In this article, we’ll explore hospices in Sweden, local customs and practices when someone dies, and what to do when someone passes away.
Hospices in Sweden
Hospices in Sweden provide specialized care for patients with life-limiting illnesses, focusing on improving their quality of life and relieving symptoms. Hospice care in Sweden is typically provided in a hospital or a dedicated hospice facility.
There are several hospices in Sweden, including:
Ersta Hospice: This hospice is located in Stockholm and provides specialized care to patients with life-limiting illnesses.
Svenska Hospicefšreningen: This hospice is located in Gothenburg and provides hospice care to patients with life-limiting illnesses.
Sankt Lukas Hospice: This hospice is located in Uppsala and provides hospice care to patients with life-limiting illnesses.
Local Customs and Practices When Someone Dies in Sweden
When someone dies in Sweden, 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 made through the newspaper or online platforms, announcing the passing of the deceased and providing information about the funeral arrangements.
Funeral: Funerals in Sweden are typically held within a few weeks of the person’s passing. They are often simple affairs, with close family and friends attending. Burial or cremation is the most common form of burial in Sweden.
Dress code: The dress code for funerals in Sweden is typically formal, with black being the most common color.
Condolences: It is customary to offer condolences to the family of the deceased. This can be done in person, by sending a condolence card, or by making a donation to a charity.
What to do When Someone Dies in Sweden
When someone dies in Sweden, there are several steps that must be taken. Here’s what you need to do:
Notify the authorities: You should notify the police or emergency services as soon as possible. They will confirm the death and provide you with a death certificate.
Register the death: You will need to register the death at the local government office. You will need to provide the death certificate and other relevant documents.
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 or cremation is the most common form of burial in Sweden. 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 the newspaper or on online platforms.
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, which involves paying off debts and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
Seek legal advice: If the deceased person had a will or other legal documents, you may need to seek legal advice to ensure that their wishes are carried out.
Consider grief counseling: Grief counseling can be helpful for family members and friends who are struggling to cope with the loss of their loved one. There are several organizations in Sweden that offer grief counseling and support services.
End-of-life care in Sweden focuses on providing specialized hospice care to patients with life-limiting illnesses. When someone passes away, it is important to follow local customs and practices, such as announcing the death and arranging the funeral. By following the appropriate steps, you can provide proper care and support to your loved ones during this difficult time. If you’re unsure about what to do when someone dies in Sweden, don’t hesitate to reach out to local authorities, funeral directors, or legal professionals for guidance and support.