Home vigil

There is no law in Australia that says a body must be removed from the home immediately after death. If the death was expected (not a coroner's case), you can keep the body at home for as long as you can care for it — usually 2–4 days with proper cooling.

Many families use the person's own bed. Others set up a table in the living room, draped with a cloth. Choose a cool room, away from direct sunlight and heating. Open a window if you can.

• Candles (real or electric) near the body
• Flowers — especially strong-scented ones (lavender, rosemary, lilies)
• Their favourite music, playing softly
• Photographs around them
• A cloth or sheet that feels right — linen, a quilt, a favourite blanket
• Essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus) on a cloth near the body

Many families invite close friends and extended family to come and sit with the body. This can be one of the most healing things — especially for people who couldn't be there at the death. It also lets children say goodbye in their own time, in a familiar place.

With good cooling (see the Cooling topic), a body can stay at home for 2–4 days comfortably. Some families keep vigil for just one night. There is no minimum or maximum. Trust yourself.