Resources
Grief and mourning
Losing someone you love is very hard and brings up many different feelings. At the MUHC, we want to help you and your loved ones during this tough time.
Whether you are grieving yourself or helping someone else, below are some resources to support you: information on MUHC services, guides, suggested readings and referrals to support groups.
The Spiritual Care Service offers support that respects your beliefs and traditions. Our staff have training in theology or religious studies and clinical training in hospitals. They are available daily and for emergencies outside working hours.
Each MUHC facility has a prayer and meditation room open 24/7 for silence and meditation. For more details, visit the Spiritual Care page.
Talking to a trusted professional can help you cope with grief. Your family doctor can give advice on your health. You can also contact your local CLSC or visit the Ordre des psychologues du Québec website to find a professional to help you.
The doctor completes the declaration of death. A copy of the declaration of death is given to the funeral home. They will submit the needed paperwork to create a death certificate. They will submit the needed paperwork to create a death certificate. More infomation on this is listed below.
The family can pay their respects before the body is taken to the morgue. It is important to tell the staff about any cultural or religious preferences. The next time to see your loved one will be at the funeral home.
If the family has questions or wants to discuss tissue donation or the need for an autopsy, they can talk to a member of the medical team.
The tasks after a death can seem overwhelming. Here are the main steps and resources to help:
- Contact the funeral home of your choice. They will transport the deceased to the funeral home. The information on the declaration of death is used to request a death certificate from the Quebec government.
- The funeral home staff might ask you for additional information to complete the request for a death certificate for the government agencies.
- Information related to insurance forms is available on the Medical Records page of the MUHC website.
- For legal advice, contact the Chambre des notaires du Québec, the Barreau du Québec (in French only) or your lawyer.
- For grief support resources and detailed information on the steps to take after a death, visit the Québec government website.
While it's important to have quiet time to understand your feelings, it is also good to talk to people around you, like friends, family and healthcare professionalsdoctors, to stay healthy.
The MUHC's guides Grieving (a guide for family and friends) and Making Room for a Child’s Grief offer advice and resources based on your feelings and grief. You will find these guides in the list below this section.
The Montreal Children's Hospital has a program to help families who have lost a child who was treated there.
The Cahier Deuil (in French only) suggests books, videos, and groups that can help you. It is updated yearly by the Quebec Public Libraries Association.
Reading can help you understand your feelings and find new ways to move forward. The MUHC libraries have many books for all ages that you can read at home or in the library.
Grieving takes time and kindness. It is important to go through each stage at your own pace, while seeking comfort from loved ones, support groups or professionals. Taking care of yourself is an act of resilience, and each small step towards healing is a significant achievement.
Other resources
More resources are available through your local CLSC. Find your CLSC.