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Put your wishes...
Put your wishes down on paper! So many people faced with the
task of planning a funeral upon the death of a loved one, have no idea
what kind of funeral would be a "proper" tribute. Not so much
with regard to the size and cost of the funeral, but the kind of memorial
service and funeral merchandise the deceased would have wanted. Most
are faced with the question: "What would he have wanted?"
When all they can really think of is: "What am I going to do without
him?"
Advance Funeral Planning...
Advance Funeral Planning, or, "prearrangement,"
is one sure way your family will know what you prefer as well as how
much you want them to spend. The benefits of funeral prearrangement
are many, but here are just a few:
· Your family will have a written record of the type of service
and funeral merchandise you prefer.
· You can guarantee the cost of your funeral at today's price,
protecting against inflation.
· You can pay for your funeral in advance, relieving survivors
of the financial responsibility.
· You'll allow your family to reflect upon the memories of your
life, rather than the details of your death.
The funeral director
The funeral director or advance funeral planning
professional at your local, family-owned funeral home can answer all
of your questions about prearrangement. In fact, they'll likely have
free literature on the subject. Funeral homes offering payment plans
often use Homesteaders insurance products and support. We offer the
security that funeral homes need to have confidence your funeral costs
will be covered in the future.
Click here for an online funeral planning
worksheet.
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Should you care who owns
the funeral home?
You bet. We've all heard the news about funeral home corporations and
their efforts to consolidate family-owned firms into large groups. These
conglomerates are big business, with much riding on shareholder security.
A family-owned funeral home has much more at stake than a drop in the
stock market; it's the owner's family name and personal integrity that
are on the line. An independent funeral home's loyalty is to your family,
rather than corporate shareholders. Because decisions on running the
funeral home happen right there in your community, instead of some faraway
corporate headquarters, your needs are met quickly - no matter what
they are. Payment options for advance funeral planning (prearrangements)
are very flexible, with a variety of funeral products that is unparalleled.
An independent...
An independent funeral firm owner reinvests in the community he or she
serves. You'll see your funeral director at work in civic groups, for
their church or synagogue, supporting the elderly and youth activities.
He or she is a respected, contributing member of the community. For
the most options and best value in funeral care, turn to the caring
people at your locally owned, family-operated funeral home.
A Funeral Is...
A funeral is for the living. It provides the setting and opportunity
to celebrate a life that has been lived. When someone dies, it is always
a difficult time - emotions run high. We may feel anger, confusion,
or even emotionally numb. It is often difficult to know what to say
or how to begin to deal with our loss, or how to say good-bye.
A funeral service is a way to bring caring people together. It is a
gathering where friends and family can lend support and begin the healing
process. Nothing can fill the emptiness one feels after the death of
someone close, but the healing begins sooner when people we care about
are near.
A funeral allows...
A funeral allows mourners to express their
grief and share it with others. It stimulates conversation about the
deceased, which is an important first step toward accepting what has
happened. In fact, many people who avoided the funeral of a loved one
expressed much more difficulty in dealing with their grief.
The reality of death...
The reality of death needs to be accepted no only on an intellectual
basis, but on an emotional level as well. This is the foundation for
funerals in which a family decides a funeral should be preceded by an
open-casket visitation. Research has shown this process has a marked,
positive effect on the grieving process, helping the healing begin.
Role of the Funeral Director ...
A death burdens the family with grief, immediately disrupting their
lives. In addition, there are literally hundreds of details that must
be considered in order to plan a Funeral. Thinking through all of these
details and coordinating the service are tasks that become very difficult
in a crisis. Turning to the funeral director at your local, family-owned
funeral home is a smart thing to do. Trained to guide you through the
arrangement process, your funeral director serves as an advisor, administrator,
supporter, and caregiver. He or she understands how families feel because
it is something that is dealt with every day. Although they work with
families every day, funeral directors recognize each circumstance as
unique and individual. Your wishes are cared for and carried out to
the smallest detail.
Upon receiving the call...
Upon receiving the call, a funeral director immediately begins taking
care of the details. He takes responsibility for the body of the deceased,
and gathers the necessary information for the death certificate. All
other legal requirements are handled as well.
The funeral director meets with a family to discuss the funeral arrangements,
including the time and place of the funeral service, observance of religious
rites and customs, and the presentation of a variety of funeral merchandise.
The family is offered a wide selection of caskets and burial vaults,
plus other items which will be helpful in memorializing the deceased
(such as flag cases, memorial books, etc.).
If cremation is indicated...
If cremation is indicated, the funeral director may also display a number
of cremation urns and other keepsake merchandise. The funeral director
may also arrange for clergy, cemetery space, and a monument. Today there
are so many ways to pay tribute to a loved one; it is up to your funeral
director to answer all of your questions and guide you through the process
with ease and understanding.
On the day of the funeral...
The funeral director attends to a number of ceremonial and administrative
details. Responsible for logistic manners such as transportation and
the grave opening/closing, he also works "behind the scenes"
so all goes smoothly. Before and after the funeral, your funeral director
aids in the completion of any paperwork such as obituary notices and
claim forms for social security, veterans' benefits, and insurance.
The funeral director's expertise is something for which you will be
most grateful at a time when it is so difficult to concentrate on details.
After the funeral...
Funeral directors of today are trained to answer questions about coping
with death. He or she often recognizes when a person is having difficulty
accepting a loss and can recommend resources to those who may need help.
Your local, family-owned funeral home is a tremendous community resource
whether you are coping with the death of a loved one, or you know someone
else who is. Outside the funeral home, a funeral director is the consummate
caregiver. Involved with nursing facilities, hospices and support groups,
funeral directors are active in civic service.
As a member...
As a member of a highly professional group, most funeral directors attend
continuing education classes and seminars. They devote a great deal
of time to improving their ability to serve in a family's crisis situation.
And, as with any other profession, funeral service is changing. Your
funeral director works hard to keep up with the latest changes in funeral
care so as to provide you the most options and best value in your time
of need.
Click here to receive FREE
funeral care literature.
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