THE IMPORTANCE OF A FUNERAL
The overall benefit of a funeral service
to surviving family members and friends
is immeasurable. Though many people
underestimate the power of the funeral
tradition, simply realizing that the ritual
plays a key role in the overall grief and
healing process is helpful. Gathering family
members, planning the service, and sharing
memories are all actions that help people
move forward through the grief process.
When people reflect on the service later,
they often realize the comfort and support
the funeral provided.
Preplanning or Prearrangements
Preplanning your own funeral arrangements
is becoming more common today, as family
members often reside across the country rather
than just across town.
Preplanning with a licensed funeral provider
offers many benefits including:
• the opportunity to document your final
When A Loved One Passes
wishes
• providing your family with peace of mind
• the option to prepay your arrangements,
allowing you to secure current prices
rather than pay future costs.
When a Death Occurs
The first step to take will depend on the
circumstances and location of the death. Most
licensed funeral homes can provide answers
to your questions at any time, 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
When a death occurs at home:
• Call a licensed funeral home; licensed
funeral directors can explain the next
steps
End of Life
FUNERAL PLANNING
When a death occurs while under hospice
care:
• Call hospice. Hospice will notify the
funeral home designated by the family.
When a death occurs in a hospital or other
care facility:
• Staff members usually contact the funeral
home designated during the patient
admission process. If a funeral home was
not designated, the staff should gather
information from the family and contact
the selected funeral home.
When a death occurs outside of the home
or a care facility:
• Dial 911 for Emergency/First Responders
Selecting a Funeral Provider
Practices, prices, and services can vary
considerably among funeral homes. Whether
provider services are immediately needed or
you are making prearrangements, take time to
consider important details before you make
any final decisions.
• Ask questions and carefully consider your
options. Verify that the funeral home
and the directors employed are properly
licensed.
• Gather information. Call family friends,
contact your place of worship, and call
local funeral homes and/or visit their web
sites for details.
• Quality matters. While lower priced
merchandise may be available from many
sources, note that those sources may not
offer product quality guarantees, delivery
guarantees, or return/refund options.
Also note that funeral homes justifiably
may refuse merchandise that is delayed,
damaged, or deficient.
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