When
a loved one becomes ill or dies suddenly, things become very difficult
for the family in a very short amount of time. We are here to help you.
In this section we will discuss how the funeral is for
the living, who the Funeral Director is, what
funerals can cost, what you can expect on
the day of a funeral, and how we respond to changes.
A Funeral is for the living...
It provides
the setting and opportunity to celebrate a life that has been lived. When
a loved one dies, it is always a difficult time. Emotions run high. We
may feel anger, confusion, sadness, or may even feel 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. The funeral service is a way to bring
caring people together to lend support and to help each other through
this difficult time. Helping family and friends work through some of these
difficulties is what a funeral service provides. Nothing can fill the
emptiness when a loved one is gone, but the healing begins sooner with
the support of our friends.
Whenever we lose someone close to us, we feel grief. Grief can be very
painful. It can be consuming. A funeral allows mourners to express their
grief, and to share it with each other. It stimulates conversation about
the deceased, which is an important first step toward accepting the death.
Without this opportunity, many people have experienced much more difficulty
resolving their grief.
The reality of death needs to be accepted not only on an intellectual
basis, but on an emotional level as well. This is the foundation for funerals
that are preceded by an open-casket visitation. Research has shown that
this process has a marked effect on the grieving process, and helps the
healing begin.
The
Funeral Director...
A death burdens the family with grief, and immediately disrupts their
lives. In addition, there are literally hundreds of details that must
be considered in order to plan a proper funeral. Thinking through all
of these details and coordinating the service are tasks that become very
difflcult in a time of crisis. Fortunately, the professional funeral director
is able to help families deal with these aspects of a loved one's death.
The funeral director serves as an advisor, an administrator, a supporter,
and a caregiver.
When a funeral director receives a call that a person has died, he immediately
begins taking care of the details. He takes responsibility for the body
of the deceased, and gathering the necessary information for the death
certificate and complying with legal requirements.
The funeral director meets with the family to discuss their wishes, and
to assure compliance with the law, and the observance of the customs that
they desire. He makes his staff and facilities available for the family's
use, and offers advice about the many options that are available.
The funeral director helps select the time and place of any service selected.
He coordinates the details of the service and may arrange for the clergyperson
or other participants in the ceremony.
He offers a wide selection of caskets that will reflect the wishes of
the family, and may help memorialize the life that has been lived. The
funeral director can also make cemetery arrangements, and even help with
a memorial stone or appropriate marker.
On
the Day of the Funeral...
The funeral director attends to a number of ceremonial and administra-
tive details. He is responsible for many logistical matters, such as transportation.
Before and after the funeral, the funeral director aids the family in
completing any necessary paperwork, including obituary notices, claim
forms for social security, and veteran's and insurance benefits.
At a time when the emotional impact of a death makes it difficult for
the survivors to concentrate on the details of so many legal forms, the
funeral director's expertise is greatly appreciated by grieving families.
Today's funeral director is also trained to answer questions about coping
with death. He often recognizes when a person is having diffi- culty accepting
his or her loss, and can recommend sources of professional counseling
for those who may need it.
Outside the funeral home, many funeral directors take an active role as
caregivers. They may be involved with nursing facilities, hospices, and
with self-help groups.
Funeral directors are generally very active in the community, and give
countless hours of community service for the betterment of their friends
and neighbors.
As a professional member of the community, most funeral directors attend
continuing education classes and seminars. They devote a great deal of
time to ensure they can provide the best care and service possible. As
with any other profession, funeral service is changing, and your funeral
director works hard to keep up with these changes.
Funeral
Costs...
Funeral costs are determined by many factors, most of which are controlled
by the selections of the family. Basic costs to the funeral home owner-mortgage
or rent, taxes, maintenance, staff salaries, supplies, administrative
costs, merchandise-are reflected in today's funeral price.
The family has many options for services and merchandise that can provide
nearly any level of funeral service they desire. Prices of cas- kets and
vaults vary with their material and quality of construction. Many choices
are offered in several price ranges, and the funeral professional is dedicated
to respecting the family's wishes and helping them make an informed decision.
There are virtually unlimited choices available, and each family has the
opportunity to select whatever they believe is appropriate for them.
Whatever their choices, the funeral director will provide the same quality,
caring service and attention to their needs and to the details of their
service.
Responding
to Changes...
Changes take place in any business, and funeral service is no exception.
Today, your funeral director finds himself answering many questions about
what options are available.
Many families have expressed a desire to make their funeral arrange- ments
in advance. This allows them to discuss their wishes with their family
and to make important choices at a time that is much less stressful.
Your funeral director will be glad to discuss any aspects of funeral service
with you at any time. Your comments and questions are always invited and
encouraged.