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How to Find Funeral Homes
By Debra P Neasbitt
Regrettably, at one point or another, all of us will
have to find a funeral home. Whether we are planning a
funeral for the loss of a loved one, or perhaps
pre-planning our own funeral, this is a chore that is
not fun. That does not mean, however that finding a
funeral home has to be difficult or stressful.
By finding a mortuary that is consistent with your
beliefs and background, you will provide comfort for
those who are mourning. You want to ensure the home you
select will carry out your wishes with grace, dignity
and respect. The right establishment will feel
comfortable, honor your wishes and help you in creating
a personalized funeral or memorial service.
Religion. If you are religious, or even simply wish to
have services of a particular religion, you need to make
sure the mortuary you select specializes (or at least
will accommodate) those religious preferences. In the
United States, Christianity is the primary religion, and
as such most funeral homes cater to that religion.
However most will offer non denominational services, or
allow you to bring in a clergy member from another
religion to conduct the service.
In many areas of the country, you can also find religion
specific funeral homes- such as Jewish Funeral Homes or
one for other religions. These 'religion specific'
establishments tend to be located in areas with a high
population of the religion. Your Church or Synagogue
Leader will be able to direct you to the nearest one if
you are unsure where they are located. Even if you are
not religious, if you are planning the funeral for
someone who is, the church will always be willing to
assist you.
Traditional burial or cremation? Before you plan your
visit, it is helpful to know which type of final
disposition you need. Do you want to be buried?
Cremated? If you are cremated do you want your ashes
scattered or interred in a grave or mausoleum? Perhaps
you want the ashes to remain with a family member? These
very basic (although very difficult) decisions need to
be made first.
Visit the funeral parlor. After you have narrowed your
selection, plan a visit to them. Speak to the funeral
director about the type of service you want. Also
consider the packages they offer in terms of flowers,
wakes and the maintenance that takes place after the
funeral such as the upkeep of the cemetery plot. If you
feel you are being pressured into buying services or
items you do not want or need, keep looking. Also,
funeral establishments are required by law to give you
detailed pricing for all services and items rendered.
While the showroom may only show $1000 caskets, ask for
a price list which will have lower cost items detailed
on it. This is part of the Federally Mandated Law known
as the 'Funeral Rule'
One of the best things you can do is shop ahead before
the need for a funeral ever arises. You might not want
to think of funerals when everyone is healthy but it's
the least stressful time to do so. Most will offer
funeral pre-planning and even offer the option to pay
for your funeral far in advance. This can help ease the
financial burden and allow your family members to focus
on celebrating your life and mourning their loss.
When you are using an online funeral home directory, you
need to get an idea of how comprehensive the site is. Do
they only have a few listings in each cities? Does the
site seem to be selling something (ie: funeral flowers)?
A reputable and comprehensive directory will not have
advertisements but focus on providing the information to
help you find the establishment that will meet your
needs. Also, make sure the directory provides contact
information such as telephone and physical address.
There should be enough information for you to be able to
quickly contact a funeral home.
Planning a funeral is a stressful time, but remember, it
can also be a time to celebrate and remember a life
lived. Honor your loved one with a service that is true
to their beliefs and personality.
http://www.Funeral Home Resource.com is the Nation's
leading online directory of funeral home and cemetery
providers. With over 37,000 nationwide listings, the
online funeral home directory has funeral home listings
in your area. |
