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Tips for Choosing the Right Funeral
Home
By Mimi Naghshineh
A recent search on YellowPages.com for "funeral homes,
Michigan" resulted in 1,748 listings. How are you
supposed to sift through the masses and choose the right
one? Whether you are planning ahead or recently suffered
the loss of a loved one, the aspects that will influence
your choice are essentially the same. Granted, different
Michigan funeral homes will offer variations on the same
services, and some may be better suited to your needs.
However, there is a basic list of criteria that should
be considered by all.
Reputation
The first and foremost consideration when purchasing any
business's service or product should be the company's
reputation. Think of the consumer buying decisions that
are made on a regular basis. People are much more likely
to purchase an item or service from a company that holds
a positive reputation than from one that doesn't, or
isn't well-recognized.
In order to gain a good sense of a funeral parlor's
reputation, do some research! Talk to your clergy,
family, friends and neighbors who have resided in the
community for some time. They should be able to offer
some useful advice and recommendations pertaining to the
funeral homes Michigan has to offer.
Staff
A funeral home's reputation relies heavily on its staff.
The friendliness, courtesy, respect and helpfulness of
the employees are crucial to a successful funeral or
memorial event. Before making a decision, be sure to
meet with those who would be involved in your event.
Thankfully, Michigan businesses have historically
offered kind, warm-hearted services thanks to the
northern hospitality that so many are familiar with.
Location
Although your choice should not be based solely on
convenience, there may be some locations that are simply
too far in distance or will not accommodate your
family's specific needs. Some questions to consider
include:
* Is the funeral home located in a relatively quiet and
low-traffic area? Remember, there will be elderly
drivers who will need to enter and exit the neighborhood
safely and with ease.
* Are there adequate parking facilities? Think about how
many people are expected to attend and, as with any
event, be sure to allow for those who are unexpected.
* The weather is a very important aspect to consider
when comparing funeral homes. Michigan is notorious for
drastic spikes and drops in temperature that often come
with heavy rainfall and blowing snow. Make sure that
people will be able to get in and out of the building
with substantial cover.
* Is the building handicap accessible? This should
include inspecting not only front entrance ramps and
parking spots, but also the restrooms and meeting
spaces.
Décor
Several sociological and psychological studies have
found that different colors can affect a person's mood.
In the case of a funeral or memorial ceremony, the décor
should give the attendees a sense of calm and comfort.
Studies show that natural or earth-like tones are the
most soothing for people under stress. Ask yourself if
the building looks and feels relaxed. Is the décor
appropriate for the upcoming ceremony? These are
important things to consider when choosing the right
location.
Pricing
Make sure that you are well-versed on the Funeral Rule,
enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This
applies to all funeral homes, Michigan included.
According to the rule, consumers must be allowed to
compare prices between various businesses and choose
which specific services they want to use without being
pressured into purchasing any sort of 'package'. Funeral
directors are obligated to give pricing information via
telephone if it is requested and they are not allowed to
require callers' personal information.
While shopping around through multiple Michigan funeral
homes, be sure to get a written, itemized price list
from each business you are considering. This is another
consumer right as stated by the Funeral Rule. Also, make
sure that the prices you get are for the exact same
caskets or services so that an accurate comparison can
be made.
The points listed are simply a general starting place
when sorting through the long list of funeral homes
Michigan has to offer. For each person's unique
situation there will be variations and additional
considerations to be taken. Make sure to give the
research the time and effort it deserves so that
choosing the right location from the multitude of
Michigan funeral parlors will be an easy decision. In
the end, your choice will be leave a lasting, meaningful
memory in honor of your loved one.
About Coats Funeral Home
Coats Funeral Home, founded in 1925 in Detroit,
Michigan, has remained a trusted and experienced
community resource. Today the Coats family and its staff
offer compassionate and personalized funeral services in
Waterford, Ortonville, and Clarkston. Visit
http://www.CoatsFuneralHome.com for details. |
