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By Ronald J. Henderson - Funeral Director Fred Young Funeral Home in Santa Rosa,
CA
People love to have choices and most of the time they relish the idea of making them.
But when it comes to something as personal and final as funeral arrangements, they
are less likely to jump in and take advantage of the opportunity to have the final
word, so to speak.
Let’s face it, making the decision to pre-plan funeral arrangements is something
most people choose not to do. However, now more than any other time in the last
50 years, people are electing to “make the call” to a funeral director. By the time
that happens, they have already done the hardest part; they have admitted the inevitably
that they are going to die. Once people accept that fact, the process is much easier.
When it comes to funeral planning, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Contact a professional who is well versed in the different types of arrangements
that can be made in advance. While selecting someone to help can be daunting, in
most cases a phone call to a local funeral home should be able to answer most of
the pre planning questions before meeting with anyone in person. Virtually all will
talk to you without any obligation. Be wary of cold calls or telemarketing, they
have something to sell.
- Be prepared to shop a bit for the right person, not just right price. This process
involves so much more than just price. Ask for recommendations from family, friends,
clergy, medical or law enforcement personnel.
- Remember that not everyone knows at their first appointment what they want. Try
to be prepared before going to the first appointment. Talk with family or friend
about wishes concerning burial, cremation, and the many combinations of rites, rituals
and ceremonies. Discussing some of these topics will help the professional and
you sort out what you want.
- Once you have decided your plan, discuss costs, payment, prepayment, insurance,
trust, and/or bank account, and pricing guarantees and making changes. Most states
have regulations covering pre-arrangements and funding those options. Make sure
to understand them. Portability of the arrangements, for example, for those who
winter in another state or are relocating.
- Pace yourself. Pre-arranging will take a little time. Make an appointment when
you are feeling well, not under the pressure of an illness. Talk, ask questions,
get information and paperwork to fill out at home and then go back and finalize.
Don’t worry if it takes several conversations to completely understand options and
choices. The same may be true for loved ones and other significant survivors who
may not instantly be comfortable or accepting of a person’s pre-planned wishes. Bringing
them into the process early can alleviate their stress and can reduce the shock that
often accompanies the death.
Fred Young Funeral Home is part of the Santa Rosa Mortuary group in Northern California.
For more information, visit www.srmel.com
Funeral Arrangements