Whether you are planning ahead for your own end of life arrangements or for those of a loved one, it’s important to know what to look for in a funeral home. Taking the time to gather some basic information helps many families better understand their priorities.
Selecting a funeral home is an all-encompassing decision: it’s personal, financial, and emotional. Families who do their research tend to be more satisfied with the overall funeral experience.
To assist you in making an informed, confident decision this article will identify 8 questions to ask when choosing a funeral home.
1) What makes your funeral home stand out from others?
No two funeral homes are exactly alike. Finding out what sets one apart from another is beneficial for several reasons.
You might want to find out when the funeral home first opened its doors. It may also be helpful to get an idea of how long key staff members have been with the firm.
How involved a funeral home is in their community often indicates how well they take care of their families. Companies that give back will likely treat their customers with dignity and respect.
Keep in mind that a firm that prides itself on its reputation is a good sign it will provide you and your family with above-average service.
2) Are all aspects of funeral care handled in one location?
A funeral home may have a contract with a company that handles their embalming and/or cremations at an off-site location.
Some families have no problem with outsourced services, while others would rather their loved one not be transferred from place to place. There are also families who want their loved one’s remains to be handled by the funeral home’s immediate staff.
While the majority of funeral homes have done their due diligence to partner with reputable providers, it never hurts to do a little research on your own.
3) Is your business family-owned or corporation-owned?
In the United States, approximately 89% of funeral homes are privately owned by families or individuals. The other 11% are owned by public corporations and are usually high-volume funeral homes in heavily populated areas.
Whether or not the business is locally owned may or may not impact your decision. There are several different schools of thought on this subject.
For a lot of families, what matters the most is that the funeral home employs a trustworthy, professional staff and has an accessible manager who can handle any concerns that may arise.
4) Can my loved one’s service be customized?
The likelihood of coming across a funeral home that doesn’t encourage personalization is slim to none. However, asking this question allows you to better gauge the staff’s flexibility and willingness to accommodate special requests.
Picture boards, memorial tribute videos, and memorabilia displays are all typically part of memorial services, visitations, and funerals. If you have any additional ideas for commemoration, it’s wise to make your wishes known right away.
Being aware of any guidelines or limitations pertaining to customization ensures there are no surprises and allows you to plan accordingly.
5) What can you tell me about your facilities?
Always make a point to inquire about the funeral home’s facilities, especially if you have not visited the establishment in recent years.
Confirm that both the interior and exterior are modern and well-maintained. You may be able to get a better feel for how up-to-date and inviting an establishment is by looking at pictures posted on the funeral home’s website.
If a large crowd is expected to attend services, confirm there is plenty of parking within proximity to the building. Make certain the inside is open, spacious, and has adequate seating.
And finally, ask about handicap accessibility such as ramps, elevators, and restrooms for guests who have special needs.
6) Do you have an on-site reception center?
A reception room that is on the same premises of the funeral home allows for guests to gather after services without the inconvenience of having to travel. It also eliminates a family having to find an event center and saves them a considerable amount of time.
Funeral homes that offer on-site catering make the planning process completely seamless. Families like this concept because they can reserve the room and finalize menu options during the arrangement conference.
7) What type of support do you offer once the funeral is over?
Many firms have aftercare programs to help those left behind manage their grief in a healthy manner.
It’s common for a staff member to do a home visit and/or make follow-up phone calls to check in on their clients in the weeks following a death.
You may learn that a firm has a grief counselor on staff, offers a program for children, or hosts support groups at their facilities.
Minimally, a funeral home should be able to offer recommendations for websites, books, and other educational materials.
8) What type of pricing do you offer?
A credible funeral home is upfront and completely transparent about cost. Its pricing structure will be designed to meet a variety of different budgets.
Try to be specific when asking questions and seek prices for both products and services. Keep in mind that a funeral home may charge a higher price for a service such as cremation but offer lower pricing for products such as urns and vice versa.
When possible, make an appointment to meet in person with a licensed funeral director or licensed advanced planning counselor.
This is not only the best way to determine what you are comfortable spending, but also to compare apples to apples when price shopping.
A Loving Choice
Many families have very little experience in planning a cremation or traditional funeral. When it comes time to select a funeral home, they don’t know where to start.
Regardless of whether you are planning for your own end-of-life affairs or for those of a loved one, asking the right questions will make the decision of what funeral home to use a lot easier.
Everyone has their own unique tastes and preferences. Discovering what you value most in a funeral home will ensure you and your family’s needs and wishes are fulfilled.
