Choosing A Funeral Home: What You Need To Know

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Whether you're choosing a funeral home for yourself before it is needed, or choosing one for your recently passed family member; choosing the right one is essential. The goal of the funeral home is to assist you with all of the arrangements during this tough time. By finding a compassionate, understanding funeral home with reasonable prices, you may have chosen the right one. Here is what you should consider when choosing a funeral home. 

Considerations to Make During the Decision Process

Each funeral home operates differently. Each will have a specific way that they work, have different funeral proceedings, but all should keep your wants, wishes, and ideas in mind. During the first meeting, they should listen to what you'd like, and try to make it happen. 

Are They Compassionate?

Funeral homes should be compassionate about the work that they do. They should care about your feelings, what you're going through and the wishes you have. If you meet with a funeral director that seems harsh or uncaring, it might be best to find another.

Are They Reasonably Priced and Within Your Budget?

Funeral expenses are a tough cost to carry when a loved one dies, especially if it is unexpected. The costs have to be covered in order for the funeral to proceed. They should be upfront about their costs, just as you should about your budget. Many funeral homes offer packages that provide everything one needs, at an affordable price. 

Are There Bad or Good Reviews?

Reviews are a good way to evaluate out a company before you meet with them. When you read reviews, you find out what others think of the services. This provides you with a basic idea of which funeral homes to call, or which you may want to stay away from. 

Do You Know Your Rights as a Consumer?

The Federal Trade Commission has regulations for those wishing to plan funeral arrangements. Those that are planning them, have rights to:

  • Not embalm the deceased
  • Get pricing over the telephone 
  • Receive an itemized list of prices upon visiting 
  • Only buy those products and services you want
  • Use the casket or urn of your choice, even if purchased somewhere else
  • Receive a statement of what you want before you pay

If the funeral home is not able to meet these guidelines, they are not the funeral home you want to work with. 

Choosing a funeral home has a lot to do with personal preference. The one you choose to go with is the one that sets you at ease with their presence and surroundings. Talk to experts like Fletcher Funeral Home PA for more information.

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23 March 2015

Have You Planned for Your Future?

When my father passed away a year ago, my mother didn't have any problems with the funeral or burial. My father planned his funeral in advance. He didn't want to burden my mom with any problems during her time of grieving. That hit me. I realized that I didn't have any plans for my own future, which would make it even harder on my wife and kids. So, I contacted a funeral home online and requested information about burial services. The funeral home provided me with many options that I could afford to pay over time or upfront. My wife also helped select burial plots for us because we didn't want to be separated — even after death. I encourage you to read through my blog. It offers great tips and advice on how to plan for your own future. Don't wait. You never know what life holds for you.