What are the benefits of funeral pre-arrangement?

While some may think it “morbid”, pre-arrangement of one’s own funeral is most often done to spare grieving survivors the responsibility, making it in fact, a considerate and loving act.  For others, the assurance of a funeral that meets their own beliefs and wishes is key.  Sometimes, the desire is to assist survivors by establishing funeral and burial cost guidelines.

Whatever the reason, it is prudent to discuss your wishes with a caring funeral director  We will be glad to assist you at no cost or obligation.  Your comfort and concerns are always the main thing on our minds.

What should I know when selecting a casket or vault?

Selecting a Casket:

Whether you are preplanning for yourself, or choosing for a loved one, casket selection is a ver personal decision, and an expression of your feelings.  You may select the beauty of wood, or the brilliance of fie metal.  You may prefer tailored simplicity or a more elaborate design.  A wide variety of caskets, in many price ranges, are available.  You can rely upon your funeral director as an invaluable source to provide you with all the information you need to make a selection.

Selecting a Burial Vault:

Although not required by law, you may desire to select a burial vault; a sealed, warrantied an lined outer receptacle used in cemeteries for underground interment.  Outer burial containers may be required by your cemetery or memorial park, to help preserve the beauty of the property and reduce maintenance costs by supporting the weight of the earth and heavy equipment that may pass over the grave.  Usually, the vault is set at the grave prior to interment.  A brief service may be held at the grave when the casket is interred.   After the service, the cover will be placed over the base and the grave will be filled, compacted and then seeded or sodded.

The gift of a part, or an entire body after death, is a choice that can greatly enhance the quality of life for the living.   However, a basic knowledge of anatomical gifts is essential to avoid misunderstanding.  For example, you may wish to donate a part to another individual, but be against use for medical research.  It is important to check with the person or institution for which the gift is intended as to the need, condition of acceptance and the documents required.  It is also best to reveal your intentions to your family members who may have religious or personal objections that are better discussed beforehand.

Because countless questions are raised by anatomical donation, you should contact a knowledgeable funeral director. We will be glad to assist with this most personal decision at no cost or obligation to you.

For most children, death and funerals are things they have only heard about on TV.  When this situation occurs, it is important that they be gently guided to an honest understanding of its true meaning.  Firstly, you should help sort out the real from the pretend.  If you say, “Grandpa is on a trip”, they will look for him to return.  And when he doesn’t , it may result in a loss of trust in you.  Parents should understand that tears, anger, and behavior “problems” are normal during this stressful time, and are your child’s natural outlet for venting his feelings in a healthy way.

After the funeral, there will still be a number of things that require attention. Most of them, fortunately, can be postponed for a reasonable length of time, until you feel ready.

Thank you notes:  As soon as possible, write notes to those who extended special help, send flowers, or made contribution to designate charities.  You funeral director may offer you cards for this purpose, or you may use your personal stationery.  There will be an ample description of the florial tribute on the back of the sender’s card, permitting you to make special reference to the flowers in your note.   You will probably want to thank the casket bearers and others who helped in various ways.  You may also wish to acknowledge letters of sympathy; however, it is not necessary to answer notes or cards.

Handling letters and calls:   You will undoubtedly receive mail and phone calls for the deceased for some time.  Try not to let these become upsetting, remembering these peple are making an unintentional mistake.

Monuments:  A monument or marker can be installed shortly after the funeral, or you may postpone this decision until some time in the future.  It is wise to check with the cemetery official beforehand to learn about any restrictions in size or style.  You may select an individual monument, engraved to your specifications, or a family monument to mark two or more adjoining graves.

Personal possessions:  In cases where a house or apartment is to be vacated, there is often a substantial accumulation of personal belongings.  Although it may be difficult, this task should be performed by close family members, subject to the prior consent of the executor or administrator.  Items of sentimental value or other personal significance that might otherwise be overlooked will be recognized by the family members.  And it is always possible that something of value or importance may be discovered.

Most families have already given some thought to the choice of a funeral establishment, so when there is a death, they know whom to call.  In the days immediately following a death, you will rely on your funeral director to be present when you most need his or her assistance to help receive callers during the vistation, to guide you through the maze of paperwork, and to offer support after the service.  And you can take comfort knowing he or she is also quietly working behind the scenes to take care of many important details for your family while creating a fitting tribute for the deceased.  Possibly not until after the funeral service will you fully appreciate the vast amount of detail, the numerous specialized sevices and the tremendous responsibilities the funeral director has assumed in serving your family at this time of need and often for a considerable period of time to follow.

Few people are aware of provisions under Federal Title 19, which states that an individual can shelter funds to serve the family later by providing for funeral arrangements.  In most states a pre-financed funeral is not considered an asset and will not prevent a person from applying for Medicaid benefits.  If a person does not pepay their funeral arrangements before applying for Medicaid, there may be state-specific restrictions and limitations to the funeral arrangements that can be made.  If you prearrange your funeral before you require nursing home care, you can be assured of getting the type of funeral you want, while protecting your family from unnecessary financial worries.