The death of a loved one is a traumatic experience, and making funeral arrangements can add to the grief. It’s important to understand your options and ask questions before choosing a funeral home.
The Board licenses funeral directors and embalmers, registers funeral firms and cemeteries, investigates consumer/provider complaints, and issues a funeral establishment permit. It also adjudicates disciplinary sanctions against professionals.
Preparation of a body for burial
After a loved one’s death, families face many difficult decisions that must be made quickly. These include: what kind of funeral to hold, how to handle the body, and what services to provide. They must also determine whether the deceased will be buried or cremated.
Funeral directors must obtain a burial permit before they can begin preparing the body for burial. They must also be prepared to answer questions about the cost of a funeral service and explain any fees that may apply.
Family members can be involved in preparation of the body if they wish. Home funeral guides often prepare kits with wash cloths, soap, gloves and other items to assist families in their preparation work. This helps to demystify the process and create more transparency in the industry.
Planning a funeral service
Planning a funeral service can be distressing, especially for the family. However, it is important to make the funeral as personal and memorable as possible. This will help the mourning family heal. It also ensures that the deceased’s wishes are carried out.
Before meeting with a funeral director, you should have some idea of the type of service that you want. This includes music, flowers, and other elements of the ceremony. You should also decide whether you want a religious or non-religious service.
If you plan ahead, you can even record your wishes in an advance directive or pre-planning document. This can prevent future disagreements over how to honor the deceased. Also, it can open communication with loved ones and make it easier to carry out your wishes.
Merchandise offered
The death of a loved one is a difficult time for families, and planning a funeral can be even more stressful. Many people don’t like thinking about their own mortality, but when it comes to making arrangements for a burial or cremation, it is essential that they choose the right merchandise and services.
The law requires funeral establishments to provide consumers with general price information, including the price range for caskets and alternative containers. It also requires a list of package prices. The list must include the name of each service and container included in the price and a statement that the funeral establishment does not offer direct burials.
The Bureau also investigates complaints against licensed funeral directors and embalmers and takes enforcement action if necessary. Complaints can be made via the internet or by telephone.
Arrangement conference
Arrangement conferences can take a half hour or several hours and are often the first meeting between the family and the funeral director. They allow you to make decisions about burial, cremation, and a service. They can be held at the funeral home, your home, or online.
Before the arrangement conference, you should gather important documents and merchandise. Bring copies of the death certificate, a copy of any will or legal document that might be relevant, and photographs of the deceased. These photos can be used for the obituary or memorial video. Also, you should bring a checkbook to pay for merchandise and services. The funeral home will provide a General Price List and show you the merchandise they regularly offer. They will also give you an Itemized Statement, which is required by the FTC to be given to you for your records.
Funeral service contract
A funeral contract is a legally binding document. You should read it carefully and be aware of the terms. Make sure you have a copy of it. It’s also important to ask family and friends for recommendations and shop around. Look for a home that offers services you need and can provide you with a complete list of costs. Also, find out whether the home can lower the cost by eliminating services you don’t need.
The funeral service company must physically offer consumers a General Price List (GPL). This can’t be done verbally or by showing it to them in a binder or booklet. A GPL must be offered even if the discussion of prices or arrangements takes place in a consumer’s home, church, or while the deceased is being removed from a hospital or nursing home.