The Beginners Guide To Options (From Step 1)
Choosing a Funeral Home
If you want options for a final resting place, whether for yourself or a beloved family member or friend, there are several at your disposal. This isn’t anything like a pleasant decision you’ll make, but it’s an important decision anyway.
Below are the most crucial points that must be taken into account when you choose a funeral home:
Researching Options
Most people choose a funeral home based on proximity to home. Some are owned locally and others by big corporations. In general, you will find three types of funeral homes in terms of services provided.
Full-service providers offer facilities, vehicles, merchandise and other necessities. This is what people usually have in mind when they think of a funeral home.
Specialized Service Providers are “storefront”-type versions of full-service providers, where services are similar but not as extensive.
Limited Service Providers offer immediate burials and direct cremations but often without rituals or ceremonies whatsoever.
Over the last few years, people’s view of funerals has changed dramatically. There are now a lot of nontraditional elements incorporated into the service.
Those who are looking for more financial flexibility can now consider funeral homes that offer prepayment flexibility. Even among full-service providers, the exact inclusions and costs can still vary from one to the next, so research is absolutely important.
Making Comparisons
Probably the best step you can take when searching for a funeral provider is to comparison-shop. This is specifically helpful for those who are preparing for the future. The Funeral Rule dictates that all potential customers calling funeral providers should be provided a pricelist that includes all offered products and services. If you’re doing a pricing research, begin online then call the funeral home directly. You don’t have to drive to the place, thus saving you money.
The Funeral Rule
The Federal Trade Commission implements the Funeral Rule, which covers both pre-need and at-need funerals.
Here are the most important features of the Funeral Rule:
> Consumers have the option to pick goods and services they want (there are some exceptions).
> The funeral provider’s general price list should state this right in writing.
> If an items is required by state or local law to be purchased by the consumer, this should also be stated in the price list, along with the referenced law.
> The funeral provider is not allowed to charge fees on caskets purchased by consumers from other suppliers, and it may also not refuse to handle caskets bought from other sources.
> If cremation is offered by a funeral provider, customers should be offered different choices of containers.
Regardless of your preferences, pick a funeral provider that offers several options.