DOCSLIB.ORG

Chapter 2: It's Not Your Father's Funeral Home

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Chapter 2: It's Not Your Father's Funeral Home Chapter 2: It’s Not Your Father’s Funeral Home 3 CE Hours By Deborah Converse MA, NBCT Objectives Identify preplanning activities and guidelines to meet changing Identify components of personalization and strategies to achieve consumer demands. them. Discuss consumer demands and list options for funeral services Discuss the changing roles of women in the industry. and celebrations outside of the funeral home. Compare and contrast the services offered by publically-owned Explain the changes in embalming and cremation, including corporations and private family businesses. alternative methods that are growing in popularity. List innovative commemorative products for the disposition of Define five technology strategies to expand market coverage and remains. meet client needs. Overview The funeral industry today is rapidly evolving to meet the changing “one size fits all” approach, where the funeral director takes the lead in demands of consumers. Businesses must stay current with industry planning and offers traditional embalming, casket selection, viewing, changes to survive and this involves embracing technology and social memorial service, and burial options. media to expand the geographic area of service that was traditionally Many of the new requests by consumers may seem controversial to confined to a small local territory. Consumers today rely heavily on some directors and communities, while seeming perfectly acceptable technology to compare and choose services and share information on to others. It is important for the business to develop a spectrum of social media. services to meet the diverse needs of the community and reflect the Consumers are seeking innovative ways to personalize services, dynamic nature of the industry. celebrations, and memorials for themselves and their loved ones. They Some businesses may choose to undergo a “rebranding” and may look for more natural or “normalized” ways to handle, prepare, comprehensive change in services to reach a broader or different client present, and inter the body that reflects the individual personality and base. Others may choose to expand services to stay current while preferences of the deceased and their family. retaining some traditional services depending on their community, The industry has responded and successful business owners must be client base, or individual values. open-minded and adapt to consumers demands. In some cases, this This course will describe the scope of industry change in the United will require comprehensive changes in who, what, when, where, and States and provide strategies to keep pace with the evolving funeral how services will be delivered. No longer will consumers accept a, business that is clearly “Not your father’s funeral home” anymore. Introduction The funeral industry today is challenged to meet the demands of for final disposition. Memorial gardens and landscaped or natural consumers that differ from the traditional services offered to previous green spaces where family, friends, and the community can visit are generations. Families today are influenced by technology, ecology, and replacing traditional cemeteries with granite or marble markers. economic concerns that shape the way they perceive funeral and burial Another change that signals a departure from traditional funeral services. services is the move away from religious affiliation by many families. There is great diversity in the ways that families choose to honor According to the 2017 National Funeral Director Association their loved ones after death, including more personalization with Consumer Awareness & Preferences Report, 39.5 percent of people celebrations and memorials extending into the community. reported that religion was a “very important” component of a funeral, An article in the Boston Globe (2016) points out that the industry must down from 49.5 percent five years ago (NFDA, 2017). This is reflected adapt to changing consumer demands to survive: in the request for funeral services and memorial celebrations that do Death is inevitable, but, increasingly, traditional burials are not. not follow traditional religious doctrine or require participation by From diamonds made from cremated remains to eco-friendly religious leaders. interments, the $20 billion funeral industry is being reshaped, Families today seek greener, natural, and sustainable options creating opportunities for the entrepreneurially-minded, and to embalming and final disposition. Companies that provide financial hardship for those with business models more set in biodegradable caskets, urns, shrouds, and organic flowers have stone. experienced increased demand for their products. Successful funeral businesses must find ways to incorporate services Many consumers no longer want funeral services to be sad or somber that provide personalization, are eco-friendly, and capitalize on affairs, but prefer a more positive and personalized celebration to the popularity of technology and social media while adapting their honor the person’s life. Families are increasingly seeking services and business to the changing industry. celebrations that include multi-media presentations and live streaming Cremation is more popular today than ever before due to lower that reflect the individual’s unique preferences in music, foods, clothes, costs, concerns for the environment, religious acceptance, less space art, hobbies, interests, passions, and memorabilia. Families may plan for cemeteries, especially in urban areas, and more creative options events that take place in the community, such as firework displays, Funeral.EliteCME.com Page 9 or memorial gatherings, held in a park or other venue, that are more flowers or other remembrances, guests may be requested to donate festive and designed to have everyone share in a joyous celebration of online to the deceased person’s designated charity. the person’s life. ● Crowdfunding websites assist the family with financial hardships The Internet and social media are dominating forces in society today to pay for funeral expenses and provides a way for the community and this is reflected in all areas of the industry. Beginning with initial to support the family. consumer contact, marketing, planning, writing obituaries, live Online counseling and grief support resources are available to assist streaming of services, video and music presentation, celebratory and family and friends. memorials events, and products for remembrances, are technology A 2016 survey conducted by Frazier Consultants found that 52% of based and shared on social media through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, the funeral directors that responded felt their funeral home was ready Skype, Google Hangouts, and other social sites. Technology related to to meet the new changes and any challenges they might bring. About funeral services may include: 33% of the funeral directors felt they were somewhat prepared, and ● Funeral services and multi- media memorials streamed live in real just over 14% of them felt that their funeral home needed to do more time to allow family and friends to be a part of the celebration if in order to prepare for coming changes (Frazier, 2016). they are unable to attend. ● Individuals participate online by offering memorials and The time to change is now and each funeral business must develop a communicating with family and friends in real time online. model that is responsive and respectful of consumer preferences for ● Many families choose to honor their loved ones through charitable personalization. The business must incorporate online strategies to donations through websites and social media posts. Rather than expand, update, and improve, to provide the highest quality of service. Comprehensive preplanning Many people find it difficult to think about death and some do not funeral home that meets the emotional and financial needs of their until they are faced with the responsibility of handling arrangements family and reflects their wishes for a unique celebration of life (NFDA, for a loved one. Today, consumers are engaged in technology and may 2017b). find it easier and less emotionally taxing to initially gather funeral Preplanning also allows families to make decisions in a thoughtful and information online as a way to begin planning for themselves or loved organized manner without the stress of trying to make arrangements at ones. the time the death has occurred. According to the NFDA, increasing number of adults find that Preplanning does not necessarily mean prepaying though financial preparing for the inevitable is a wise decision. Planning one’s funeral concerns and information on funding sources are important in advance allows individuals to do their homework and select a components of the process. Bill of rights for funeral preplanning An ethical and reputable NFDA, funeral home will ensure the ● State in the contract where and how much of the funds paid will be following rights and protections (NFDA, 2017c): deposited until the funeral is provided. ● Provide detailed price lists of goods and services. ● Explain in the contract who will be responsible for paying taxes ● Provide a written statement listing all of the goods and services on any income or interest generated by the preneed funds that are purchased and the price. invested. ● Give you a written preneed funeral contract explaining, in plain ● Inform in the contract whether, and to what extent, the funeral language, consumer rights and obligations. home will guarantee the price of goods and services purchased.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Issue-60-Full-Draft-Final-V3.Pdf
    Care Throughout the Dying Process ISSUE #60 | AUGUST 2020 Pediatric E-Journal PEDIATRIC ADVISORY COUNCIL Released in collaboration with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Pediatric e-Journal Pediatric Palliative and Hospice Care Issue #60; August 2020 Issue Topic: Care Throughout the Dying Process Welcome to the 60th issue of our Pediatric e-Journal. This issue of the Pediatric e-Journal is focused on various aspects of care throughout the dying process as related to pediatric palliative and end-of-life care. This issue was planned over a year ago and we could not have imagined the world in which we find ourselves now with the coronavirus pandemic. Although older adults have suffered the brunt of the infection, the challenges that this pandemic has created affect all of us. Not only have we had to create different ways of being, we have had to create different ways to provide care and services to all populations. For many, there have been significant disruptions. We do not make light of the current situation and plan to revisit this topic, and the lessons learned from it, later in a future issue in a way that is commensurate with its significance. In the meantime, while we offer this issue’s collection of articles on various aspects of care throughout the dying process in connection with pediatric palliative and end-of-life care, we also invite you to share some of the challenges and opportunities the pandemic has brought to your personal and/or professional life. If you would like to contribute to a future issue on the coronavirus pandemic, please contact either Christy Torkildson at [email protected] or Ann Fitzsimons at [email protected].
    [Show full text]
  • A Guide to Funeral and Burial Options in New York
    A GUIDE TO FUNERAL AND BURIAL OPTIONS IN NEW YORK A PUBLICATION OF THE CANCER ADVOCACY PROJECT CITY BAR JUSTICE CENTER This guide was created and produced with support from Judges & Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert (JALBCA) © City Bar Justice Center (Updated 2019) CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………… 3 FUNERALS ……………………………………………………………………… 4 Consumer Rights and the Funeral Rule …………………….…………….. 4 New York State Funeral Home Rules ……………………………….…… 4 Making Funeral Arrangements in New York State ………………………. 5 Disposition of Remains ……………………………………………….…………. 6 FUNERAL AND BURIAL OPTIONS ……………………………….………… 7 Full Service Funeral ……………………………………….……………… 7 Direct Burial ……………………………………………….……………… 7 Environmentally Friendly/Green Burials ………………………………….. 7 Home Funerals and Burials ………………………………………………. 9 Cremation ………………………………………………………………… 10 PRE-NEED FUNERAL PLANNING ………………………………………….. 11 ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION …………………………………………. 12 CEMETERIES ………………………………………………………………….. 13 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE …………………………………………………… 14 SAMPLE FORM: APPOINTMENT OF AGENT TO CONTROL DISPOSITION OF REMAINS City Bar Justice Center A Guide to Funeral and Burial Options in New York 2 INTRODUCTION The City Bar Justice Center’s Cancer Advocacy Project provides cancer patients and survivors with no-cost legal information and advice. Experienced volunteer attorneys counsel clients on issues relating to life-planning, such as wills and advance directives, unjust treatment by insurance companies and discrimination in the workplace. Thoughts of end-of-life planning are often prompted by advancing age or a serious illness. While some people are able to prepare advance directives and organize a burial plan, others are understandably focused on the day-to-day challenges of combating ill health. Unfortunately, many people find themselves dealing with funeral arrangements as a matter of urgency, either on their own behalf, or on behalf of a loved one. Contemplating where to start can seem overwhelming.
    [Show full text]
  • How to Arrange a Home Funeral
    What is a home funeral? Funeral director. Nine states* require a family to 3. Go shopping hire a funeral director to file paperwork, transport the Choose burial or cremation With a home funeral, family or friends take charge of body, and/or supervise the disposition of the body. In the Find a cemetery or crematory willing to accept caring for the body after death, either alone or with remaining states, families may choose to do all or part of the body from a family the help of a funeral professional. They might bring or the process. Make or purchase a shroud or casket keep the deceased at home, wash and dress the body, Gather home supplies arrange for a casket or shroud, prepare the necessary Embalming and refrigeration. While no state documents, hold a vigil or ceremony, and/or transport requires embalming as a routine necessity, some states After death— the body to the cemetery or crematory. do require it in certain instances, and some have specific 1. Begin preparation cooling or refrigeration requirements. Contact appropriate authorities Benefits Death certificate. A death certificate must be filed Inform family and friends, then wider Traditional. Throughout most of history, families with the proper authorities within the first few days. After community cared for their loved ones at home and prepared the the medical professional signs the form, the family or Gather helpers body after death. Every funeral was a “home funeral.” funeral director can complete their section and file the Wash, dress and lay out or casket the body certificate. Economical. By doing much of the work them- 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Download a Printable PDF of the Guidelines for Burial Or Cremation
    Guidelines for Burial or Cremation Without a Funeral Director Caring for your own dead can be immensely rewarding and help ease the pain of grief. It is also emotionally demanding, and, because of the widespread misunderstanding of the law in Massachusetts, it can be difficult. The law clearly permits persons to care for their own dead. The state Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) has provided written guidelines to the city and town clerks and boards of health advising them that the care of one's own dead is legal. Even the Board of Registration in Embalming and Funeral Directing has agreed to withdraw its objections to issuance of burial permits to persons other than undertakers. Plan Ahead Death Certificate Disposition Permit Between Death and Cremation or Burial Cremation Burials Body Donation Coordinating the Completion of the Death Certificate Plan Ahead If you are considering caring for your own dead, we recommend that you plan carefully and communicate in advance with the agencies you will have to deal with — hospital, hospice, nursing home, board of health (Burial Agent), crematory, cemetery, etc. — to be sure they will not cause difficulties because of their own uncertainties about the law. Please notify FCAEM if any agency tries to obstruct; we will be glad to help. We also suggest that you consult Final Rights: Reclaiming the American Way of Death by Josh Slocum and Lisa Carlson. Order the book here and support the work of the national FCA. Here are some things you will need to know: Death Certificate “In September 2014, the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records implemented an online system for death certificates and burial permits.
    [Show full text]
  • Green Funerals
    CHAPTER: Green Funerals 5 CE Hours By: Elite Staff Learning objectives List some of the primary principles of green burials. Explain what makes organic and fair flowers more expensive and Describe ways that traditional funerals and burials can be resource- what the certification signifies in each case. intensive. Discuss why cremation is considered both green and not green. Discuss common restrictions in natural cemeteries and explain the Discuss the risk of mercury emissions from dental amalgam during reasons for each. cremation. List three organizations that are associated with organ donation. List five ways to reduce the ecological impact of cremation. Describe alternatives to embalming that preserve the body for a List the minimum green burial standards (Level 1 – hybrid burial period of days. grounds) for Green Burial Council certification. Discuss how fuel and transportation costs can be minimized in List characteristics of sustainable landscaping (greenscaping) that funeral and burial functions. follow the reduce, reuse, recycle, rebuy formula. Explain ways that your business could assist with backyard or Explain the principles of integrated pest management (IPM). home burial products or services. Introduction More and more individuals who have been concerned with the of them at that critical time. You can provide these essential services. environment their whole lives are insisting that they maintain the same This chapter will introduce the basics of green burial and explain essential environmentally friendly or neutral quality in death. Survey what distinguishes green products and practices from those that are research confirms that environmentally friendly (“green”) funeral not environmentally friendly. It will also advise you on how to help a options are growing in popularity around the world, as well as in the family choose environmentally friendly products or locations for their United States.
    [Show full text]
  • Spring 2016 Newsletterv2
    FCAME Newsletter - Spring 2016 ! Plain Talk From the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Maryland & Environs (FCAME) Home funerals need planning & assistance Conducting a funeral at home can be a nurse practitioner in charge of the on the death certificate form that asks rewarding and memorable experience, individual’s care (or a medical for the signature of the funeral service but it helps to plan for it in advance and to examiner if a death is unexpected) licensee. On the line that says “name have the participation of family members must partially fill out the death and address of facility”, the individual and friends. certificate (indicating date, hour and should write “Family with right to cause of death) and sign it before a disposition.” Page two of the death Home funerals used to be the way we body can be released for transport. certificate provides the burial transit cared for our dead. That’s when we had permit that must accompany the a more family-centered existence, When a death occurs in a nursing remains when being transported. multiple generations often lived in the home, hospice or hospital, that facility same home, and life was less fast-paced will supply the death certificate. When A body is supposed to be removed than it is now. a death occurs at home, the attending from a nursing home or hospice within physician or nurse usually will provide 4 hours after death (as they have no Today, commemorating the life of a family the death certificate; the State Office of provision for temporary storage of a member or friend in an intimate home Vital Records can supply a blank death body) and from a hospital within 24 environment is still possible.
    [Show full text]
  • How to Arrange a Home Funeral
    What is a home funeral? Funeral director. Nine states* require a family to 3. Go shopping hire a funeral director to file paperwork, transport the Choose burial or cremation With a home funeral, family or friends take charge of body, and/or supervise the disposition of the body. In the Find a cemetery or crematory willing to accept caring for the body after death, either alone or with remaining states, families may choose to do all or part of the body from a family the help of a funeral professional. They might bring or the process. Make or purchase a shroud or casket keep the deceased at home, wash and dress the body, Gather home supplies arrange for a casket or shroud, prepare the necessary Embalming and refrigeration. While no state documents, hold a vigil or ceremony, and/or transport requires embalming as a routine necessity, some states After death— the body to the cemetery or crematory. do require it in certain instances, and some have specific 1. Begin preparation cooling or refrigeration requirements. Contact appropriate authorities Benefits Death certificate. A death certificate must be filed Inform family and friends, then wider Traditional. Throughout most of history, families with the proper authorities within the first few days. After community cared for their loved ones at home and prepared the the medical professional signs the form, the family or Gather helpers body after death. Every funeral was a “home funeral.” funeral director can complete their section and file the Wash, dress and lay out or casket the body certificate. Economical. By doing much of the work them- 2.
    [Show full text]
  • General Price List
    5265 Providence Rd. #104 4105 Chesapeake Sq. Blvd. # 107 Virginia Beach, VA 23464 Chesapeake, Va 23321 (757) 474-9409 (757)-966-2866 www.vacremationsociety.com GENERAL PRICE LIST These prices are effective as of December 1, 2019 Our funeral home takes great pride in delivering outstanding service. We appreciate the privilege of serving your family at this most difficult time. Our goal is to provide families all of the options available to them at the time of the arrangements so they are able to make a well informed decision, and give their loved one a dignified service. We hope that we will meet your expectations and be deserving of your trust now and in the future. We are available 24 hours a day to assist you. Please feel free to ask any questions that may arise. Our goal is to serve you with the compassion and professionalism that you deserve. Chris Sisler, Licensee in Charge CREMATION PLANS Cremation Plans Reflections Cremation Plan This plan includes the basic services of funeral director and staff, embalming, other preparation of the deceased, viewing funeral service at the funeral home or church, transfer of deceased to the funeral home, funeral coach if necessary, other automotive equipment, and crematory fee, personalized memorial package, photo collage and an urn allowance of $575.00. The cremation casket allowance is $3,350.00 Itemization Total: $11,520 Plan Savings: $1,595 Total Price: $9,925 Traditions Cremation Plan This plan includes the basic services of funeral director and staff, embalming, other preparation of the deceased, facilities and staff for same day visitation and funeral service, transportation transfer of deceased to the funeral home, funeral coach if necessary, other automotive equipment, crematory fee, personalized memorial package, photo collage and an urn allowance of $500.00.
    [Show full text]
  • Domestic Deathcare: the Effect of Home Funerals on the Grieving Process
    Winona State University OpenRiver Counselor Education Capstones Counselor Education - Graduate Studies 5-1-2019 Domestic Deathcare: The Effect of Home Funerals on the Grieving Process Eva Pitsch Winona State University Follow this and additional works at: https://openriver.winona.edu/counseloreducationcapstones Recommended Citation Pitsch, Eva, "Domestic Deathcare: The Effect of Home Funerals on the Grieving Process" (2019). Counselor Education Capstones. 97. https://openriver.winona.edu/counseloreducationcapstones/97 This Capstone Paper is brought to you for free and open access by the Counselor Education - Graduate Studies at OpenRiver. It has been accepted for inclusion in Counselor Education Capstones by an authorized administrator of OpenRiver. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Running head: HOME FUNERALS AND GRIEF i Domestic Deathcare: The Effect of Home Funerals on the Grieving Process Eva Pitsch A Capstone Project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Counselor Education at Winona State University Spring 2019 HOME FUNERALS AND GRIEF ii Domestic Deathcare: The Effect of Home Funerals on the Grieving Process Winona State University College of Education Counselor Education Department CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL __________________________ CAPSTONE PROJECT ___________________ This is to certify that the Capstone Project of Eva Pitsch Has been approved by the faculty advisor and the CE 695 – Capstone Project Course Instructor in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Counselor Education Capstone Project Supervisor: ______ ____________ Name Approval Date: ______5/8/2019____________ HOME FUNERALS AND GRIEF iii Abstract In the United States, there is a growing movement towards home and alternative funeral practices.
    [Show full text]
  • Eco-Friendly Burial Resources Handout
    Planning an Eco-Friendly Burial Resources handout. From the Boca Raton Public Library. February 2021. Environmental Impact – Regular Cremations National Geographic Article: Is Cremation Environmentally Friendly? Here’s the science. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Greenhouse gas emissions. Typical Passenger Vehicle Environmental Impact - Traditional Burials • UC Berkeley Planning Journal – Landscapes of the Dead: An Argument for Conservation Burial. • Funeral Consumers Alliance: Embalming What You Should Know • Embalming Article with Video from the Order Of The Good Death Alternative Burials: Bio cremation • Nolo: Alkaline Hydrolysis Laws For Your State • Cremation Institute: Water Cremation • Cremation Association: Alkaline Hydrolysis Alternative Burials: Green Burials • Green Burial Directory - US Funerals Online (us-funerals.com) • Where to go for Natural Burial Company Alternative Burials: Conservation Burials in FL • Conservation Burial Alliance • Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery • Heartwood Preserve: Natural Burial Environmentally Friendly Practices • Funeral Consumers Alliance: Green Burial Pamphlet • Green Funeral Practices Certificate: Statement of Use • US-Funerals: DIY Funerals Overview • National Home Funeral Alliance Alternative Urns • Passages International: Biodegradable Urns • EPA Sea Burial Policies and Guidelines • The Living Urn Coral Reef Programs in FL • Eternal Reef • Neptune Memorial Reef • 1000 Mermaids Memorial Reef Statues Contact information for the Southeast Florida FCA office File a Complaint with
    [Show full text]
  • 10 Things Your Funeral Director Won't Tell
    SmartMoney Magazine by Erika Rasmusson Janes and Lisa Scherzer Friday September 3, 2010 10 Things Funeral Directors Won't Tell You 1. “Business is slow, but my prices are high.” As U.S. life expectancies continue to climb, decade after decade, funeral homes struggle to maintain their profits. In most industries, that would mean price wars, but not in the burial business, where consumers often choose providers based on just three criteria: location, family history and personal recommendations. According to the most recent data from the National Funeral Directors’ Association, the average cost of a funeral was roughly $6,200 in 2006. And that’s without a lot of fancy extras such as cemetery charges, flowers and video tributes. That amount is up nearly 20% from 2000, when the average funeral was $5,180. Looking to protect consumers who can be vulnerable when dealing with the death of a loved one, the Federal Trade Commission put in place the Funeral Rule of 1984, which requires all funeral homes to provide a written price list with itemized fees. Nonetheless, some businesses still don’t offer it -- or else they exclude simple options such as direct cremation or burial, as well as bundle things consumers aren’t required to buy, such as vaults or transportation services. The best defense? Shop around, or have someone who is up to it do it for you. Specifically, call and request an itemized price list from several funeral homes in your area and choose accordingly. 2. “Cremation is killing off my profits.” Cremation is becoming a steadily more popular practice in the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Family Selection Guide & General Price List
    FAMILY SELECTION GUIDE General Price List Serving Our Community in Three Locations Abingdon 1317 Cokesbury Road | Abingdon, Maryland 21009 | 410.676.4600 Bel Air 50 West Broadway | Bel Air, Maryland 21014 | 410.838.4040 Jarrettsville 1114 Baldwin Mill Road | Jarrettsville, Maryland 21084 | 410.692.6000 McComasFuneralHome.com McComasFamily Funeral Homes Celebrating a Life Lived Owned & Operated by the McComas Family Since 1808 The goods and services shown below are those we can provide to our customers. You may choose only the items you desire. However, any funeral arrangements you select will include a charge for our basic services and over- head. If legal or other requirements mean you must buy any items you did not specifically ask for, we will ex- plain the reason in writing on the statement we provide describing the funeral goods and services you selected. For more helpfulThese information, prices are visiteffective us atas McComasFuneralHome.comof January 20, 2021 1 (subject to change without notice) Our Story, Our Promise McComas Funeral Home began in 1808 by Aaron McComas, a veteran of the Revolutionary War. In recent times, the business has been continued by Howard K. McComas III, and today, by Howard K. McComas IV and Holly K. McComas. What began over 210 years ago, has evolved to now include six generations. Family is still at the core of who we are, but our family has grown over the years to include not only the people who work with us, but also and above all, the families we serve. You’ve made it possible for us to continue doing what we care about every day, celebrating a life lived.
    [Show full text]