Choosing a Funeral Home

Depending upon the wishes of the family and their specific needs concerning the death of their loved one, there are many activities a funeral home will take care of, from the time they are first called until the chosen services are concluded. No situation is exactly the same. Many funeral homes offer various "packages" of commonly selected goods and services that make up a funeral. But when you arrange for a funeral, you have the right to buy individual goods and services. Meaning: you do not have to accept a package that may include items you do not want, you have the right to choose what you find appropriate for your loved one or even yourself. 

According to the Funeral Rule:

·       You have the right to choose the funeral goods and services you want  (with some exceptions).

·       The funeral home must state this in writing on the general price list.

·       If state or local law requires you to buy any particular item, the funeral provider must disclose it on the price list, with a reference to the specific law.

·       The funeral home may not refuse, or charge a fee, to handle a casket you bought elsewhere

A funeral home that offers cremations must make alternative containers available

the following list is a brief summary of things a family should know about the services a funeral home performs upon a person's death:

Be on call to serve families when a death occurs, 24 hours a day.

Remove and transfer the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home.

Perform professional care of the the deceased, as requested by the family, which may include washing, embalming, restorative art, dressing, casketing, hairdressing and cosmetology.

Arrange a consultation with the family to gather information necessary for completing paperwork and to arrange the details of the funeral service.

Formulate, complete and file of all necessary paperwork, including certificates of death, or other premits and authorizations.

Compose, with the provided information, an obituary - including service information, biographical information and survivor information - and send to all newspapers requested by the family.

Offer assistance to the family by contacting the family's choice of clergy, other officiants, musicians and singers if requested.

Contact and arrange necessary details with the cemetery, crematory or other place of disposition, inquiring about fees, regulations and other requirements prior to funeral services.

Help families with questions about veterans affairs, social security benefits, insurance claims and other inquiries.

Help families by arranging flowers, framed photos, photo collages and other memorial pieces in chapel during services and/or visitation.

Assist the family with other arrangements that are needed after the service, including death dates added to existing monuments or purchase of new monuments.

At Tough Times we take the time to understand your needs, our experienced staff are on hand to help with every detail. Contact us today