Monday, March 26, 2012

Funeral Planning and Costs

Naturally, death is a difficult topic for many families to discuss. No one wants to consider the passing of their elderly loved ones. But senior care professionals have found planning for this event to be helpful in the mourning process. Elder care providers know that, with all services paid in advance, grieving family members are able to focus fully on the healing process without having the distraction of funeral bills and arrangements. In Chapel Hill, senior care professionals help families talk through these preparations every day.

Consider the story of Lucas and his father, Byron. Byron faced a terminal illness and wanted to arrange all of his affairs—including his funeral and financial arrangements for his surviving wife—before his health declined too much to do so. Despite not wanting to talk about Byron's deteriorating health, Lucas helped his father pick a casket, arrange his service, and set up a financial plan for his mother, Lucy. When Byron passed, Lucas was thankful that his father had cared about his family enough to prepare his funeral ahead of time. Lucas and Lucy knew that all of the arrangements were exactly how Byron had wanted them.

Making funeral and cost arrangements in advance can prove extremely beneficial to an elderly loved one's family. Here are some details to consider when planning ahead:

  1. Does your elderly loved one want to be buried or cremated?
  2. Where would your elderly loved one like to be buried or who would they like to keep their ashes?
  3. What kind of coffin or urn would your elderly loved one prefer?
  4. Is there a charity that your elderly loved one would like mourners to support in lieu of flowers?
  5. Where would your elderly loved one like their service to be held?
  6. How will a surviving spouse manage financially?

Lucas and Lucy were glad their home care service provider helped them arrange Byron's affairs before he passed. By doing so, he granted them time to grieve his loss while spending time with their family. Senior care professionals can help make funeral arrangements and support your family through the planning process.

16 comments:

  1. Thanks, this is really helpful. My parents, especially my dad, have poor health right now and after attending a funeral in Toronto for my friend's father, I've been thinking a lot about what I will do when my parents pass. I really appreciate the advice.

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  3. Thanks for this I've been looking around for good funeral planning in Hoffman Estates, IL and this blog was really helpful.

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  4. Thanks for the post . Really passing of the elderly loved ones is not a good news but still it is a big truth of life. But I am thankful to the funeral services which are you providing at the affordable costs

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  5. No matter what time it is in your life you never feel like its time for you to go. There are always regrets, but these can be seen as lessons learned. There are fears, but they can become our sources of courage. In the lessons of life, you are never too young to learn.
    http://leanneodea.com.au/

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  6. This is such a hard conversation to have but it is so worth it. It is much harder after they're gone if you don't know what they want. It's good to think about it early because you never know what will happen, even if you are young.

    Jane Fairfax | http://www.bowraodea.com.au/arranging-a-funeral/planning-a-funeral/

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  7. It's really difficult to lose a loved one. When my grandmother passed away we had her body cremated. We buried the ashes next to my grandfather. She had already bought the plot of land, so it made everything a lot easier.
    Claudia Rosenburg | http://www.leewardfuneralhome.com/what-we-do/designing-your-funeral

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  8. Losing a loved one can easily be one of the hardest things we have to go through. I know I was having a really hard time when I lost my grandmother. We were very close, we talked everyday. I am glad that before she passed, she planned all of her funeral arrangements. It was a lot easier on us and it was good to know that it happened the way she wanted it to. http://www.lawrybrothers.com

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  9. I am really sad that I have to research this topic. My favorite uncle just passed away and we must prepare for his funeral. He will be sorely missed, but at least he died doing what he loved.

    http://www.snovergivnish.com/

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  10. My parents are getting older and I am nervous about having to plan their funeral. Your article has made me realize that I need to have a talk with them to determine what kind of service they will want after their passing. Planning a funeral will be much easier if I knew I was carrying out their wishes. http://www.williamsonrestaurant.com/funeralluncheonmenus.html

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  11. My brother and his wife lost her mom this past week. They are really beside themselves with distress and sadness. I would love to step in and help them make the funeral plans. Which funeral home is the best to work with in Lebanon, PA?

    http://www.christmansfuneralhome.com

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  12. My grandmother in law died last night. She was 101 years old, and she lived a great life. My in laws need to plan for her funeral. My grandma in law had a lot of relatives, so I'm sure that she is going to have a big funeral. http://www.morrisnilsen.com/pre-arrange/

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  13. This article could help anyone trying to plan a funeral. I love your tip about asking the loved one beforehand if they want to be buried or cremated. That's certain to be an emotional conversation, but you'll be glad you had it. It's nice to know that at least you are carrying out your loved one's final wishes, you know? That brings peace of mind, for sure.
    Megan | http://www.thomasfuneralchapels.com

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  14. What are some of the most important things to plan for when it comes to funeral planning? The one thing that I want to make sure of is that I'm ready for it if anyone of my loved ones pass away. This article helped a ton and gave me a good look at what the costs will be like.
    http://www.boltonandlunsford.com/funeral-planning

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  15. This is an excellent post. We at Jones Family Mortuary find that when a funeral has been pre-arranged it is so much easier on the grieving families.

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  16. That makes sense to ask about burial and cremation. If the loved one wants burial then you can save for that. I'm retired now so I'll use some of my pension to set aside funeral expenses. http://thomasfuneralchapels.com

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