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.