When it comes to discussing end of life arrangements, many family members feel uncomfortable with or may refuse to participate in planning the funeral. This is understandable…it is an extremely stressful time and most people have little experience in making funeral arrangements.  However, end of life planning is not something that ultimately can be ignored or put off indefinitely.  By finding the right funeral director, you can make this unavoidable responsibility go much more smoothly. Plus, finding a funeral director at a locally owned, family funeral home  that is dedicated to serving the community will ensure that you receive the best, personally attentive care possible?

A funeral director is a licensed professional experienced in all aspects of the preparation and planning of a funeral service. This includes preparing the deceased for viewing, burial, or cremation, managing funeral staff, and the completion of all legal documents related to certifying the death.  There are several different ways to go about looking for the right funeral director.

While the exact licensing requirements of a funeral director will vary slightly from state to state, the most important consideration is the individual’s reputation and the reputation of the funeral home where they work.  Family situations vary widely, but the impression left by the funeral director is lasting and is often expressed by the families they have served.  You should look for this kind of positive feedback on funeral home websites as well as general sources such as Facebook pages and Google reviews.

A good example of what to look for when reading reviews is when a family makes a statement such as “  I cannot recommend you highly enough for the job you did. You made me feel we were the only family you had to take care of and put forth every effort to accommodate our requests and our funeral budget.”  You want to work with a funeral director that puts you and your family first. Someone who treats your situation with the respect you deserve and not as another just another customer.  Other examples might look like; “ “I just want to thank you for everything. You have helped me and my family through the worst possible time in our lives. The funeral service was absolutely beautiful and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.  No detail was overlooked and our entire family was so pleased.”  Losing someone you love is never easy, but a qualified funeral director will help you navigate these intricacies while also providing the support you need at a difficult time.

Being prepared for life’s eventualities is an important goal.  Planning ahead for funeral arrangements provides you with the peace of mind in knowing that your wishes are clear and will be respected, and that you have reduced a heavy and heartfelt burden from your family’s shoulders.  Take the time to research and find a funeral director who will help you through this process, preferably before a death occurs.