Getting Parents to Preplan Their Funerals; Lead by Example!
I am routinely asked how to get mom or dad to discuss their funeral prearrangements. It’s really very simple, lead by example. If you feel it’s time to discuss funeral and cemetery plans with your parents, invite them to go with you as you make your own plan. Explain why you feel you need to take care of these decisions before need. Discuss the importance of knowing your options to cover these predictable expenses.
Believe me; no one has regretted planning their funeral in advance. And involving your parents or children makes it even more meaningful.
Being better educated translates into better decisions. Cemetery and funeral options have expanded over the years. Whether you are choosing cremation, traditional burial or green burial options, it’s a great time to open the conversation with the adults you have always trusted to guide you.
A copy of our general preplanning guide is available on our website. This basic guide provides a great start for documenting personal plans while helping you and your family collect important paperwork which is often stashed throughout your home. I’m pretty sure mom and dad will take a hint and follow your lead.
There is no time like now to visit with a final expense professional. There may be special programs that your family qualifies for, such as veteran’s benefits or cemetery discounts. Keep your parents active in the conversation. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. An average appointment takes about an hour. You might want a direct cremation, your spouse a private estate on the hill. Yes, you can have both!
Preplanning does not automatically include prefunding but there are budgeting alternatives available to fit most family incomes, so don’t put it off. The reality is, death comes to all of us no matter what age we are! Be prepared.
Author – Barb Milton is the Vice President of Community Relations for Buchanan Group, Inc. Barb’s extensive industry background makes her a preferred guest speaker throughout the country regarding final expense decisions.
Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers
“I want a Cremation” is Just the Starting Point
Several times a week I am given the opportunity to assist families who have had a loss. Part of my responsibility is to see that the service they want and expect is carried out. The only way to uncover their needs is to ask. So often, when I ask what type of service they want, the answer I get is cremation.
Unfortunately, cremation is not an answer, but rather the building block; the foundation of where their service begins. In technical terms, cremation is just a form of final disposition.
As cremation becomes more popular, Flanner and Buchanan is becoming more flexible to meet the needs of their clientele. Rather than a “funeral,” perhaps you lean toward something more celebratory; we can accommodate that. Rather than a “visitation,” you might prefer more of an open house feeling; we can do that as well.
Many of our facilities have spaces that are evolving into event suites, complete with catering and bar service. If a traditional/formal service is not your style, please know that we are ever changing to meet the needs of the people we serve.
Author - Jerry Roberts is a funeral director and the manager of Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers - Carmel. He has led many of the company’s cremation service initiatives during his 28-year tenure with Flanner and Buchanan.