Choosing a Funeral Home

Funeral home planning involves many choices. Planning in advance gives you the opportunity to learn about options and communicate your wishes.

Please call your hospice social worker, chaplain and/or any local funeral home with questions.

For your protection when choosing a funeral home, the following information is provided by the Federal Trade Commission (consumer.ftc.gov).

Funeral Packages

Many funeral home providers offer various "packages" of goods and services for different kinds of funerals.

When you arrange for a funeral, you have the right to buy goods and services separately. That is, you do not have to accept a package that may include items you do not want.

When Making Decisions

• Research various funeral/cremation services in advance. Compare prices from at least two funeral homes. Taking this step in advance allows you to comparison shop without time constraints, creates an opportunity for family discussion, and lifts some of the burden from your family. It may also be helpful to know that you can supply your own casket or urn.
• Ask for a price list. The law requires funeral homes to give you written price lists for products and services.
• Resist pressure to buy goods and services you don’t really want or need.
• Avoid emotional overspending. It’s not necessary to have the most high end casket or the most elaborate funeral to properly honor a loved one.
• Recognize your rights. Laws regarding funerals and burials vary from state to state. It can be very useful and help guide your decisions if you know which goods or services the law requires you to purchase and which are optional.
• Apply the same smart shopping techniques you use for other major purchases. You can decrease costs by limiting the viewing to one day or one hour before the funeral, and by dressing your loved one in a favorite outfit instead of costly burial clothing.

Funeral Home and Cremation Services

To help you research funeral homes, there is a comprehensive list of funeral homes, including a price survey, available online at peoplesmemorial.org.

If you would like additional assistance with funeral home planning, your hospice social worker is available to help.