One of the most often overlooked steps in funeral planning is communicating the passing of a loved one to others. While an obituary will do a good job of notifying the general community of the death, including where they can send flowers or attend a memorial service, those who were closer to the deceased deserve a more personalized message. However, since you’re likely to be grieving during this time, picking up the phone to make fifty phone calls might be more than you can handle.
Archive for the ‘What To Do When Someone Dies’ Category
When an Unexpected Death Occurs
Tuesday, August 7th, 2012
Much of the information you’ll find online (and here at our blog) has to do with funeral pre-planning. We always encourage people to look ahead to those difficult times, since making financial and physical arrangements can greatly reduce the burden on loved ones. This is especially true for those in the retirement planning stages of their life.
Unfortunately, death isn’t always something we can plan for. Many times, the loss of a loved one occurs out of the blue or when they are at an age when such a thing shouldn’t be possible. If this is the case, and you haven’t had any time to prepare or learn about funeral planning, you can expect to follow a timeline similar to this:
The Physical Side Effects of Bereavement
Friday, July 27th, 2012
There is no question that bereavement and loss take a toll on a person’s mental well -being. Countless resources exist to help families and individuals cope with the emotional ramifications death, including grief counseling, support groups, and books. These kinds of options are vital for the newly bereaved, and exist to help others begin moving through their grief.
Planning a Long-Distance Funeral
Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012
Although it’s not an ideal situation, there are cases in which a loved one in another location dies, and there is no one living nearby to help with the funeral planning. Because the nature of body disposal requires that most funerals be planned within a week’s time, it can be difficult to make all the necessary arrangements from another city or even another state.
Working with Hospice to Plan a Funeral
Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012
Most people associate hospice with issues related to end-of-life care, not funeral planning. After all, hospice is supposed to be about coping with terminal illness as a family and enjoying whatever time is left together.
However, because hospice exists to make the transition to death easier, it’s actually quite common for organizations to offer support and resources for funeral planning. The better prepared you are for the aftermath of death—including the social, emotional, spiritual, and financial ramifications—the easier it is to say your goodbyes while you still have time.
How to Plan an Ash Scattering Ceremony
Monday, March 19th, 2012
One of the primary reasons people choose cremation for their funeral plans is because there is much more flexibility in where, how, and when you dispose of the final remains.
Because cremains can remain in an urn or in a box for years before you make any decisions about how you want them to be scattered or buried, you have the luxury of time. This means you can plan a grand ceremony in keeping with your memories of the deceased or even wait until the entire family can gather to provide a proper send off.
Understanding Bereavement Leave
Saturday, March 17th, 2012
When a loved one passes, most people take anywhere from a few days to a few months of bereavement leave. This time is spent funeral planning, handling financial affairs, and grieving—all of which are part of a personal process that everyone approaches a different way.
Companies approach bereavement leave in different ways, as well. Some employers have policies for long-term bereavement complete with paid time off, while others might not be as generous with their time or their money. However, even if your workplace isn’t willing to work with you to find a good balance, there are some general guidelines in place to provide you with enough time to get through the initial funeral plans.
What is a Home Funeral?
Thursday, March 15th, 2012
When it comes to funeral planning, the modern consumer has more options than ever before. From cremation and green burial to traditional interment, there is a ceremony for every type of person—and every budget.
Those hoping to reduce funeral costs even more—and to put the focus back on family—have one more option: the home funeral. Once the only way to say goodbye to those we love, a home funeral is exactly what the name suggests. Instead of having a memorial service at a funeral home and burying the deceased in a cemetery, the entire process takes place at home.
What to Do if There isn’t a Funeral Home in Your Area
Monday, March 5th, 2012
When most people talk about funeral planning, they assume that you (or your loved ones) live in a city where funeral services are readily available. All metropolitan centers and mid-sized cities have several funeral homes to choose from, usually in a variety of religious denominations. However, as towns get smaller and more rural, there is a chance that your town won’t have a funeral home, a cemetery, a crematorium, or any other type of facility that can help you with the funeral planning process.
Obituaries and Identity Theft
Wednesday, February 29th, 2012
For most people, obituaries are a way to pay a tribute to a loved one and to advertise the time and place of a memorial service. Great time and care is taken to write the obituary in a way that honors the deceased, and a picture is lovingly selected to go along with it.
Unfortunately, not even death keeps predators away. The recently deceased are a target for identity theft, and one way in which people gather information on their victims is to search the obituary page for leads. The damages caused by this kind of crime can be catastrophic—especially for the grieving family. For example, if the spouse or partner of the deceased is still living, he or she may be held financially liable for the theft of monies or credit. It can also be a huge hassle to go through the police and credit agencies to prove that a theft occurred.
