WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES MARCH 2, 2017 15 COPING WITH DEATH What to do when a death occurs The death of a loved one can be an overwhelming experience. In many cases, survivors are trying to cope with their grief as well as arrange a funeral service. It is enormously helpful at this diffi cult time to rely on the advice of a specially trained, licensed funeral director. Most families will call on the same funeral director they’ve turned to in the past to help them arrange the funeral. If there is no family funeral director, it is a good idea to secure recommendations from friends or neighbors, or use the NYSFDA Find A Funeral Home feature to search a decedent’s neighborhood. The fi rst step is to call the funeral home for a conference to begin the process. If a death occurs in another city, state or country away from home, it is best to call your hometown funeral director to make the necessary arrangements. Before making any arrangements, determine if the deceased left instructions about his or her funeral, or purchased or prepaid funeral or cemetery arrangements. Funeral arrangements made prior to death should be honored. Preplanning one’s funeral is a growing trend that ensures peace of mind and relieves the individual’s loved ones of a decision making process at a stressful time. Be sure to check if the deceased is entitled to death benefi ts that would help cover funeral costs. Be aware that signing a contract for funeral services will make you liable for the cost of the funeral. The decedent’s estate or available death benefi ts may cover fi nal costs. It is important to check with your family attorney. By law, funeral directors must off er accurate price information to people making inquiries over the telephone regarding funeral costs. If you visit the funeral home, the funeral director will give you a written, itemized price list with all the specifi c goods and services the funeral home off ers. It is good to remember that it is entirely up to the family to make the selections for a personalized ritual to meet their emotional needs and economic situation. Aft er the arrangements have been agreed upon, the funeral director will provide a written statement showing the total cost of each item selected. In addition to removing the deceased from the place of death and caring for the body, the funeral director will arrange all details of the funeral service which may include the following : Contacting clergy and arranging an appropriate time and place for the services Writing and distributing obituaries Contacting the cemetery/crematory staff, florists, fraternal organizations and memorial gift organizations Working cooperatively with organ donation teams Preparing all legal documents (death certifi cates, burial transit/cremation permits, medical examiner certifi cates, reports of death, social security and all Veterans Administration benefi ts, and in some instances fi ling insurance paperwork) Providing an emotionally and spiritually comforting environment for visitation and life celebration services Transporting family and friends in a funeral procession to the place of fi nal disposition The funeral director provides quiet support to the family during a time of great emotional stress, and attends to all aspects of the funeral service in a professional and caring way. Always remember that any questions you may have may be directed to your local funeral director. Courtesy of NYS Funeral Directors Association
RT03022017
To see the actual publication please follow the link above