Funeral Home Planning

End of Life Planning

Funeral home planning also 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):

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 about funeral services:

• 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 research funeral homes, Azorna Hospice offers the following list as a resource but does not endorse or suggest you use any of the organizations included. Please call the funeral home directly to confirm the location and their services.