Page 28 - Bereavement Guide Book

What should I be prepared to Why are public viewings impor-
provide when going to the funer- tant?
al home to make arrangements? Viewing the deceased allows family and
friends to begin the process of acceptance.
When making at-need or pre-need arange- Seeing the deceased does not increase the
ments, the family will need to provide pain, on the contrary, in most cases it actu-
information required for the death certificate. ally minimizes the disbelief, fantasies and
This information, referred to as vital statistics often distorted images that are present when
consists of the following: death occurs. Grief counselors recognize the
importance of the funeral and the viewing of
• Deceased’s legal name the deceased in facilitating the acceptance of
• Legal Address a death. In the opinion of many grief pro-
• Social security number fessionals, families that are deprived of the
• Both parents’ names opportunity to memoralize and visualize the
• Date of Birth deceased have more of a difficult time with
• Place of Birth grief and the grieving process.
• Level of Education
• If served in the military: years of service
and a copy of the discharge papers DD214. Is embalming required by law?
• Employment history, position held, nature
of industry and place of employment Embalming is not requied by law. It is, how-
• If in ground burial or entombment, the ever, generally required to allow long delays
cemetery and the deed if available between death and the funeral. A funeral
• If open casket viewing is anticipated, cloth- home may require embalming for open casket
ing and a recent picture viewing during the funeral process. It effec-
tively protects funeral workers, family mem-
Can your funeral home conduct bers and friends alike from a wide range of
a funeral service in another loca- potential hazards, and removes unpleasant ch\
nges caused to the body by death. Embalming
tion? is required when final disposition is in another
Yes. Many funeral homes will allow another country. Funeral directors must adhere to the
funeral director access to their facilities for requirements of the receiving country, and
the convenience of serving the family will obtain such requirements from the near-
est local embassy of that country.

What if a death occurs in anoth- Why should I pre-arrange my
er state/town? funeral or burial?
Upon notification of the death, call your local
funeral home of choice. Your funeral director When you plan ahead, you will be able to
will be able to make the necessary arrange- consider the many options available. The op-
ments to transfer the deceased from the portunity will be there to make an informed
place of death to the lcoal funeral home’s decision about the funeral, the type of service
care. This relives the family of the stress and and final disposition of burial, entombment
financial burden of dealing with multiple or cremation. The choices will be meaningful
funeral homes. Your funeral director can and to you and your family, and you will gain
will coordinate everything for you. peace of mind knowing your family and

Page 28 | Peace and Tranquility Funeral Home