There are so many difficult choices to make when a loved one dies. One of the very first decisions is choosing a funeral home. This can seem like an overwhelming task when you have a short amount of time to put someone to rest. While many decisions can only be made after a person dies, selecting a funeral home is one that can be made ahead of time whether it’s for
pre-plan arrangements
or for just being prepared. It can also save you time and anguish later when you’re dealing with loss.
Not sure where to start? Two things can help guide you—knowing your priorities and budget. Understanding what you absolutely want at the funeral and what you can afford will help you design an event that best fits your needs.
It may benefit you to discuss a budget with your family to avoid any financial hardships before you begin shopping around. Ask your loved ones about their preferences. If you’re creating a funeral plan for a family member, find out if they’ve documented their last wishes, burial plans, or already have a pre-paid plan in place.
Next, list what is important to you in a funeral home. Does it need to be close to your home, church, or cemetery? Will it need to accommodate a large group of visitors? Will there be a viewing and funeral? Will you need technology such as a sound or video system? Do you prefer simple or lavish? Asking yourself these questions will help guide you. Once you’ve settled on priorities and a budget, you can use specific criteria to find a best fit.
Here are nine tips to choosing a funeral home:
1. Ask for recommendations
Look to friends and family members in your local area to recommend a funeral home. If they’ve recently lost a loved one, ask for an opinion on their funeral home experience. If your family has worked with a funeral home in the past, you should also consider that experience.
2. Check reviews
Search online for funeral homes in your area and check reviews before deciding. You’ll want to select a business that has a positive reputation. If it’s important to you to work with a funeral home that has been in operation
for generations like us, this is worthwhile to investigate as well.
3. Contact a funeral association
Funeral associations have strict standards and codes of conduct that funeral homes must follow. The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) can provide you with a list of members in your area to research. We are a member of the NFDA as well as the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association and the Selected Independent Funeral Homes, where membership is extended by invitation only to funeral homes after careful evaluation of their character, professional ability, and reputation.
4. Learn about amenities
Can the funeral home accommodate your specific wishes like handling a certain number of guests, transportation services, handicap facilities, private family room, cremation, and more? Ensure that you choose a funeral home that has the amenities you require.
5. Ask for a list of products and services
By law, funeral homes must provide you with a general list of their products and services. These lists can help you make price comparisons to determine what funeral home best fits your budget, and so you understand everything that is included.
6. Personalized experience
You’ll want a funeral home that will honor your wishes when it comes to religious, cultural, or personalized elements. The best funeral is one that is
unique to your spirit and values. We offer many service options such as traditional chapel and memorial services or services in another place of worship. We also provide alternative choices such as cremation, coordination with out-of-state or international cemeteries including Israel, and graveside service at the cemetery location.
7. Technology
If creating a dimensional funeral experience online is important to you then you’ll want to choose a funeral home that incorporates technology into their services with memorial videos, webcasting services, or online planning.
8. Visit the facilities
Once you narrowed down your selection, be sure to schedule a meeting with the funeral director to check their facilities and assess the staff. It’s beneficial to bring along a family member or friend who can help you be objective. This is a good time to discuss your specific funeral arrangement choices and request a quote. At Roth-Goldsteins’ we welcome you to
visit our chapels
to discuss your pre-need or funeral arrangement needs with one of our licensed funeral directors.
9. Know your payment options
Ask the funeral director about available payment options. For example, at Roth-Goldsteins’ we offer financing, prepayment/prearranged, cash, check, or credit card payment. We can provide you with all of the options and costs so that you can carefully and thoughtfully make the decisions that are best for you. When it comes to evaluating a funeral home, you’ll want transparency and flexibility in paying for services that best fits your financial situation.
Taking the time to choose the right funeral home to meet your needs and wishes can not only offer peace of mind but also help you face the challenging grief process. If you partner with us at Roth-Goldsteins’, our licensed directors work with you to design the ideal funeral for you or a loved one. We are committed to providing your family with the finest in personal end-of-life care. Call us today at 609-344-9004 for a confidential and free pre-arrangement consultation.