How to Choose a Funeral Home

Saying goodbye to a loved one is always difficult, and this is often exacerbated by the need to make funeral arrangements in a hurry. Or, maybe you’re planning ahead to spare your family from the ordeal of choosing a funeral home and type of service for yourself. Here are a few things to keep in mind when comparing funeral homes in Chicago, IL.

Determine a budget

Many people just accept the funeral home’s price and then struggle to pay it, but the last thing a grieving family needs is to worry about how they can pay the funeral bill. Funerals can be a costly expense, so decide on a budget that’s affordable for your financial situation. Be sure to check if any arrangements at a specific funeral home have already been prepaid, or if there is any other documentation that could help you in the decision-making process.

Know your rights

The Funeral Rule, as enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), protects your rights as a funeral consumer. You are entitled to receive pricing information over the telephone and to receive a written itemized price list in person. You can buy only the goods and services you want, as well as choose not to have your loved one embalmed. If cremation is chosen, you may use an alternative container instead of a casket. A funeral home cannot charge additional fees if you provide them with a casket or urn that was purchased elsewhere. Lastly, you are entitled to receive a written statement of everything you’ve chosen prior to paying.

Determine your needs

Determine whether there are any preferences or written instructions about final arrangements that should be followed. If there are special religious or cultural requirements, look for a funeral home that can accommodate them. Some funeral homes may not offer a gathering space, so be sure to check whether they do if that’s a priority for you. If you want a viewing or a service, check whether the facility has enough parking, accessibility or technological capabilities for your needs.

In choosing a location, consider whether it’s most important to be close to your home, place of worship or the cemetery. Most funeral homes have a service radius for picking up the deceased without an additional cost, which could be useful in your decision making.

Compare prices

Check with your local Funeral Consumers Alliance to see if they have a price survey, which can give you a general idea of how much you should be paying. You can also request itemized quotes from several different funeral homes for a more personalized comparison. By simply shopping around and carefully reviewing your options, you could save lots of money.

Are you choosing a funeral home in Chicago, IL? Locally owned and operated Marik-Baken Funeral Services Ltd. offers compassionate, customized funeral services. Our caring staff will guide you through every step of the planning process during this difficult time. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you honor your loved one.

Categorised in: Funeral Home

This post was written by Writer