Tips For Choosing The Right Funeral Home
A recent search on the YellowPages online directory for "funeral homes
, Michigan" resulted in 1,748 listings. How are you supposed to sift through the masses and choose the right one? Whether you are planning ahead or recently suffered the loss of a loved one, the aspects that will influence your funeral home choice are essentially the same. Granted, different Michigan funeral homes will offer variations on the same services, and some may be better suited to your needs. However, there is a basic list of criteria that should be considered by all.
Reputation
The first and foremost consideration when purchasing any business's service or product should be the company's reputation. Think of the consumer buying decisions that are made on a regular basis. People are much more likely to purchase an item or service from a company that holds a positive reputation than from one that doesn't, or isn't well-recognized.
In order to gain a good sense of a funeral home's reputation, do some research! Talk to your clergy, family, friends and neighbors who have resided in the community for some time. They should be able to offer some useful advice and recommendations pertaining to the funeral homes Michigan has to offer.
Staff
A funeral home's reputation relies heavily on its staff. The friendliness, courtesy, respect and helpfulness of the employees are crucial to a successful funeral or memorial event. Before making a decision, be sure to meet with those who would be involved in your event. Thankfully, Michigan funeral homes have historically offered kind, warm-hearted services thanks to the northern hospitality that so many are familiar with.
Location
Although your choice should not be based solely on convenience, there may be some Michigan funeral homes that are simply too far in distance or will not accommodate your family's specific needs. Some questions to consider include:
*Is the funeral home located in a relatively quiet and low-traffic area? Remember, there will be elderly drivers who will need to enter and exit the neighborhood safely and with ease.
*Are there adequate parking facilities? Think about how many people are expected to attend and, as with any event, be sure to allow for those who are unexpected.
*The weather is a very important aspect to consider when comparing funeral homes. Michigan is notorious for drastic spikes and drops in temperature that often come with heavy rainfall and blowing snow. Make sure that people will be able to get in and out of the building with substantial cover.
*Is the building handicap accessible? This should include inspecting not only front entrance ramps and parking spots, but also the restrooms and meeting spaces.
Decor
Several sociological and psychological studies have found that different colors can affect a person's mood. In the case of a funeral or memorial ceremony, the decor should give the attendees a sense of calm and comfort. Studies show that natural or earth-like tones are the most soothing for people under stress. Ask yourself if the building looks and feels relaxed. Is the decor appropriate for the upcoming ceremony? These are important things to consider when choosing the right funeral home.
Pricing
Make sure that you are well-versed on the Funeral Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This applies to all funeral homes, Michigan included. According to the rule, consumers must be allowed to compare prices between various funeral homes and choose which specific services they want to use without being pressured into purchasing any sort of 'package'. Funeral directors are obligated to give pricing information via telephone if it is requested and they are not allowed to require callers' personal information.
While shopping around through multiple Michigan funeral homes, be sure to get a written, itemized price list from each business you are considering. This is another consumer right as stated by the Funeral Rule. Also, make sure that the prices you get are for the exact same caskets or services so that an accurate comparison can be made.
The points listed are simply a general starting place when sorting through the long list of funeral homes Michigan has to offer. For each person's unique situation there will be variations and additional considerations to be taken. Make sure to give the research the time and effort it deserves so that choosing the right location from the multitude of Michigan funeral homes will be an easy decision. In the end, your choice will be leave a lasting, meaningful memory in honor of your loved one.
by: Mimi Naghshineh
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