Talking about death is often difficult. Yet death in the family may create problems for survivors, which can sometimes be alleviated by discussion and pre-planning. Funeral and burial arrangements are an important consideration and should be discussed openly and frankly. Pre-arranging and sometimes pre-financing a funeral is a method some people choose to assist their survivors after death occurs.

Careful counselling with an experienced funeral director can avoid unwise planning involving particularly the financing of funerals in advance of need.

Why Pre-Arrange A Funeral

There are many different reasons for pre-arranging a funeral. Some people, especially those who are alone in the world, may want the assurance of a funeral and burial which meets their personal beliefs, standard or life-style. Others feel a responsibility to assist survivors by arranging approximate funeral and burial cost guidelines. Still others have moved to distant places, or maintain both summer and winter residences. They may want to make sure that certain recommendations are heeded, as to where the funeral and burial or other final disposition will take place.

Advantages or disadvantages of funeral pre-arrangements depend upon the individual circumstances and cannot be generalized. Pre-arrangement is often a tentative plan contingent upon the belief that circumstances will remain relatively stable during the remaining lifetime of the pre-arranger and of those whom he or she involves in the pre-arrangements.

Those Who Survive Are Important

Before prescribing a definite kind of funeral, or type of final disposition, it is always wise to consider and consult those survivors who will be most affected by the death. Grant them the opportunity to be active, planning participants not just passive spectators.

This is prudent, because when death comes it may have a strong and emotional impact upon the other members of the family. Permitting them to assist in making funeral and burial arrangements could serve as a healthy outlet for their grief and anxiety. Giving them the privilege of performing a last act of recognition, honour, and respect for the deceased will dramatize eloquently to all the reality that a life has been lived.

Aside from the specific personal reasons for discussing funeral arrangements in advance of need, there is an additional benefit. The subject of death is brought out in the open and the family is afforded an opportunity to mutually share their thoughts about its important considerations. Mental health is never sustained by the denial of death, but by the frank acknowledgement of this reality of life.

Entering into a pre-arrangement agreement with a funeral director also provides an opportunity to indicate one's wishes in writing. It ought to be prefaced by a review and evaluation of current funeral costs, funeral ceremonies and alternate funeral and burial procedures. Thus counselling with a funeral director could well be a significant educational experience.

Funeral homes have pre-arrangement agreement forms. Together, you and the funeral director can discuss all necessary details.

Once the pre-arrangement is completed, the client receives a copy and the funeral director keeps one on file. The client should notify some responsible person or persons that such an agreement exists and where it may be found. If desired, the funeral director will supply additional copies for informational purposes. Monies for funeral and burial purposes usually come from one or more sources. Some of the proceeds of life insurance, allowances of governmental agencies, union and fraternal organization, savings and estate funds are the primary sources.

Some who pre-arrange a funeral will want to pre-pay the entire amount. Pre-payment of funeral costs, placed in a trust fund provides a "hedge against inflation," because no matter how many years may pass before the time of need, the dollars deposited and accumulated interest will be applied towards the cost of the funeral. Any surplus of funds will be returned to the estate.