Most people find the question of pre-planning a funeral a difficult one. But it’s not as difficult as people might think.
Pre-planning allows the time to talk, investigate, compare, and come to decisions that will meet individual and family needs.
Once a funeral home is selected and preferences are discussed, the next logical step is to prearrange the service. Many people do this with a sincere desire to be helpful to their family and to avoid questions and confusion later on.
Since funerals most directly affect the family of the deceased, it is essential to include their suggestions in the plans.
Funeral directors have the proper forms needed for making these prearrangements. The funeral director will keep a copy of these forms on file, but the person making the arrangements should as well.
Remember, thinking ahead puts the person planning in charge, which most people find comforting. Pre-planning one’s own funeral is now widely practiced across Canada.
Most funeral homes also offer the option to pre-pay the expenses. Pre-paying a funeral retains all the obvious advantages of the pre-arranged funeral, but goes further with respect to the financial advantages.
Prepaying expenses is a hedge against inflation. All services, merchandise and other disbursements are guaranteed to be provided as they are required – and at today’s price.
Why pre-plan a funeral? First and foremost, it will provide peace of mind knowing that loved ones won’t have to make crucial decisions during a time of grief and emotional stress. They won’t have to make guesses about burial, cremation, services or memorial – they’ll know exactly what is expected and how to best honour the deceased’s memory.
Peter MacIntyre is manager of pre-paid services at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home and Chapel Ltd. in Guelph and Rockwood.
