| Question #1 | What is a funeral?
|
| Answer: | The funeral is a ceremony of proven worth and value for those who mourn. It provides an opportunity for the survivors and others who share in the loss to express their love, respect and grief. It permits facing openly and realistically the crisis that death may present. through the funeral, the bereaved take that first step towards emotional adjustment to their loss. |
|
| Question #2 | What type of service should I have?
|
| Answer: | The type of service conducted for the deceased is specified by the family. Funeral directors are trained to help families arrange the type of service they desire. The service is usually held at a place of worship or at the funeral home. The service may vary in ritual according to religious denomination or the wishes of the family. The presence of friends at this time is an acknowledgement of friendship and support. A private service is by invitation only where selected relatives and a few close friends attend the funeral service. A memorial service is usually a service without the body present and can vary in ceremony and procedures according to the family's community and religious affiliations.
|
|
| Question #3 | Can I personalize my funeral service?
|
| Answer: | Absolutely. The funeral is a celebration of life. Funeral directors are happy to discuss all options and ensure your funeral is tailored to your wishes. It may be personalized by playing favourite music, by donations in lieu of flowers, or by having close friends say a few words during the funeral service. |
|
| Question #4 | Why have a public viewing?
|
| Answer: | Viewing is part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Many grief specialists believe that viewing aids the grief process by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death. Viewing is encouraged for children, as long as the process is explained and the activity voluntary.
|
|
| Question #5 | Why have an obituary notice?
|
| Answer: | It is helpful to friends and the community to have an obituary notice published announcing the death and type of service to be held. A notice can be placed in a local newspaper or on the Internet.
|
|
| Question #6 | What is the role of a funeral director?
|
| Answer: | Funeral directors are caregivers and administrators. They make the arrangements for transportation of the body, complete all necessary paperwork, and implement the choices made by the family regarding the funeral and final disposition of the body.
Funeral directors are listeners, advisors and supporters. They have experience assisting the bereaved in coping with death. Funeral directors are trained to answer questions about grief, recognize when a person is having difficulty coping, and recommend sources of professional help. Funeral directors also link survivors with support groups at the funeral home or in the community.
|
|
| Question #7 | What is the purpose of embalming?
|
| Answer: | Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body, retards the decomposition process, and enhances the appearance of a body disfigured by traumatic death or illness.
Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, thus allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them.
Please note that embalming may be required if the deceased is being transported by air to another country where local laws need be observed.
|
|
| Question #8 | Is embalming mandatory by law?
|
| Answer: | No. But, the factors of time, health and possible legal requirements might make embalming either appropriate or necessary. The law requires embalming when the body is shipped into or out of Ontario or by public carrier. Embalming the body enables mourners to view the deceased if they wish. The emotional benefits of viewing the deceased are enormous, particularly to those having difficulty dealing with the death.
|
|
| Question #9 | Is cremation a substitute for a funeral?
|
| Answer: | No, cremation is an alternative to earth burial or entombment for the body's final disposition and often follows a traditional funeral service. Your Funeral Home can assist you with the necessary information for a funeral with a cremation following or a memorial service. |
|
| Question #10 | Can I have a visitation period and a funeral service if cremation is chosen?
|
| Answer: | Yes. Cremation does not preclude having a visitation period and a funeral service. Cremation is simply one option for final disposition of the body.
|
|
| Question #11 | How much does a funeral cost?
|
| Answer: | Funerals can cost as little as $1000 for a direct disposition.(Direct disposition includes registering the death, a basic casket or container, and transporting the deceased to a cemetery or crematorium) In Ontario, for an adult, full-service funeral, consumers choose to spend an average of $5000. This includes a professional service, transfer-of remains, embalming, other preparation, use of viewing facilities, use of facilities for ceremony, hearse, limousine, and casket.
|
|
| Question #12 | Why are funerals expensive?
|
| Answer: | In some respects, funerals are a lot like weddings or birthday celebrations. The type and cost will vary according to the tastes and budget of the consumer.
A funeral home is a 24-hour, labor-intensive business, with extensive facilities (viewing rooms, chapels, limousines, hearses, etc.), these expenses must be factored into the cost of a funeral.
Moreover, the cost of a funeral includes not only merchandise, like caskets, but the services of a funeral director in making arrangements; filing appropriate forms; dealing with doctors, ministers, florists, newspapers and others; and seeing to all the necessary details. Contrary to popular belief, funeral homes are largely family-owned with a modest profit margin.
|
|
