Funeral Directing Chapter 3: Arrangement Conference

Many new arrangers fear starting the arrangement conference interview the proper way. Some funeral directors get right down to business with a statement such as, "I'll need to ask you a series of questions that will give me the information necessary for our records and the death certificate." This method is described as the ___.

1950's model

As a ___, the director helps the family understand their options and plan a service that meets their needs, all while bringing them comfort and support.

facilitator

This kind of funeral is identical or remarkably similar to every other funeral the funeral home conducts.

"cookie-cutter" funeral

Payment options: (5 items)

-immediate payment -insurance assignment -credit card -financial institution loan -wait until the estate is settled

Burial, Cremation, or Transit Permit/Disposition Permit: This legal document, issued by the proper government agency, authorizes transportation and/or disposition of human remains. This permit: (3 items)

-is issued upon the filing of the completed death certificate with the proper agency -is the legal permit that allows the funeral director to transport and/or dispose of a dead human body -is the legal record that the final disposition has occurred (burial, removal, or cremation).

As a functionary, the funeral director needs to collect information for: (12 items)

-legal documents -explanation of expenses -explanation of government forms, such as the death certificate burial or, cremation permits -the death notice or obituary -presenting merchandise for the family to purchase, including caskets, vaults, urns, clothing, flowers, or memorial markers -date and time for visitation -date and time for disposition (i.e. internment, cremation, entombment) -coordination with clergy or funeral celebrant -special requests -service details, such as music selections, religions or inspirational readings -financial arrangements -automobile needs

Before entering the casket display (selection) room, the funeral director should give the family some idea of what to expect when in the room, including: (7 items)

-permission to touch -number of caskets -range of prices -explanation of the different types of caskets -reason for the large selection -explanation of what will occur -if the funeral director will stay or leave

Purposes of the death certificate: (4 items)

-shows cause of death for medical or actuarial research -is the legal, permanent record of death -is a permanent, statistical record of the deceased -assists with settling estate/legal affairs

The following information is gathered during the arrangement conference for the death notice/obituary: (12 items)

-spouse/partner -father -mother -sons -daughters -brothers -sisters -grandchildren -organizations -visitation -funeral -funeral home

The purpose of the funeral arrangement conference are: (3 items)

-to build rapport with the family -to help them plan a service that will be meaningful to them and reflect the life of the deceased -to obtain vital statistical information for funeral home records, needed legal documents, and death notices or obituaries

It is estimated that around ___% of people describe themselves as spiritual, not religious. These people are referred to as "___."

30%, "nones"

According to Boxley (2017), the arrangement style and process of most funeral directors is: -___% what we were shown by our internship supervisor -___% lessons of trial and error -___% flying by seats of our pants, hoping to avoid any objection for which we are unprepared

50%, 30%, 20%

Death Notice

A classified notice publicizing the death of a person, listing survivors and giving those details of the funeral service that the survivors wish to have published. There is usually a charge for this announcement.

Obituary

An announcement of death that has a biographical sketch of the person's life, listing occupation, organizations, and notable information, sometimes with a photograph. There is not usually a charge for an obituary.

The FTC also requires that the funeral home have a ___ and an ___ available. These do not have to be given to the family for retention but must be available.

Casket Price List, Outer Burial Container Price List

In some cases, a release from the ___ or ___ may be required,

Coroner, medical examiner

___ use is becoming a more common payment option

Credit card

The ___ (FTC) requires that this GPL be given to the family for their retention.

Federal Trade Commission

The first ___ minutes with a family can be the difference between them feeling like you care or feeling like you are there to just take information and sell them something.

Five

During the arrangement conference the funeral director acts as both a ___, collecting information, and a ___.

Functionary, facilitator

What makes wow factor for descendent?

Funeral Celebrant Services

Funeral directors can use a ___ instead of a member of the clergy to conduct a non-religious service.

Funeral celebrant

This form is required by the FTC and is to be given to the family at the end of the arrangement conference.

Statement of Goods and Services Selected Form

This is the least favorable payment option for the funeral home

Wait until the estate is settled

Death certificate

a legal document containing vital statistics, disposition information, and final medical information pertaining to the cause of death.

Functionary aspect

a legal or ethical relationship of trust

Celebration of Life

a personalized service focused on the life of the person instead of their death.

Humanistic service

a service devoid of religion.

Memorial service

a service without the body present usually held days or weeks after the disposition.

In today's world, statistics prove that many people want to do business ___.

online

Most funeral directors are more comfortable with this ___ and use it throughout the arrangement conference.

order-taking model

Non-traditional service

religious orientated but follows a more modern interpretation, including favorite music, poems, and readings

Put a photo of the ___ and ___ in the folder the family takes home with them.

selected casket, vault

The style of an arrangement office recommended for a funeral home resembles a ___ room or a ___ in a home, not one with a desk that the director sits behind.

small conference room, dining room

Arrangement Conference

the meeting between the funeral director and the client family during which the funeral arrangements are discussed