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A prearranged funeral is a funeral arrangement made prior to death. It is a practical way of determining your wishes for your own funeral or for the funeral of a person for whom you are responsible. These arrangements can be made with the funeral director either in the funeral home or at your own residence.
The prearranged funeral is part of a sensible estate planning. When you discuss a prearranged funeral with a funeral director, it gives you an opportunity to ask questions. It is a time for you to be sure you fully understand what services are performed and the costs involved. You can make unhurried decisions regarding the professional services which will be required, the type of casket you wish to have, suggestions for the funeral service itself and indicate your preferences for burial, entombment or cremation. With this information in hand, you can make thoughtful, informed decisions which will serve as a guide for family and friends. Prearranging is a practical idea that makes sense.
Everyone should consider a prearranged funeral, regardless of age or background. The type of people who prearrange will vary, from the retired couple to the young married couple, to the single person with no family connections, to someone responsible for the care of another. All realize that the time to plan a funeral is now.
Some people believe that planning for a funeral now will save others that responsibility later. They are providing guidelines for their survivors or, alternatively, making arrangements for someone in their care. A number of nursing homes now require that funeral arrangements be in place prior to a resident entering the home. Also, health care professionals may recommend that families caring for a terminally ill individual make funeral arrangements.
Contact a funeral director and make an appointment. The discussion of you wishes with the funeral director should be an open and frank conversation in a relaxed environment. Included in this discussion will be the services and merchandise desired, the costs involved, and the provision of statistical information to the funeral director. Details discussed can range from who should be informed of the funeral and the type of music played at the service, to special instructions for the disposition of the body. The plans for the funeral should leave room for the wishes of close family members. The major reason for the funeral rite is to allow the survivors the opportunity to satisfy their own emotional and psychological needs. Therefore, while the funeral is of the person who has died, it is also for the survivors. You should discuss the type of arrangements you want with your executor, family, friends and clergy.
Yes. Although there are no requirements to prepay when you prearrange a funeral, you may wish to consider doing so. The Funeral Directors' and Establishments Act (1989) requires the funeral director to deposit the pre-paid funds in a trust account with a bank, trust company, credit union or the Guaranteed Funeral Deposits of Ontario (Fraternal) until the services are required. At your request the prepaid funeral funds can be withdrawn and returned to you, together with all accrued interest, subject to payment of an administration fee prescribed by law. Prepaid funds are protected by a Compensation Fund funded by all funeral homes and administered by the Board of Funeral Services, the regulatory body in the Province of Ontario.
The following statistical information about the person whose funeral is being arranged will be requested by your funeral director:
The funeral director in your community is a skilled professional dedicated to providing careful, responsible and efficient services.
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