How can I best shop and compare funeral service providers

Undoubtedly, it is best to make your decision before a need arises. Friends and neighbors can be an excellent source of information. The best way to decide is to visit the funeral home and meet the funeral directors and staff. Many families prefer to deal with locally owned funeral homes rather than funeral homes that are part of large "chains" that must try to make a high profit to satisfy their stockholders.

Can I make all the necessary arrangements in advance? [Back to Top]

Yes, usually all arrangements may be made in advance. When you plan ahead, you will be able to consider the many options available. You will have the opportunity to make an informed decision about your funeral and cemetery arrangements, and the form of memorial (headstone) you prefer. You will be able to make choices that are meaningful to both you and your family, and you will gain peace of mind knowing your family and friends will be relieved of the emotional and financial burden often associated with making arrangements when a death occurs. By pre-arranging your funeral and cemetery services, you benefit by purchasing at today's prices, free from inflationary pressures in the future.

What do funeral directors do? [Back to Top]

Primarily they care and safeguard the deceased person until final disposition, including embalming and restorative work. They also arrange and provide an orderly series of events that finalize the funeral, the final disposition, and legal paperwork so the family can proceed forward and also provide the physical establishment in which all of this can be accomplished. They can also assist families with life insurance claims, veteran’s benefits, social security death benefits and other things that most people have very little experience with.

What purpose does a funeral serve? [Back to Top]

The funeral and the ceremony that accompanies it are indeed very important. For those who are left behind, a funeral provides a place for family and friends to gather for support and to reminisce; an opportunity to celebrate the life and accomplishments of a loved one; a chance to say goodbye; and the focal point from which the healing process can begin. The funeral identifies that a person's life has been lived, not that a death has occurred. It is also important to notify the community that this person has died. There are people beyond the immediate family who have the right to grieve a death. For instance, what would have happened in the United States if there had not been a funeral for President John F. Kennedy?

Should a child attend a funeral? [Back to Top]

Children grieve just as adults do. Any child old enough to form a relationship will experience some form of grief when a relationship is severed. As adults we may not view a child's behavior as grief as it often is demonstrated in ways that we misunderstand as "moody", "cranky", "withdrawn" or other behavioral patterns which do not appear to us to be grief. When a death occurs children need to be surrounded by feelings of warmth, acceptance and understanding. This may be a tall order to expect of the adults who are experiencing their own grief and upset. Caring adults can guide children through this time when the child is experiencing feelings for which they have no words and thus cannot identify. In a very real way, this time can be a growth experience for the child, teaching about love and relationships. First, explain what will be happening and why it is happening at a level the child can understand. They should NOT be told, "Grandpa is sleeping" or "Nana went on a trip." A child may not be able to speak at a grandparent's funeral but would benefit greatly from the opportunity to draw a picture to be placed in the casket or displayed at the service. The key is to allow the child's participation, not to force it. Forced participation can be harmful. Children instinctively have a good sense of how involved they wish to be. They should be listened to carefully. If the child wants to view the body, it is best for the child to be accompanied by one or two adult family members who can answer questions that the child may have. The child should be allowed to show his or her grief in his or her own way.

What do I need to bring to the funeral home? [Back to Top]

When we are assisting a family in preparing a funeral, there are several items that we will need. These include clothing (including undergarments), any jewelry or other personal effects, biographical information to include parent's full names, place of birth, date of birth, and social security number, discharge paperwork (if the deceased was a veteran), any insurance policies that Pine Rest will be assisting the family with, and a recent photograph.

Is a funeral or memorial service always held in a funeral home or place of worship? [Back to Top]

A service can usually be held at any location that family and friends feel would be comfortable and appropriate. Your funeral director can assist with arranging a meaningful service.

Why do we have a public viewing? [Back to Top]

Viewing is part of many of our cultural and ethnic traditions. Many grief counselors believe that viewing aids the grieving process by helping the bereaved understand the reality of death. Viewing is encouraged for older children, as long as the process is explained and the children come willingly.

Is it OK to have a viewing and not a service? [Back to Top]

Yes, if that is the wish of the family, the funeral director will arrange designated times for visitation, have the times published in the newspaper and simply add to the obituary that services will be private or at the convenience of the family. This information will make the arrangements clear to the public, and fulfill the wishes of the family.

What are the options concerning the time of a service? [Back to Top]

While most services are held in the morning or afternoon, some families are now choosing to have services held in the evening hours for the convenience of family and friends. This enables more people to attend the service who otherwise might be unable to be excused from their place of employment during the day.

Does a price I receive from the funeral home include everything? [Back to Top]

The Funeral Director is legally responsible for explaining all the charges that specifically pertain to the funeral home's services offered and merchandise sold stated on its general price list. Any additional charges may fall under the category of cash advances. These additional charges might be for opening and closing the grave, clergy honorarium, newspaper notices, flowers, or pianist.

Why are funerals so expensive? [Back to Top]

When compared to other major life cycle events, like births and weddings, funerals are not expensive. A wedding can cost at least three times as much as that of a funeral; but because a wedding is a happy event, those costs are rarely criticized. Pine Rest is a 24-hour, labor-intensive business, with extensive facilities (viewing room, chapel, hearse, etc.), and those expenses must be figured into the cost of a funeral. The cost of a funeral includes not only merchandise, like caskets, but the services of a funeral director in making arrangements; filing appropriate forms; making arrangements with doctors, ministers, florists, newspapers and others; and seeing to all of the other necessary details. Many families have found that making arrangements ahead of time saves money, because the family is making these decisions under normal circumstances and not immediately following a death, which is a very confusing time.

What if I do not wish to use all the services a funeral home has to offer? [Back to Top]

The Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule requires that all funeral homes itemize their charges for professional services, facilities and motor equipment and that they provide a General Price List to all clients. You have the right to select and pay for only those services you choose to utilize.

Why are some casket prices more than others? [Back to Top]

It depends upon the materials with which the casket is made. Obviously, a casket made of bronze would be priced higher than one made of steel. A casket made of solid mahogany would be more costly to manufacture than one of soft pinewood. A casket with a crepe interior material would be priced less than an interior of velvet because of the cost of the material. It depends upon what materials the casket shell is made of, the interior materials and any protective features included in that particular model.

Can I build my own casket? [Back to Top]

As a matter of fact, you can, although as a matter or practicality, it may present some storage challenges for you. You should also consult a funeral director for correct measurements since the casket will ultimately need to be placed into a burial vault or mausoleum crypt.

What are burial vaults? [Back to Top]

These are the outside containers into which the casket is placed. Burial vaults are designed to protect the casket, and may be made of a variety or combination of materials including concrete, stainless steel, galvanized steel, copper, bronze, or polypropylene.

Must I purchase a burial vault? [Back to Top]

The State of Alabama does not have any law that requires the use of a burial vault, However, most perpetual care cemeteries (such as Pine Rest Memorial Park and Baldwin Memorial Cemetery) do have regulations requiring burial vaults.

What part do flowers play during a funeral? [Back to Top]

Those offering support will often send flowers or green plants to a funeral service. This does provide comfort to the family and close friends and adds beauty to the visitation and funeral service, Pine Rest can take care of receiving and arranging the flowers.

Will the funeral home help with Social Security and Veterans death benefits? [Back to Top]

Pine Rest will notify Social Security and assist with any Veterans benefits that may be due to the family. We provide this service free of charge.

Must an obituary be published in a newspaper? [Back to Top]

The publication of an obituary notice is a matter of your personal choice. All of the area papers will run an obituary at no cost, but they do have editorial privilege; only certain information will be published. More detailed obituaries can be purchased at the family's expense.

Must a casket be transported to the cemetery in a hearse? [Back to Top]

While a hearse or casket coach is most commonly used for this purpose, other options are often appropriate. Families might consider more personalized and meaningful options; for example, a fire fighter may be transported on a fire truck. Horse-drawn hearses are also available in some cases.

How can I personalize a funeral service? [Back to Top]

One way is to bring personal items into the funeral home to be displayed in or near the casket. Example: An avid golfer might have a favorite putter placed in the casket. An avid hunter or fisherman might have some of their personal effects or trophies displayed on a memory table. A person who quilted could have the casket draped with a quilt they made. An artist could have their artwork displayed. A person 's favorite rocking chair could be brought to the funeral home and placed next to the casket.

Do clergy always officiate at a funeral service? [Back to Top]

In conjunction with or sometimes in place of a clergy person, family or friends may share personal thoughts, memories and feelings about the deceased as part of the service.

If I donate my remains to medical science, can there still be a service? [Back to Top]

In addition to coordinating the donation, Pine Rest can arrange for a Memorial Service to be held at a time and place convenient for the family. The medical school will generally keep the remains for two years, after which time the remains are cremated. The remains can then be returned to the family for final disposition.

How many pallbearers will be needed? [Back to Top]

The traditional format regarding the number of pallbearers is 6, primarily due to the length of the standard casket, so that 3 people on either side can conveniently carry the casket. Most caskets have additional handles at each end that will accommodate 2 more bearers. The family may also select honorary pallbearers. This allows a place of honor for individuals who may not be physically able to serve as active pallbearers.

What happens if someone close to me dies away from home? [Back to Top]

After the death has occurred, the most prudent decision would be to call your funeral service provider in the city in which the funeral service will be held. Your funeral director will be able to make the necessary arrangements to transfer the deceased, relieving the family of the burden of dealing with unfamiliar people, places and related issues. Your funeral director will deal directly with a funeral home where the death occurred, saving the family from having charges from two funeral homes.

Does VA pay for veterans' funerals? [Back to Top]

Although the Veterans Administration does not pay for complete funerals, it does provide certain merchandise, services and reimbursements. Your local VA office or funeral home can provide you with the variety of benefits available. In general, any veteran with a discharge other than dishonorable is entitled to be buried in an accepting national cemetery. Other specific circumstances, better explained by your VA benefits counselor, may avail additional burial-related benefits. For more in-depth information regarding VA benefits, visit http://www.cem.va.gov/

Why would I need to purchase Certified Copies of a death certificate?

Certified copies are used as proof of death for the transfer of stocks and bonds, banking transactions and life insurance. Your funeral director can help you determine how many you may need to settle an estate and also secure them for you.

Does the government regulate Pine Rest? [Back to Top]

Yes, funeral service is regulated by several government agencies. The Alabama Board of Funeral Service monitors internships, gives examinations, and issues licenses to practice in the state of Alabama. The board also adopts administrative rules, based on laws passed by the legislature. The State of Alabama's Insurance Commission oversees the requirements for trusting money paid to funeral homes for prearranged services, protecting you as the consumer against loss of your investment into these services. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates how funeral prices are presented to the consumer, as well as other consumer trade practices. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors waste discharge. Governmental regulation protects the consumer and employees from unsafe and/or unfair practices and is a part of the overall cost of doing business.

Is it right to make a profit from death? [Back to Top]

At Pine Rest, we look at our profession as a service, but it is also a business. Like any business, the funeral home must make a profit to exist. As long as the profit is reasonable and the services provided are necessary, complete, and satisfactory to the family, then profit is legitimate and deserved.

Is cremation a substitute for a funeral? [Back to Top]

No, cremation is merely an alternative method of final disposition. In many cases it may be less expensive than traditional burial, and can incorporate a visitation and funeral service or memorial service, providing the family with the emotional advantages of these ceremonies.

What happens in the cremation process? [Back to Top]

The casket or container is placed in the cremation chamber which heats up to over 1600 degrees F., and the combined combustion and evaporation leave only bone fragments. These are processed into a fine powder, which are called cremated remains. The cremated remains are placed in a container and the family decides upon a method of final disposition.

What recourse does a consumer have for poor service or overcharging? [Back to Top]

The complaint should first be brought to the attention of the funeral director that served the family. In most instances, the local funeral director will resolve the complaint. If the situation is not resolved to your satisfaction, then a complaint should be filed with the Alabama Board of Funeral Service, or with the consumer complaint department of the state attorney general's office.

If we have failed to answer any of your questions or if you need any information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We feel that the more information that the consumer has, the better prepared they are to make decisions.