FUNERAL HOME
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
FUNERAL HOME
SPONSORED CONTENT
Taking Things Off Your Plate
The reality and gravity of a death can be overwhelming . There is the emotional response to the situation . Numbness often happens . Then there is the realization of “ Now , what do I do ?”
On average , people have a close familial death once every 17 years . With a once in a generation event , very few people have any idea of what to do next . This is where we help .
“ I did not know there was so much to do ,” is often said . It is our responsibility to guide your family through this time . Our expression of condolences relays to the family that , most importantly , that we understand the gravity of the situation . Getting to the “ what has to happen ” is next . Families need to know and understand things like the timeline and associated costs . We offer many options of services and items of memorialization . Explaining necessary documents needed is essential . We do this while being cognizant of the families ’ raw and new emotions .
Before we meet a family to make funeral arrangements , we let families know what things to gather and consider . We need a full set of clothing . Information for the death certificate is required such a date of birth , Social Security number , parents names ( including the mother ’ s maiden name ). In most states , the death certificate requires the level of education completed as well as the usual occupation and last employer . Documents are collected such a Military discharge ( usually a DD214 ), the cemetery deed and any insurance policies ( we will secure the claim form and assignment form from the insurance company ).
We ask for a photo of the person who died for the obituary on our website or for any newspaper obituary . The family is asked to gather the names and their relationships so we can write the obituary . You can gather photos if you choose so we can create a beautiful video that shows during visitation hours . That video will also be on our website obituary for those who cannot attend visitations .
Another detail we handle is the For Your Information Form . This is given to families after funeral arrangements are finished . This reiterates what was discussed and chosen . There are the details of the visitation , services and burial information . Unfinished items are also on the form . This is like a cheat sheet of what will happen during the entire funeral . Many people appreciate the FYI sheet .
Before you choose a funeral home , check our Google reviews to see what satisfied families say . Choose our funeral home for what we do , which is taking things off your plate .
This Industry Insight was written by Frank Perman , FD , Supervisor , CFSP , CPC , CCO , CFC . He is the owner of Perman Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc ., 923 Saxonburg Boulevard at Rt . 8 in Shaler Township . Mr . Perman believes an educated consumer makes the most informed decisions . Inquiries may be made to him at 412.486.3600 or emailed to frank @ permanfuneralhome . com .
Some of the things we take off your plate include :
• Scheduling a church , clergyperson or Funeral Celebrant .
• Ordering flowers as well as tastefully placing all floral arrangements
• Securing a place for a luncheon
• Completing Veteran Administration ( VA ) Forms for benefits
• Scheduling the cemetery or mausoleum time
• Ordering a limousine
• Contacting Social Security
• Creating the memory video
• Scheduling the hairdresser
• Arranging for military honors
• Requesting a police escort
• Ordering Life Insurance claim forms
• Completing and ordering death certificates
• Completing the obituary
SHALER AREA ❘ FALL 2024 55