INDUSTRY INSIGHT
FUNERAL HOME
SPONSORED CONTENT
Frank Answers Your FAQs
I
always get asked questions about what I do as a funeral director . I went through my notes and thought about what I have been asked through the years . Here are some of the most asked questions .
1 ) Why should we call you ?
Care for your loved one is our mission . We give complete answers to your questions . We strive for no surprises to you . Our prices are fair and in writing . We stay in communication with families . Also , our facilities are modern , bright and clean . Parking is convenient and safe with abundant overflow parking within a short distance .
2 ) Why is a funeral important ? A funeral is an event that allows a family to express their feelings and sentiments about their loved one . It also provides time for relatives and friends to offer condolences , support and love for the family . Funeral rituals often provide comfort when things seem chaotic and out of control . The funeral can be an important step in grief resolution . It is also a time to share stories and to say good-bye .
3 ) What does a funeral director do ?
• Assist the family with funeral arrangements to help them tell the story of their loved one .
• Transport the deceased into our care .
• Properly plan and coordinate the events requested by families .
• Arrange and prepare the necessary paperwork for Death Certificates , Social Security , Veterans Administration , Insurance and the Obituary .
• Prepare the deceased .
• Provide Aftercare ( grief assistance ) to the bereaved .
4 ) What is embalming ?
Embalming is a chemical process that sanitizes and preserves a dead human . This allows time for viewing and services by the family prior to burial or cremation .
5 ) Is embalming always required ?
No . Pennsylvania requires embalming under certain circumstances such as when the family requests public services or the death is caused by a contagious disease .
6 ) Can we personalize our funeral service ? Every funeral should be as unique as the life being celebrated .
Our staff welcomes ideas for special services . Unique service locations such as churches , family homes , parks or nearly anywhere can be used . We have had families display photos , awards , sports memorabilia , hobbies , work tools , antique cars , fire apparatus and military , fire , police and Scout uniforms . Important items help tell their story .
7 ) What is a viewing / visitation / wake ?
Viewing , visitation and wake are generally synonymous terms for a public gathering that precedes the funeral . It can take place the day before the funeral , however sometimes there is a sameday visitation followed by funeral services . Often , the deceased is in an open or closed casket . This is a time for relatives and friends to offer condolences and support to the family .
8 ) What is a memorial service ?
A Memorial Service is a scheduled , purposeful and thematic gathering commemorating the life of someone who died . It can be held at the funeral home , a church or other location . A Memorial Service can take place within days or even months after the death has occurred . This allows the family to gather or to reserve a special venue .
9 ) What if I need support after the funeral is over ?
The grieving process does not end just because funeral services have concluded . If you find yourself struggling to cope , please call us . We will refer you to support groups , grief counselors and other grief resources .
10 ) What do we do if our family death occurs away from home ?
First , call us directly at 412.486.3600 . We will bring your person back to our funeral home . We can also assist in planning a local service before your family member is returned to us .
If you want more information or need answers to other questions , call or text 412.486.3600 . Frank Perman or Jesse McElroy-Torquato can also be reached by email at frank @ permanfuneralhome . com or jesse @ permanfuneralhome . com .
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 .
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