IN Shaler Winter 2019 | Page 21

INDUSTRY INSIGHT FUNERAL HOME SPONSORED CONTENT Your Guide Through Change W e are serving the first “death-free” society. Due to distance and time, few people have experience of death and what death entails. In the past, people died at home surrounded by family and friends, because people usually lived close to where they were born. Today, it is very different. Death occurs in a hospital, nursing home or hospice. Family are scattered across the country or world. Therefore, there may be no close association to the death. We recently served a family where the spouse had never been in a funeral home much less planned and arranged for a funeral. We also understand that distance between families does not mean diminished love. We all have family and friends who when separated by distance and time can pick up their relationships right away. The denial of any viewing or gathering or service can be devastating to survivors. Psychologists have repeatedly stated the value of the funeral…of some sort. Not knowing what to do may cause families to choose efficiency over effectiveness. Some chose to do very little or nothing with a direct burial or cremation. This may be efficient but is this choice effective? We have found that due to distance and time, some surviving family members just need to see for themselves. They have the need to know through evidence. There is a disconnect between what people want and what families need. Many funeral directors are order takers. They only do what the family asks. Families then find out later that they could have done Please bring your old worn, torn or faded flag to Perman Funeral Home The flags collected will be retired in a dignified manner by local members of the Boy Scouts of America and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. US Flag Code: The flag when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Perman Funeral Home 923 Saxonburg Boulevard • Pittsburgh PA 15223 412-486-3600 • www.permanfuneralhome.com something different if only that funeral director gave them options. The family is not satisfied with the outcomes provided by that funeral director. The Perman difference is that we are constantly learning about new ideas, options and understanding the funeral consumer. Our consistent and ongoing training to understand and respond to changing consumer demands is very important. We view our role as the family’s trusted advisor. Why? We serve families with no previous funeral or funeral arranging experience. Loved ones don’t know what to do, how to do it, or even why they should do it. We understand that arrangements start long before we meet with a family. Information is messaged, texted or faxed in advance to begin the arrangement process. Some of our arrangement conferences have taken up to three hours. We take the time to explain the value of having something-a viewing, services, a private family goodbye, memorial services or even the big party, to say goodbye. We take the time to explain options. Your family’s funeral experience needs to be effective and memorable. Our facility also reflects your changing demands. The funeral home becomes “the family home”. Our funeral home is large with 9000 square feet of dedicated space. We have television monitors, digital music system, kitchen facilities, WiFi and on- site The banquet for 125 persons. space in is also modern, flags space collected will be Our retired a dignified flexible and open. We have ample parking at the funeral home. manner by local members of the Boy Scouts of Our space becomes your family’s comfortable place. and the Veterans Wars. Our America staff understands that the funeral of is Foreign an infrequent purchase that no one wants to make. We will explain options US on Flag the Code: The flag when dead, it is in based life story of your time and cost. Please use our in dealing death. If you want the “big such experience condition that it is no with longer party”, have emblem it. If you for want the ash scattering at the beach, do it. a fitting display, should We can will help. be and destroyed in a dignified way, Delivering the outcomes that families need, even if they preferably by burning. don’t know what they need at the time is what we do. I always say, “An educated consumer makes the best decisions.” If new options, new facilities and new ideas are what your family needs, find out what Perman Funeral Home can do for you. Please bring your old worn, torn or faded flag to Perman Funeral Home Perman Funeral Home 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 personal, affordable 923 Saxonburg Boulevard • Pittsburgh PA 15223 and memorable decisions. Inquiries may be made to him at or emailed to [email protected]. 412-486-3600 412.486.3600 • www.permanfuneralhome.com SHALER ❘ WINTER 2019 19