Local Voices
Planning Ahead Can Ease Grief for Loved Ones
Though it’s not a topic most of us want to think about, planning for what happens after your death can reduce the stress on grieving loved ones. Making decisions now about your funeral arrangements can help assure those left behind that your wishes are being honored.
The death of a loved one is always stressful. Fortunately, advance funeral planning is something you can do now to help your family. Planning your final arrangements now can significantly reduce the number of difficult decisions that confront loved ones at a time of loss. It isn’t difficult to do, and can save your loved ones from additional grief.
Decide on the Service
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Deciding on the type of service you want is a first step towards feeling confident that your wishes will be fulfilled. Determine if your service should have religious elements, if it should be intimate or large, or if there are any unique elements you want incorporated.
Another important element to discuss is final disposition. Do you prefer burial or cremation? Consider purchasing cemetery property and inquire about all options available for memorialization and disposition of cremated remains.
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Understand Your Funding Options
If you choose to fund your funeral prearrangement, you can lock in today’s prices for products and services that likely will be more expensive in the future. Work with a funeral professional to understand your state’s particular laws and regulations that protect preneed funds.
Planning ahead eases grief for your loved ones, but only if they’re aware of your plans. Be sure to let your loved ones know that you’ve planned your final arrangements. They’ll appreciate the steps you’ve taken to relieve them of additional stress at a trying time, freeing them of the planning burden so they can fully celebrate your life.
About the Author:
Jolene Mason is the general manager of Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park & Mortuary, FD 951, a proud Dignity Memorial provider in Los Angeles. The Dignity Memorial network of more than 1,800 funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers is North America’s most trusted resource for funeral and memorialization services. Dignity Memorial providers offer an unmatched combination of products and locations serving families with care, integrity, respect and service excellence. For more information, call (310) 474-1579 or visit http://www.pbwvmortuary.com.
