Funeral directors are there to help the bereaved to cope at what will be one of the most difficult times in their lives. They offer kindness, compassion and comfort to those who are in distress. If you need a funeral director and are wondering how to find a good funeral director, we hope we can help you. Let’s first take a look at what exactly a good funeral director does and what duties they have to carry out.
A funeral director has many duties to carry out, for instance, they have to move the body of your loved one from the mortuary or any other place where the death took place, to their funeral home. They also have to preserve your loved one’s body by using embalming or refrigeration. They also have to organize professional care when it comes to dressing, washing, and casketing. After this, they will then visit the loved ones of the person, to start making funeral arrangements. Then, once the funeral service is over they have to deal with all the paperwork.
As you can see, a funeral director has many different roles and it takes a special kind of person to become one. They need to have a clear mind and be 100% dedicated to their duty. We have listed below some factors that you should be considering when you are looking for a funeral director to organize your loved one’s funeral. There are so many funeral homes and it can be extremely difficult to decide on the right one for you, but hopefully, our guide will help you get things clearer in your mind, about what factors need the most consideration, ensuring you know how to find a good funeral director in your local area.
How to find a good funeral director?
Make sure your funeral director is registered
It is the law that a funeral home is required to be registered. They also have to be a member of a governing body. This will ensure that they meet the required standards and that you will be getting the services and products that you deserve.
It is recommended that you choose a funeral director who is a member of the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) or the Independent Funeral Directors Association of Australia (IFDAA). These organisations have strict ethics and codes that their members must adhere to. By being members of these organisations, funeral directors have to supply you with written estimates of the funeral costs. When you’re wondering about how to find a good funeral director, always remember to make sure they are registered.
Check out their reputation
When you’re looking for a good funeral director, reputation is everything. A funeral home that offers good services will be well known in the locality. Make sure you ask as many people as possible about certain funeral homes in your location and see what they have to say about them and then go with the one that gets the most positive reviews.
The prices they charge
Some funeral directors are more expensive than others and your location also plays a role in this too. Funeral directors in one city will be much more expensive than funeral directors in another, so this is another factor to consider. It’s also worth mentioning that just because a funeral home is expensive that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be getting a good service.
Sometimes the funeral homes that offer affordable prices are the ones that offer the most impeccable services to the loved one’s family. Let the funeral directors know exactly what you want and don’t want and then ask them for a quote. It is recommended that you get a quote off as many funeral directors as you can, so that you can compare prices.
They should help you make decisions
Funeral directors are there not only to take care of your loved one once they have passed away, they are there to help and guide you too. When you’re deep in grief making decisions can be extremely difficult and this is where a good funeral director steps in. They know and understand that this time in your life is very difficult and they will be there to help you with the decision making, if they see that you are struggling.
They are there to help you make the right choices, so that you can have a fitting memorial service, for your lost loved one. When you’re thinking about how to find a good funeral director, support and guidance are major factors to consider.
They should be there when you need them
You should be able to get in touch with a funeral director at any time of the day or night. As soon as your loved one passes away you should get in touch with the funeral director of your choice. This will give you more time to begin making the necessary arrangements and also to have their help and guidance at what is a very emotional and stressful time. They will be able to explain to you what the next steps will be and the arrangements that need to be made.
Funeral directors can either come to visit you at your home or you can go to them at the funeral home, it really is your choice. It is well worth visiting the funeral home before you make your final decision as this will tell you a great deal about the services they offer and you can have a talk with the funeral director about your requirements.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many factors that need to be considered before you make your final decision. A funeral director should be there to offer you guidance, support and comfort at this devastating time. It is so important that you are happy with the funeral director you have chosen and you shouldn’t have any doubts at all.
They are there to ensure your loved one has the memorial service that they deserve, which will, in return, bring you comfort, knowing that you have done the very best you could, for your lost loved one.
We hope we have helped you discover how to find a good funeral director. It really is important that you choose the right one for you, so that you know your loved one’s funeral will be the best that it can possibly be. If you would like further help in narrowing down your list of local funeral home options, then click here to check out our directory of preferred funeral home directors.
