That's high praise coming from this prestigious Foundation, one of our founding partners. The best funeral arrangements are those that are made well in advance, with input from and concern for all persons concerned.
Planning yields major benefits, financially and in human currencies.
Decisions made in advance tend to be more rational and less emotional, they tend to reflect more accurately the decedent s wishes, and they minimize the traumatic costs of having to make those decisions after the death. The Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule is the consumer's first, and in many states, only line of defense. When consumers inquire in person, the funeral home must provide a general price list describing the cost of each good and service available. The consumer must be informed that embalming is required by law only in certain circumstances and that direct cremation or immediate burial are options that do not require embalming. The funeral home staff may not imply that embalming or sealing the casket will indefinitely preserve the remains.