A growing number of funeral directors are also involved in helping individuals adapt to changes in their lives following a death through post-death counseling and support group activities. Most funeral homes have a chapel, one or more viewing rooms, a casket-selection room, and a preparation room. Some also have a crematory on the premises. Equipment may include a hearse, a flower car, limousines, and sometimes an ambulance. Working Conditions Funeral directors often work long, irregular hours.
Shift work is sometimes necessary because funeral home hours include evenings and weekends.
Funeral directors occasionally come into contact with the remains of persons who had contagious diseases, but the possibility of infection is remote if strict health regulations are followed. To show proper respect and consideration for the families and the dead, funeral directors must dress appropriately. The profession usually requires short, neat hair cuts and trim beards if any, for men. Suits, ties, and dresses are customary for a conservative look. Employment Funeral directors held about 26,000 jobs in 1994.