Individuals Increasingly Choose Cremation
2011 September 11 by MaxJenn
If you have attended a loved one’s funeral services recently, you may have noticed some profound differences from services you attended in the past. Perhaps there was no calling; perhaps the memorial was in a public place and not in a funeral home. And in increasing numbers, the casket has been replaced by an urn.
The last decade has seen a substantial increase in individuals choosing cremation. In 1998, 24 percent of Americans were choosing cremation; the most recent figures reveal that percentage increasing to 36 percent. And some areas – like Nevada, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Arizona – have more than 65 percent of their residents choosing cremation.
So, why has cremation become an increasingly preferred method of disposition? While its practice dates back 2000 years and remains the most popular option (more than 70 percent) in much of Europe and Asia, it has only been in the last few years that cremation has entered the mainstream of American’s funeral arrangements.
For many families, it is a simple matter of economics. Cremations in general are less expensive as they eliminate the need for a casket and provide more flexibility in terms of the location of the funeral/memorial service.
Cremation has often been coined the most eco-friendly method of disposition of the body. It preserves land that would be used for expansive cemeteries and eliminates the need for chemically preserving the body during embalming.
And finally, as our society becomes more transient, families no longer reside in the same town in which they were raised or even where their family may have burial plots; family visits to the cemetery are no longer the norm. An urn or small container, designed to be worn as jewelry to hold only a small portion of ashes, are better suited for families scattered across the miles.
With a recently constructed Hamilton County facility that includes an on-site crematory to ensure the dignified disposition of remains, the funeral professionals at A.R.N. Cremation & Funeral Services can help you determine if cremation is the right choice for you or your loved one. A.R.N. Cremation provides final arrangements allowing families and loved ones the freedom to make choices within their means, with cremation services starting at $465. Founded in 1935, today Max Nelson and daughter Jennifer Williamsoffer their 80 years of combined experience to provide unparalleled attention and sensitivity to detail.
Choosing a Funeral and Cremation Service Provider
2011 September 10 by MaxJenn
After more than 50 years in this business, I know that a majority of families who meet me for the first time are in a very vulnerable state.
They’ve just lost a loved one or death is eminent. The prospect of planning these last arrangements can be daunting, confusing and even intimidating.
When I was a young man, just starting out in this business, I was fortunate to have mentors who taught me how to assist families in this state of mind. The bottom line is this: You have to listen with compassion and advise with ethical expertise.
With too great of frequency, we have read or heard stories that are contrary to this standard we’ve established at A.R.N. Cremation Services. High-pressure sales tactics and improprieties have no place in business in general and even less so within the funeral industry.
There are rules that have been established by the Federal Trade Commission that protect consumers. The so-called “Funeral Rule” provides that:
- You may purchase a casket (or cremation urn) from anywhere you choose (including the big-box discount houses); you are not required to buy from the funeral home.
- The funeral establishment must provide you with a general price list (GPL) and a casket price list (CPL) when you inquire in person.
- Funeral establishments must give an itemized statement that includes only those items you selected when you contracted for services.
- A funeral package statement must describe and include all goods and services. If you’re going to sign a contract, get a total dollar amount in writing first.
In addition, each state has its own licensure and inspection procedures. Those licenses should be predominately displayed and up-to-date.
As we’ve become increasingly aware, just because these rules are in place does not mean that they won’t be bent or broken. The best way to ensure you are treated with compassion and dignity is to get to know the funeral service professional before you need him or her. If that is not possible, there are a few questions that you may consider asking that can help determine your level of comfort.
1) How long have you been in the business? What licenses and memberships do you hold?
2) Why did you enter this business?
3) Is your mortuary locally and/or family owned or a chain?
4) (If you are considering cremation) Do you have an on-site crematory?
5) How do you charge for cremation/funeral services?
These are just a few things to consider. It is much like entering into a relationship with any other professional service provider like an attorney, an accountant or a physician. It is essential to establish a relationship that allows you to trust this person and, in turn, allows them to assist you.
