The Sentinel-Record

Planning ahead eases grief for loved ones

- Justin Nicklas General manager, Gross Funeral Home

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 Deciding on the type of service you want is a first step toward 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.

Shop around and choose a funeral home

Investigat­ing different funeral homes is an important part of planning a funeral. Compare available options and quality of service to find the right fit for your final wishes. Comparison shopping now allows you to feel secure you’re getting the value and quality you deserve.

Choose a home that fits your budget and is willing to accommodat­e your special requests. With the right funeral provider, you’ll feel confident your wishes will be fulfilled and you won’t feel uncomforta­ble asking questions or rushed into making selections.

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 pre-need 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.

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