By Andrew Hoffman
The final factor a family should consider when selecting a funeral firm is what is the reputation. A qualified funeral professional will take the time to discuss the variety of options available. You should know that the funeral home stands behind the services and products they offer. An established firm with a strong reputation offers peace of mind in knowing that all the details will be carried out as planned. A funeral is one of life’s major events, so it is important to have it taken care of by people you can trust. Hence, in today’s day and age you can use the internet to get a sense of the reputation of various firms. You can look up reviews on Google, Yelp and even Facebook. Certainly, you can talk to local people in the area, but online reviews tend to be more honest and to the point.
Lastly, don’t forget to ask what the funeral home does after the service for you. The top professionals truly care about the families they serve and believe that their responsibility to you continues long after the funeral. When selecting a funeral firm, ask about the services they provide when the funeral service is over. They are there to direct you to local resource centers that can assist you with the necessary documents and certificates. Services may also include referrals to grief counselors and support groups, memorial services on special days, follow-up visitations, literary resources, and more.
Well, that wraps up this series. It is my hope that with this information when the time comes you don’t find a good funeral firm but a Great one! Remember, you only do funerals for a loved one once; there are no do-overs! For those of you who have been reading my articles and finding them interesting and informative I appreciate your support. If any of you out there would like an article about something specific in the funeral industry, please send me a letter or call me at Jeffries and Keates Funeral Home, 228 Infield Ave., Northfield, NJ 08225, or call 609-646-3400. I’ll see you all in the next article!
Andrew B. Hoffman is a funeral director at Jeffries and Keates and Keates-Plum Funeral Homes. He is a twenty-two year veteran of the funeral industry.
