What Is a Funeral Home?

A Funeral Home, also known as a funeral parlor, is a business that provides burial and funeral services to the deceased. The services offered by a funeral home may include preparing a funeral or wake, as well as providing a chapel for funeral services. Funeral homes may also arrange transportation for the deceased’s body.

In the past, funeral homes also provided embalming services, which preserved the body for viewing. These businesses were often named after the parlors where funerals took place. Today, these establishments offer a wide array of memorialization products, from unique caskets to urns. They also assist in writing Obituaries in the newspapers.

A funeral home may charge a basic fee to conduct the funeral. This fee covers the services of a funeral director, staff, and equipment. It also covers an arrangement conference and any required authorizations. These fees cannot be waived, but must be paid at the time of service. The price is also stated in the price list.

Funeral homes may be independently owned by families, private individuals, or larger corporations. A large number of funeral homes have been purchased by conglomerates in the past twenty years. While conglomerate-owned funeral homes may have the ability to offer the same high-quality goods and services across the country, they may lack a personal touch and engagement in the community.

Another option is to consider using a non-profit organization, such as a Memorial Society. These organizations provide end-of-life services to members at affordable prices. The organization is non-religious and typically requires a member’s time and effort. The Society aims to reduce the cost of funerals by negotiating favorable pricing with funeral service providers.

A funeral home’s mission is to take care of the deceased’s remains and coordinate the visitation and procession. It also coordinates the funeral service, takes care of cremation, and disposes of the body in a respectful manner. Additionally, a funeral director helps families deal with veterans affairs, Social Security benefits, and insurance claims. They also provide memorial products, such as guest books, flower cards, and thank-you cards.

Depending on the location and experience, funeral home workers earn a median of $52,650 per year. However, the lowest paid 10 percent earn less than $30,250 a year. Most work eight-hour days, but some are available for weekend services. There are several types of funeral homes, including traditional and full-service options.

A funeral director can obtain a certified copy of the deceased’s death certificate. This copy can be used for purposes of insurance or banking purposes, but cannot exceed the actual fee, which can vary from state to state. A funeral director must obtain the family’s permission before altering the information on the death certificate. If an individual chooses to make a request to donate a body, the deceased’s funeral director should make arrangements for it.

In some cases, a family can opt for direct burial without a funeral service or visitation. These arrangements are usually less expensive for the family. The funeral home staff is caring, compassionate, and helpful.