(Fires of change) ch. 10 - The Arrangement Conference

Engage the stories

1. Encourage the right conversation

2. Learn what was important to the deceased

3. Avoid reaching for pens and forms during the first 15-30 min of the conference

4. Never hesitate to write down a key thought or note to avoid losing them in the conference

Articulate options

1. Always offer all options and alternatives to every type of service selected by the family

2. Verify the actual services and merchandise selected

3. Be mindful of the FTC general price list requirement

   4. The disposition method does not determine if the family desires a service

   5. Make sure each family is aware of options and are making an informed decision

Paint the picture

1. Provide a wide variety of options to cremation families

2. Articulate the value of the funeral (describe personalized service and how it honors the dead)

3. Work out service details and explain what merchandise is required for the services selected

4. Be familiar with funeral home data sheet, necessary forms, extra

5. Keep accurate and complete records.

6. Archives all records

Encourage ceremony

Be a consultant and guide when helping families plan a ceremony

The funeral director should know how to composed a service

Including

Music

Pictures

Displays

Appropriate officiant

All other important elements

Cremation/no service

Have a returning your loved one ceremony when cremated remains are ready to be picked up

Family wants to scatter

Offer to provide a reading or ceremony the family can take with them when they scatter

Offer to attend the scattering with the family

Family wants a graveside urn placement only

Offer to provide words and ceremony at the graveside

Offer to find a celebrant and assist at the ceremony

Review and refer

1. When assisting in the selection of an officiant, be vigilant about listening to the needs of the family

2. The same applies with the regard to musicians

3. Follow up of incomplete details

4. If adjustments are desired take note

Celebrants

1. Fewer people are claiming any religious identity (1 in 5) Americans

2. Shift in religious change, necessitating the need for officiants that can handle secular, spiritual or non demoninational services