Providing
reliable and accurate information to families is a vital part of our
services at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory. Frequently we get questions
about funerals and funeral planning and we hope this section of our
website will be valuable to you.
What
are pre-arrangements and how can they benefit my family and me?
Pre-arrangements are making your wishes and desires known in advance
in regard to your funeral arrangements. People who choose to pre-plan
feel like they are saving their loved ones the added burden at a time
of great emotional stress by taking the time now to make some very important
decisions. Pre-arrangements can be as simple as telling us what type
of arrangements you want. These plans may include a traditional service
and burial, cremation, or direct burial. We also coordinate all arrangements
when there is an out-of-town burial.
I
would like to make pre-arrangements, but I’m not financially able to
pre-pay at this time? What should I do?
You’re on the right track already because you’ve made the important
decision to pre-plan your funeral. Your family will appreciate that
they will not have to determine the type and cost of your funeral service.
Contrary to belief, you don’t have to pay any money when you pre-arrange
your services. Some people choose to set up a payment plan based on
their budget. We help others organize their personal records so we get
a true picture of their life insurance policies and what funds are available.
Others elect to pay for the funeral services all at one time. Basically,
it is your decision and we strive to work with each family based on
its needs.
I
made my pre-arrangements at another funeral home. Can I transfer them
whether I’ve paid for them or not?
We get this question often and the answer is yes. It’s as simple
as contacting us and we will get the paperwork in order for you to sign
to make the transfer. You don’t have to contact the other funeral home.
We will do everything for you.
I
heard that pre-funding can help save money for our family. How does
this work?
We choose to place all of our pre-funding with secure and trustworthy
insurance companies, Assurant Pre-Need, formerly United Family Life and Forethought Insurace Company.
We place your money in an insurance policy. They invest assets for secure,
favorable returns. This ensures that we can meet our obligations when
they are due--10, 20, 30 or more years into the future. This allows
us to guarantee the costs of the funeral in today’s prices and you and
your family will never see an increase in the cost of the funeral. Essentially,
we are locking in today’s lower prices and you have no worries of increased
costs.
What
is the average cost of today’s funeral?
A National Funeral Directors Association survey reported that
an average funeral costs approximately $6,000. (Cemetery and monument
charges are extra.) With this in mind, funeral costs are determined
by what type of service you choose and the type of casket and vault
you select. Some families choose traditional services, which are held
in a church or chapel with a visitation the day before. Other families
select cremation. There are several options you have with cremation.
You can have a traditional viewing and service or choose a direct cremation,
which is less expensive because it doesn’t include any attendant rites
or ceremony. Again, it is up to the individual family to determine how
much they want to spend on a funeral.
I
understand you are a locally owned funeral home. What does local ownership
mean to the average consumer?
It means that we as the owners can make decisions based upon the
needs and concerns of each individual. We don’t require approval from
a corporate hierarchy. Here’s an example. A man recently came to us
seeking information about his parents’ funeral arrangements. He informed
us he only had a specific amount that would be left in his father’s
estate to bury his father and mother. He just needed reassurance from
us that the amount, although nominal, would cover dignified funerals
for his parents. We didn’t require him to sign anything or pay anything.
We gave him our word that we would honor our agreement. The man was
relieved because we eased his mind during a difficult time. In this
world of big business where consumers often feel there is a lack of
personal attention, we know we can make a difference in people’s lives.
I
purchased burial insurance through another funeral home. Can I use that
insurance at your funeral home?
Yes you can. The insurance policy is owned by the insured; therefore
it is transferable to any funeral home.
Is
it true that Social Security will pay toward funeral expenses?
The answer to this question varies from individual to individual.
For people who qualify, Social Security will pay up to $255. This amount
is paid to the family, not the funeral home. It is our policy at our
funeral home to file all the necessary documents (death certificates,
insurance claim forms, and Social Security notification) for the family
and we will assist the family in determining what Social Security will
pay.
My
husband is a Veteran. What is he entitled to at the time of his death?
When requested by a family, the basic Military Funeral Honors ceremony
is conducted for the deceased veteran. It includes the playing of the
Taps and the folding and presentation of the United States flag to the
veteran’s family. The ceremony is performed by a funeral honors detail
consisting of at least two members of the Armed Forces. A bugler may
play the Taps or, if a bugler is not available, a recorded version of
the Taps will be played. Also, veterans who qualify are entitled to
a grave marker supplied by the Department of Veteran Affairs. To establish
veteran eligibility, the family needs to provide the DD Form 214 to
us. This form is the certificate of release or discharge from active
duty. If a family doesn’t have this form, we can obtain it for them.
