4 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CHOOSING A FUNERAL HOME

Funeral directors arrange a wide variety of after-death care; from the final disposition to the legal paperwork to the ceremonial arrangements for the survived. Further, they provide the physical establishment (the funeral home) for these services.

Here, at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home & Crematory, our staff are dedicated to providing the support and guidance the Smyrna, GA community (and surrounding areas) need to move forward after a loss. Part of this commitment is guiding you to finding the right place for your loved one—even if that means you choose another location. Here’s what you need to know and ask when choosing a funeral home in Smyrna, GA:

Cost:
On average, a traditional funeral and burial will run between $7,200 and $9,000 (not including the cemetery plot and burial services, flowers, or obituary. Years ago, there were fewer options with regard to services, but the Federal Trade Commission stepped in and made it easier for individuals and families to select only the services they want and need. Here are some of those FTC funeral rules:

• Funeral provider must give an itemized price list in person and/or over the phone
• Funeral director much provide descriptions and prices for casket options before showing them
• The consumer has the right to select a casket, urn, or another container from outside the chosen funeral home and the funeral provider may not refuse or charge a fee for this
• Alternate containers for cremation must be made available

Questions to ask the funeral director:
There’s a lot to think about when you’re vetting funeral homes for a loved one or for your own pre-plan. Here are the most important ones our experienced staff suggests:

1. What is the “basic services fee?”
   Funeral providers are allowed by the FTC funeral rules to charge a basic fee (often called a non-declinable) for services that are common to all funerals. Ask about this and what it includes.
2. What are the fees associated with optional services?
   Request a list. This will give you a good place to start for your selection process.
3. What makes your funeral home and services unique?
   Not that you need there to be something exclusively set apart from other funeral providers, but it’s nice to find out up front if there’s something that makes one different. It may just be that this one unique detail tips the scale for you.
4. Do you offer cremation services?
   Cremation has been on the rise for a long time. Now, approximately half of all deaths in our country result in cremation as a post-death care option. If this is something that interests you for your loved one (or for your future), ask questions about it: do you transport for cremation or have your own crematory? What are the pricing options associated with this choice? What urns do you provide for purchase and/or where do you suggest I select one from? Keep asking and asking until you feel in-the-know.

The compassionate staff here at Davis Struempf Funeral Home & Crematory wants you to know that we are here for you, should you choose to work with us. If not, we will happily answer your questions and encourage you during your tough decision-making time.

Davis-Struempf Funeral Home & Crematory | 1975 East-West Connector | Austell, GA 30106 | 770.944.2900