What is the role of the Funeral Director?
When a death occurs in a family, this is a very difficult time, not only due to the grief and immediate disruption, but also because there are so many details and decisions that need to be made. The Funeral Director is there to help advise the family and think through the details and coordinate the service. The Funeral Director serves as an advisor, an administrator, a supporter, and a caregiver.
When a funeral director receives a call that a person has died, he immediately begins taking care of the details. He takes responsibility for the body of the deceased, and gathers the necessary information needed for the death certificate and to comply with legal requirements.
The funeral director meets with the family to discuss their wishes, assure compliance with the law, and arrange the observance of the customs that they desire. He makes his staff and facilities available for the family's use and offers advice about the many options that are available. The funeral director helps select the time and place of the service selected. They coordinates the details of the service and may arrange for the clergy or other participants in the ceremony. The funeral director can also assist with the selection of the casket, make cemetery arrangements and even help with a memorial stone or appropriate marker.
On the Day of the Funeral
Attending to a number of ceremonial and administrative details, the funeral director is responsible for logistical matters, such as transportation. Before and after the funeral, the funeral director aids the family in completing any necessary paperwork, including obituary notices, claim forms for Social Security, and veteran's and insurance benefits.
At a time when the emotional impact of a death makes it difficult for the survivors to concentrate on the details of so many legal forms, the funeral director's expertise is greatly appreciated by grieving families.
Today's funeral director is also trained to answer questions about coping with death. They often recognize when a person is having difficulty accepting their loss, and can recommend sources of professional counseling for those who may need it.
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