Choosing the Right Funeral Home for You

Choosing a funeral provider is an important decision. Whether you need immediate assistance because a death has occurred, want to plan for a death that may be close-at-hand. or are interested in learning more about the many advance-planning options available, it’s important to choose a funeral home that offers support, guidance, and the ability to meet your needs.

Here are some important things to look for when choosing a funeral home

• A caring, knowledgeable staff

Many families have little or no experience in planning a funeral or cremation. There are dozens of items that must be taken care of when a loved one dies. It’s important that the funeral home you choose has an experienced and thoughtful staff who will take the time to explain your options, work within your budget, and answer any questions you may have. Your family should feel comfortable with the people you work with and the choices you make.

• A full-service, reputable facility

There are some funeral and cremation providers who offer limited services or advertise prices that are not inclusive of all the services or merchandise you may actually need. Ask questions to ensure that you are getting a full understanding of the services you will receive for the price quoted. Often there are hidden fees or fees added that increases the total cost way beyond the originally stated price.

• The difference between an independently owned or corporately owned funeral home

A corporately owned funeral home is owned by a large corporation. Each of their funeral homes must adhere to the policies and processes of the corporation. Prices for services of corporately owned funeral homes are typically higher because a portion of their revenue must support the overhead of their corporate office.

An independently owned funeral home has more freedom to provide services at prices that are more affordable. Many independently owned funeral homes are family-owned and operated, such as Heritage Oaks Memorial Chapel.  Many independent funeral homes are members of the National Funeral Director’s Association (NFDA). In California, independently owned funeral homes are closely monitored by the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau which is part of the Department of Consumer Affairs.

• A funeral home that will accommodate your needs and requests.

The funeral facility you choose should be both willing and able to work with you and your family to accommodate your special needs. This might involve your choice of service location or service time, special religious or military needs, or simply a personal preference about the way you’d like your loved one to be remembered. No two people are the same, why should funerals be?

• An itemized list of prices.

Funeral homes are required by law to provide consumers with their General Price List of the services and merchandise they offer, and an itemized list of the services and merchandise are chosen called a Statement of Goods and Services. You should be wary of a funeral home that is reluctant or unable to provide this information. 

Funeral homes are also required to provide their patrons with a copy of the Consumer Guide to Funeral and Cemetery Purchases.

From the beginning of our relationship with you, through making arrangements for your loved one, to walking with you on your grief journey, we will strive to be the right funeral home for you.

Heritage Oaks Memorial Chapel is a family-owned funeral home in California, servicing the greater Sacramento and Placer County areas. We’re here to help you with all of your pre-planning and pre-arrangement needs, contact us now!