Funeral Service

Reading Time: 3 minutes

In many states carrying the deceased body of your loved one is completely legal. Close family members and friends are not required to include any licensed or authorized team of Funeral directions in the transportation of the deceased body of your beloved one.

But different nations follow different rules and procedures for the self-transportation of a deceased body by family or friends.

Have a look at the lawful activities of some major countries like the India, USA, UK, Canada, Australia and South Africa that determine the essential things regarding the transportation and final rites of the deceased person.

Self-transportation of Dead bodies rules in India

The Indian consulate issues a No objection certificate for the kin/friend/ family members of the deceased person who are willing to transport the body.

You also required the followings,

Fill the Death registration Form, only for Indians
Death certificate
Burial/cremation permit
No communicable disease certificate
Embalming
Flight details and information of the receiver.

Ways of self-transportation in California, USA?

In the USA, the deceased body can be taken by his/her caretaker, spouse, adult child, parents, siblings, close kin or a conservator whom the deceased person appointed for the estate. Apart from it you are also allowed to create an advance directive regarding your final rites and include the name or relation of the person who can take your deceased body to the home.

Must follow points before self-transportation in the 

Before initiating the legal process of self-transportation or transportation of a deceased body without the funeral direction team, one must fulfill the below-given requirements in the USA.

The deceased body must be embalmed by an authorized doctor and if the person died due to any contagious disease, you must consult a doctor before the embalming process of the body.
The person who is participating in the self-transportation of the deceased body must file for the issuing of the death certificate. It should also be signed by an authorized senior doctor.
Taking permission from the local authorities (police) for transporting the dead body is mandatory. Without a permission letter, no cemetery or cremation place will accept the body in the USA.

Laws of self-transportation in the United Kingdom ( Britain)

The legal way to transport the dead body of a beloved family member in the UK includes the below-mentioned points.

Verification of the death – According to English laws any adult person can verify the death of the person. The current guidelines require the person to take the help of video calls in the case of verification enabling.
Take good care of the deceased body – During the self-transportation of the deceased body the person must know about the dead body’s care measures. Keeping the body temperature cool and embalming come under the basic care method of the deceased body.
Complete the paperwork – After preparing the deceased body ready to transport, you can head toward the legal paperwork regarding self-transportation. The healthcare agent of the deceased person will arrange the death certificate, Medical certificate of cause of death ( MCCD) and Form 100A. You can also collect them from the concerned departments.
Registration of the death – The death must be registered within five days after the demise at the registered office in the UK. In the case of transportation, you should make it done as soon as possible.

The regulations on the transportation of the deceased body in Canada

One must follow the given guidelines while participating in the transportation of dead bodies without a funeral direction team in Canada.

If you are utilizing airways in transporting the dead body, provide all the necessary documents to the airline authority. These crucial documents include death certificate and NOC etc.
The deceased body or human remains must be carried inside a sealed casket, container or coffin box. A securing fabric should also be wrapped around the coffin or casket.
Before the confirmation of coffin transportation, you are not allowed to book your ticket.

Guidelines for interstate repatriation in Australia

If one has decided to tackle the transportation process by self in Australia, he or she must know the following rules.

First, make an agreement with the family regarding the transportation of dead bodies to the funeral home or a licensed storage place.
Contact the included insurance company for the payment of funeral plans.
Take safety measures for the deceased body like embalming and placing it inside the sealed coffin box.
Collect all the necessary documents that can make you able to attain clearance for the self-transportation of the dead body.

In South Africa

To follow a proper procedure of body transportation from South Africa to any other country by yourself, you must follow the below-given rules.

Abridged death certificate
Valid id of the deceased person
Burial order
Embalming certificate
Repatriation cost details

The post Is it Legal and Safe to Transport a Deceased Body on Your Own? appeared first on Last Journey.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The cremation ritual is an inseparable part of a Hindu custom performed after the death of an individual. It opens the door of the heavenly abode for the departed soul. But diverse causes are shifting the conventional cremation ritual to another format.

Have a look at the changes that are included in the conventional cremation ritual and their associated reasons.

Eco-friendly ways of cremation

Cremating deceased bodies by adopting modern ways can also help in refraining the environment from becoming polluted. A quick way to turn the dead body into ashes not only saves time for close people but emits polluted smoke in less amount also.

Here are the eco-friendly ways of cremation.

Electric cremation
CNG cremation

Electric Cremation  – In this method the dead bodies are placed inside a combustion chamber which is set at a certain high temperature.

CNG Cremation- A similar way to cremate the dead body through a gas chamber is known as CNG cremation. Only 30-45 minutes are enough for CNG cremation.

Opting new ways of decomposing deceased body

The increasing levels of air pollution and cutting of trees for providing logs for cremation concern people regarding the environment. This compels people to change their way of saying goodbye to their beloved ones.

Here are the substitutes for cremation rituals for those who want to make the air free from pollutants even after their passing.

Water burial
Alkaline hydrolysis
Feed the soil and trees
Be a treat for scavengers
Use eco-friendly ways of cremation

These are the new ways that are introduced to the people for bidding adieu to their beloved ones in a more meaningful way.

Water Burial –

Instead of cremating the deceased body in the open atmosphere people prefer to sink deep down in the ocean. An authoritative team performing funeral rites of people helps people in water burial. The human remains and ashes turn into the coral reef after a few days of water burial.

Alkaline hydrolysis 

Decomposing deceased bodies through an alkaline substance, a distinct way is gaining ground among people who want to perform the final rituals in a non-harming environment way. This takes only three-four hours to decompose the body and turn it into a murky brown liquid.

Feed the soil and trees

A unique way of earth burial is also accepted by a large number of people. The deceased bodies are placed inside the ground and plant the seeds of trees after burial. The decomposing body helps the implanted sapling in growing into a big tree. The family members can visit the place and spend time under the shade of that particular tree which reminds them about the departed person.

Sky burial or a treat for scavengers

This kind of decomposing deceased body is quite popular in the northern parts of India. The dead bodies are placed on the top areas of specific mountains where scavenging birds and animals treat them as their food. It is entirely a natural way of decomposing the body.

The post Changes in the Hindu Cremation Process: Modernizing Last Rites and Funeral Customs appeared first on Last Journey.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Final rituals are the ways to help the departed soul to attain peace and incept a new journey by rebirth after demise. Some specific ways are mentioned in our scriptures to honour the soul of a deceased husband by his close family members and especially his wife.

What Hindu rituals are followed after the death of a husband?

All the final rituals of a deceased husband are performed in a similar way to other persons. A few distinct rules must be followed by his widow-wife after the demise.

Let’s know what is advised to do in the Hindu religion for a  woman who has just lost his husband.

Abdicating pompous and coloured clothes

After the demise of the husband the widowed wife is not allowed to wear colorful and pompous clothes. She is advised to wear plain white or light-colored clothes.

Abandoning jewelry and all signs of a married woman

Jewelry and Make up widely known as “Solah Shringar” in the Hindu religion is a sign of marriage and only a married woman wears them. After losing the husband the woman is advised not to wear them.

Not visiting religious places right after the demise

It is believed that the mourning or grieving period of a widow’s wife for his beloved husband lasts longer than the other family persons’. Due to this reason, the wife should not visit any social gatherings and religious places for at least a few months.

At some specific places, it is believed according to the scriptures, the female should donate her long hair in a temple or at a sacred place. Long hair is also considered a sign of a married woman but in today’s era, people consider most of these rules and restrictions biased and orthodox.

Who performs the final rites of a deceased husband?

The elder son should take part in offering the dignified last rites and lead the rituals with the assistance of an experienced priest. His brother or any other male person can also offer the last rites. But the wife of the deceased husband should not perform the final rituals of her deceased husband.

She should not be present at the cremation ground or place where the final rituals of her husband are going on. According to the Hindu religion, she stays at home with other family members especially women during the cremation of her deceased husband.

The post Hindu Rituals after the death of Husband appeared first on Last Journey.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The demise of a beloved one aches a lifetime but the initial thirteen days help us to accept the loss and process the unbearable grief through the last rituals. Each of the final rites offers the opportunity to honour the deceased person.

Let’s know the significance of all thirteen days’ rituals.

Cremation ritual

Right after the demise of a loving family member all the close ones start making arrangements regarding the Cremation of the deceased body. At the Cremation ground or Ghat, the following rituals are performed by the elder male member of the family.

Cleaning the deceased body with the sacred water of the river Ganga. Some people also include milk and honey while washing the deceased body.
Wrapping the cleaned deceased body into a plain and new white coloured cloth. Our scriptures say that if you are preparing a married female body for cremation, weak it in a red coloured cloth.
The priest prepares the pyre for cremation with the help of close family members.
With the chanting of holy mantras mentioned in our scriptures, the elder male person of the family set the pyre on fire.
All the male members wait for the complete cremation of the deceased body and return home without looking back at the cremation place.
The very next day a few family members go to the same place and collect the ashes or remains of the deceased person for flowing them into the sacred water of the river Ganga.

What does the cremation ritual imply?

Cremation is a crucial Hindu last ritual that allows the departed soul to liberate from worldly bondings. It is a gateway to meeting Parmatma.

The 13 days of rituals at home

After the cremation, the 13 days are considered the mourning period in our culture. During these days the family members follow some rituals strictly. Have a look at them.

The family members eat simple and vegetarian food for the next 13 days.
It is not allowed to go to other’s homes or a place where any religious or social function is going on.
Wearing pompous clothes is also not allowed for the family members.
Visiting temples and pilgrim sites is also not permitted to the close ones of the deceased member.

Why it is important to follow these rules?

Spending the next few days according to the above-given instructions implies that the family is remembering the departed person and expressing their grief and honour towards the passed one.

From the first day to the tenth day, the elder male member who took part in cremation should also perform ” Tilanjali and Pindadaan“. It is a ritual of offering rice balls to the departed soul.

Rituals on the 10th  

On the tenth day, the same Pindadaan ritual is performed by the elder family member under the guidance of a priest at a Shiva temple on the river bank.

11th and 12th-day rituals

Till the 10th day, the house is considered impure. On the 11th day the elder person of the family sprinkles “Panchgavya” in the entire house. Panchgavya comprises five elements that are cow’s Milk, Ghee, Curd, Urine and Cow Dung. Family members are also instructed to take a sip of Panchagavya. Different kind of Shradh Karm is also performed in a cowshed for appeasing the ancestors of the family on this day.

On the 12th day, Sapindikaran Shradh is performed. It is believed that the deceased person on this day attains the title of Pitra and gets a place in Pitralok. Close family members must take part in the 12th-day final ritual.

13th-day last rite- Teheravin and Pagadi Rasam

With the Teheravin and Pagadi Rasam rituals, the mourning period of a family is considered ended. On this day all the relatives, neighbors, close friends and well-wishers of the deceased person are invited to the home for attending the Teheravin. They are served with a complete meal including sweet items.

It signifies the satisfaction of the departed soul.

Pagadi Rasam is a ceremony performed on the last day of the mourning period. This last ritual implies the transfer of responsibilities to the another elder person of the family by tying a Pagadi on his head.

The post The Significance and Process of 13 Days Hindu Rituals After Death appeared first on Last Journey.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

It could be quite hard for any person to imagine or have a discussion about funeral trends. But we have to admit the fact that funerals and other last rites are as essential for life as other rituals are.

Involving religious and cultural values along with unique and new ways of saying goodbyes is becoming a trend in funeral services industries. A slight touch of technology, personalization and creativity in offering a dignified funeral can satiate and honour the departed soul of your loved one.

Here are some new trends that are gaining ground in the funeral service industry. These new and innovative trends offer an exceptional way to celebrate the life journey of beloved ones.

 1. Virtual funerals

The covid pandemic has brought several changes in the normal life of people and the funeral is one of those parts where people adopted a new trend – Virtual presence at your loved one’s funeral.

Prohibition on traveling and gathering in large numbers for funerals allowed utilizing the technology for such purposes. Zoom and other webcasting platforms played a pivotal role in connecting loved ones during the most difficult time of their lives.

How it is beneficial?

Those who are residing in far places and can not reach immediately the place where the funeral ceremony is going on must use the virtual way of getting connected with mourners.

 2. Personalization of the funerals

In the past, people relied only on the conventional methods of performing final rites or funerals but today a family or close ones want to say goodbye uniquely. Including products and services while keeping the persona of the departed person in mind helps family and friends in personalizing the funeral ceremony.

These days close family members pick a theme-based funeral event as well so that attendees can evoke the departed person for lifelong.

How it is beneficial?

Personalization of the funeral event helps in establishing a deep connection with the deceased person as we all can remember departed persons through their liking or choices.

 3 . Pre-planning of the Funerals

Talking about death and the amount spent on organizing funerals was a taboo decades back but now people openly discuss it. Pre-planning of your or your loved one’s funeral not only makes you able to admit the harsh end-of-life journey but also saves you from spending more on funeral arrangements. The loved ones can find themselves stress-free and mourn peacefully if the departed person had pre-booked the funeral plan through a reliable funeral home.

How it is beneficial?

Pre-planning a funeral service offers you the advantage of fixing the amount that you want to spend on the funeral.

4. Green funerals and cremation methods

These days concern about the environment is widely expanded. Even after the demise people do not want to harm the environment with their non-eco-friendly final rites. Hence using a biodegradable casket, urn and decorative cardboard etc is in trend these days.

Along with the funeral events, people also pick an environment-friendly cremation rite as their last wish. Natural ways of decomposing the deceased body as sky burial, water burial and tree burial etc are adopted by several ones.

How it is beneficial?

Green ways of funeral and cremation help a person in staying connected with mother nature throughout the life cycle. After the demise, one can chip into the wellness of nature by providing the essential elements to the plants and soil after getting decomposed in the lap of mother nature.

5. Creating memories through last rites

The last moments create unbearable pain for close family members and friends but still, everyone wants to remember those painful moments in various ways. One can take the help of technology in capturing the entire last rituals of one beloved one. Photos and video recordings of the funeral and other final ceremonies will refresh the beautiful memories also that you created with the departed one.

The family members can utilize the ashes of the departed person in making beautiful jewelry also so that they can always feel the warmth of the departed person’s love and blessings.

How it is beneficial?

Memories are quite important for admitting the immense contribution of a beloved family member in your life even after his/her demise.

6. Home Funeral

Taking care of a deceased person’s body at home with the close ones is a new way of honouring the departed soul. The family members can collectively help the deceased body slowly decompose with the help of freezing packs in place of using an embalming service.

How it is beneficial?

On one hand, it helps the family members in processing the grief of losing the beloved person while on the other hand, it cut downs the extra funeral arrangement costs.

7. Memorial service

Usually, after performing all the last rites like a funeral, cremation or burial etc in a dignified manner people consider that the story of a life journey has ended. But these days family members want to keep the inspiring story alive for decades. And for accomplishing this purpose they take the help of memorial services or memorial events.

A family can also organize a donation drive, spend time with old persons or kids and provide them with essential stuff like food, clothes and books etc in a memorial event.

How it is beneficial?

Organizing a memorial ceremony every year at the place where the family performed cremation or burial is a new trend for evoking the beautiful memories of the departed person.

Apart from all the above-mentioned trends in the funeral industry, the biggest trend that we as a new generation are setting is – Discussing death without hesitation. One can say it is the death positivity as well. Making our elders comfortable regarding the process of death rituals also helps us in accepting the fact that things are not going to stay the same forever. This new trend makes us learn to adopt a unique way to bid adieu to our beloved ones.

The post 2023 Funeral Trends: Helping People Through Difficult Times appeared first on Last Journey.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Paying for quality care services for the long term to your elder family members is not an easy task. Sometimes it becomes more challenging due to financial issues.

In this scenario, Medicaid emerges as a beneficiary service for such people who have limited income or assets. But being eligible for Medicaid services one must fulfill some requirements, especially the financial limitations. It gives you a time limit of six months also.

Other factors also help the person in qualifying for Medicaid services. Let’s know about the most important one which is – Pre-arrangement of the funeral.

How does the Pre-arrangement of funeral work in qualifying for Medicaid?

The rules or laws related to Medicaid service vary from one country to another. The amount of money that a person or family can set aside for the funeral for Medicaid is different in different countries. If you want to be assured about the amount that you are keeping aside for the funeral, you must take help from a renowned and certified financial planning professional or the office that provides Medicaid services.

The Medicaid services allow the person a few things. Let’s have a look at them.

Allowance for creating an account

The rules associated with the Medicaid service allow the person to establish an account in which he or she can submit an amount for the arrangement of a funeral. The person is allowed to plan the funeral before spending the amount on Medicaid services.

Choice of planning the funeral

The person can plan the funeral according to his/her own choice. But one can not include some items or services in one’s funeral plan as it can jeopardize the eligibility status of Medicaid services.

Modifications are allowed but with guidelines

Some people get confused by the thought that the pre-arranged funeral plan under the Medicaid guidelines can not be changed or modified. The family members should not consider themselves locked in the agreement of pre-planning the funeral under Medicaid eligibility. Family members can do some changes to the funeral plan but those changes must follow the guidelines of Medicaid eligibility.

How to convince elder people to pre-planning of funerals so that they can become eligible for Medicaid?

Most people are aware of the pre-planning of funeral rites and its advantages in Medicaid eligibility but a few things create a dilemma situation for them. You can consider these points as the myths of pre-planning the funeral. Here are the major points that you must know regarding the pre-planning of the funeral.

1. An opportunity of ending life in your way

Pre-planning for the funeral offers you a way of planning your farewell in a desired manner. Whether you want a religious, eco-friendly or specific way to leave this planet, it is all up to you. You can make a list of the attendees whom you love and respect, decide the dress code of your funeral and the place where you want to wave the last goodbye to your loved ones. The family members can put these options in front of their elder family members and convince them of a pre-planned funeral service.

2. Build the memories by yourself

The professional teams that provide services regarding the pre-planning of the funeral for an elder person in your family suggest some unique ideas through which people can remember you in the best possible ways. As an example – An elder person loves spending time in nature or exploring famous nature sights, the teams can help you in setting up the funeral area with the beautiful natural elements.

3. Lessens the responsibilities of family members

At the demise of a beloved family member, all the close ones feel a void and planning the best farewell for the departed person does not seem easy at that time. If you pre-plan the things related to your funeral, it not only relieves family members from the big responsibilities but also gives them time to mourn their grief peacefully. Family members can feel relieved from huge tasks like decision-making and executing the right decision.

4. Avoid paying the rising cost of a funeral

The fluctuations in the cost of funeral arrangements can bother you to some extent. But if you plan things before demise and lock this plan with the help of a credible professional team, you can skip paying a higher amount for your funeral. Planning the funeral before the demise brings an advantage for people in that they need not worry about the rising prices of services related to the funeral. Once you block the plan at a certain amount it remains fixed at the time of utilization.

5. Honour the wishes after the demise

Executing the services according to the pre-planned funeral service is a way of honouring the wishes of the departed person. Family members and close friends can offer a dignified farewell to your soul and honour your life journey by complying with your wishes or desires. Carrying out your wishes even after your demise with the help of funeral homes will be a great way of biding you adieu.

6. Enough time for planning the funeral

Taking immediate decisions at the time of demise may leave some important things to include. But in the pre-planning of the funeral you have so much time to discuss, bring changes and modify the plan according to your wish. It gives you the advantage of including the wishes of your close ones and at the same time you can also tell your close ones about the things that you do not want to include in your funeral.

7. Advance planning but no advance payment

Pre-planning for the funeral of your elder person gives you the advantage of making choices in advance. But you do not need to pay for that personalized funeral plan before the demise. Funeral homes can also utilize the amount from the life insurance policies at the time of services but they must inform the family members about it.

The post How Pre-funding a Funeral can Help you Qualify for Medicaid? appeared first on Last Journey.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Celebration of life is a service or event that offers the grievers a chance to say dignified goodbye to the departed soul. It can be a private final ceremony for the departed soul or a grand celebration of his/her life journey.

The close ones can give it a touch of the religious event as well because they can include some unique religious rituals after the passing of a beloved person. But keeping it light will be better for the family members as the traditional way of saying goodbye make people emotional.

The “Celebration of Life” service or event brings beautiful memories of the deceased person in front of the close ones.

Here are six ideas for the celebration of life for senior citizens through which you can honour your beloved senior member of your family and bid adieu to him/her.

Plant trees or make a garden in loving memories of the departed person.
Share the memories in unique ways
Music – a great way of celebrating life
Light the sky with lanterns or colourful balloons
Visit the old age homes and donate something unique
A memorial fundraiser

These specific ideas of Celebration of Life will not only help you evoke the loving memory of the deceased person but will also spark some inspiration among people. Let’s know these unique ideas in detail.

Plant trees or make a beautiful garden

Nature is the best way to establish a connection between you and the departed soul. Every person loves spending time in the lap of mother nature and especially senior citizens spend quality time in the gardens or parks. Therefore planting some beautiful trees or making a garden in the loving memory of your beloved family member will be a great way to evoke their life journey and celebrate it.

Another aspect of utilizing this idea for the celebration of life is, nature symbolizes the cycle of life. It signifies that all the phases of life are beautiful whether it is a beginning or an end.

Share the memories of the departed person in a unique way

Memories bring tears to your eyes but make you smile as well. For the Celebration of Life, the close family members must include those memories that can tickle the loved ones instead of making them emotional.

You can take help from the below-mentioned ideas regarding the memory sharing of the deceased person.

Family members can take help from the professional team and make a short film on the life journey of the departed person. Including the photographs of family members in the short film will make them feel connected.
A memory slideshow with music can also make people smile and help them remember the person in a good way.
The guests and family members can read loudly the funny and loving memories of the departed person in front of the family members.
Distributing sharing pictures of the departed person and a specific person to that same person will make them feel special.

Music is a great way to evoke the life journey

During difficult times, music acts as a soothing factor and when it belongs to the category of the departed person’s favorite, it becomes more special for the Celebration of Life.

You can hire a singer or artist for playing the favorite music of the departed person. Another way of including music in the Celebration of Life event is, singing a unique song by every attendee that depicts the unique bond with the departed person.

Light up the sky in the loving memories

It is considered that after demise your beloved ones become a star in the sky and look at you from a great distance. Adding more stars to the sky while praying, honoring and remembering the deceased person is a great way of Celebration of life.

Sky lanterns are completely eco-friendly as they are made up of paper. Flying high with a flame of hope will offer a dignified farewell to your beloved one. However, you can replace these sky lanterns with colourful balloons also but they can harm the environment in some ways.

Visit the old age home and serve the senior citizens

The family members can plan a visit to an old age home where they can share the memories of the deceased senior member of their family. Talking to them kindly and serving them food and essentials can soothe your heart in difficult times.

This generous act will infuse an inspirational vibe in your children and make them able to understand the journey of life. A whole day for senior citizens can be the best way to Celebration of Life in the loving memory of your beloved person.

A memorial fundraiser for needy ones

Remembering the life journey of an elder person who is no more with you by helping out others can be a bit expensive. But if you can afford this idea for the Celebration of Life, no other way is better than this to honour the departed soul.

Collecting funds in the name of the deceased person and giving it to needy people will satiate the soul of the deceased one as well as soothe yours. You can name it an education fund or a welfare fund for senior citizens. Including the interest of the departed person will enhance the worth of this kind act.

How can you plan a Celebration of Life event for the departed person?

Taking help from professional teams in difficult times is quite important as it simplifies your work and lessens your responsibilities so that you can spend maximum time with your loved ones.

Asking for more unique ideas, planning for their execution and establishing contact with old age homes through NGOs or other teams will help you in a great way for the Celebration of Life event. You can also take help from family and friends in deciding the idea for Celebration of Life.

The post 6 Celebration of life Ideas for your Senior Loved Ones appeared first on Last Journey.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

There are certain topics that we avoid talking about with our parents and other family members but the importance of that topic forces us to have a conversation regarding that tough subject. One such topic is ” Discussing Funeral Plans” with loved ones.

In this article you will know, why you need to discuss it and how can you initiate this conversation. Along with it, this article includes crucial points that one must involve in the discussion of Funeral Plans.

How to start a smooth conversation about Funeral Plans with family members?

There should always be a plan to perfectly conclude a difficult conversation as you can make up your mind regarding several things which are linked with the Discussion of Funeral Plans.

Here are some key points from which you can take help.

1. Decide the person

It is very necessary to keep in mind whom with you want to have this important discussion or whom you want to make aware of your funeral plans. It can be a single person or an entire family ( the elder members). You are advised to include those people in the discussion whom with you feel comfortable and safe.

2. Jot down the important points

It is quite common that when people start discussing an unfamiliar topic, they forget the essential points to mention. For refraining from this, you can write down the points on which you want to discuss the funeral plan like the place, type and time of the final rites. This method will ensure that you are not going to miss any points.

3. Choose the part from where to initiate and end it

During an unfamiliar conversation, the most difficult part is to initiate it and end it. While making up your mind about Discussing Funeral Plan, you can pick an initiating topic like, “I recently read an article related to the funeral plans….” or you can start with a reference to a person who passed away recently.

Similarly, you can pick a concluding statement for the discussion like,”I will surely attain peace with this kind of funeral ceremony.”

4. Do not suppress emotions

There is nothing strange about getting emotional while having a Discussion of Funeral Plans with your close ones but suppressing them will be strange for everyone. If you want to cry or hug your loved ones during the conversation, do not give a second thought for doing it.

Which points one should include in the Funeral Plan Discussion?

Discussing a funeral plan with your loving family members is one of the toughest discussions you have ever done and several people are not aware of the points that are the inseparable part of this crucial discussion.

Here are those important points that depict your wishes regarding your funeral plan.

Tell them about your choice between burial and cremation after demise.
If you pick burial, also tell them about the place where you want to rest peacefully or if you want to choose a cremation ritual, tell them about the immersion or scattering of the ashes.
Express your desire for decoration of the place where your final rituals are taking place.
You can tell them about the funeral direction company or funeral home also whose services you want to use.
A theme-based funeral is also in trend, express your wish if you also want to see people in a specific costume at your funeral.
What message do you want to give to the people who are going to attend your funeral? Like a thank you note.
Give the details to your family members regarding the postpaid funeral plan. You can also tell them about the funds which are going to use for your funeral by the funeral direction company.
Make the family members aware of the religious services that you want at your funeral and other last rites.
You can also tell them about the eco-friendly ways of disposing of the body after the demise and which one you want to choose for yourself.
If you want to do some charity or donate the needy people even after your demise, tell your close ones about it. You can give information about the fund that they can use for such kind activities.

Why it is necessary to have a discussion related to funeral plans with family members?

Some desires come to an end with the end of life and remain unfulfilled. To avoid such situations and offer a peaceful and desired farewell to your loved ones, discussion on Funeral Plans is very important.

Other factors that make it crucial for every person are mentioned below.

This conversation offers relief to family members and they get an idea of the planning of a funeral after their beloved one’s demise.
Taking decisions and utilizing funds wisely becomes easy after knowing the desire of the departed person.
A prior discussion of funeral plans helps people accept the harsh reality of life which is unavoidable and they learn to overcome it rapidly after the demise.

What is the appropriate time for discussing a funeral plan with your family?

Usually, people think that they have so much time to spend with their loved ones and they do not need to discuss a funeral plan now. But as it is well known that death is a completely unexpected happening in anyone’s life journey, you should wait too long to discuss it. It is never too late or too early to discuss your or your family members’ funeral plans.

Another way of expressing your wishes

As it is a difficult subject on which a family can discuss, you can take another way of expressing your wishes as well as knowing about others’. You can write the entire funeral plan on a piece of paper and ask your loved ones to read it. You can suggest they to express their thoughts on the paper also. This will comparatively an easy way to discuss a funeral plan.

The post How to Discuss your Funeral Plans with your Family? appeared first on Last Journey.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Every family member wants to hire the best funeral service home for bidding adieu to the beloved person. Most funeral direction companies offer Prepaid Funeral Plans according to the services and products that people choose.

But Prepaid Funeral Plans sometimes become risky also as many things remain unclear to the family members who are hiring the funeral services from a company. On the other hand, it is useful in some ways as well because prepaid funeral plans give you the advantage of paying in installments.

Here is the complete analysis of the pros and cons of Prepaid Funeral Plans so that you can make a wise decision regarding prepaid services for the funeral.

Pros of the Prepaid Funeral Plans

There are many compelling reasons to choose a prepaid funeral plan. Some of the major advantageous features of this kind of service are below mentioned.

Makes you free from responsibilities

One of the biggest pros of a Prepaid Funeral Plan is you can pay the amount for services and products before the start of services and take part in the final rites of your beloved family member without any distraction. This advantage of prepaying for the services helps you in peacefully processing the pain.

Make you aware of the expense before the start of services

Prepaid Funeral Plans also shrug off the worries of people related to carrying more or less amount than required during the funeral of the departed person. In this kind of service, you need not think about the situations like whether you are carrying sufficient money or not for the payment.

Another thing is, the increase and decrease in the price of services do not impact the paid amount of your prepaid funeral plan. You can save some amount in case the price of the funeral plan increases.

Funeral Homes also gives offers on prepaid plans

Many funeral homes provide cheaper packages to people who show interest in Prepaid Funeral Plans. The expensive funeral plans also become affordable for the people. The prepaid funeral plans give you a free consultation as well.

Tax saving

Paying after the completion of funeral services can charge you an amount that includes taxes but prepaying can save you from this. Prepaying for  Funeral Plans can deduct the tax amounts from the price of funeral services. You can also consult with the authorities of the Funeral home regarding the tax deduction.

Decide the type of funeral that you want to give

Prepaid Funeral Plans allow you to select things and specific services for your beloved family member. You can include things according to your budget or leave some services if the amount crosses your budget limit.  You can choose the vehicle for the funeral procession, casket, decoration and place for burial or cremation according to your choice and pay before the start of services.

These pros of Prepaid Funeral Plans play a pivotal role in coercing people to consider this kind of service related to funerals.

Cons of Prepaid Funeral Plans

After seeing the above-written advantages of Prepaid Funeral plans you might feel that there is no drawback in these plans. But you must make yourself aware of the risks and disadvantages of Prepaid funeral plans before making a final decision related to it.

Here is the list of cons that are linked with the Prepaid Funeral Plans of several funeral homes.

No room for shifting the plan before or after the fixed time

In many cases, Funerals happened at a fixed time but there may be a change in the plan. As an example, A close family member can be late in reaching the destination place. Hence family members have to shift it to the next day or a few hours after the fixed time. But this shifting is not possible in the prepaid funeral plans.

Apart from this, there is no flexibility in changing the place of the funeral. You have to complete the ritual at the pre-decided place only. If you find yourself unable in performing the rituals at a fixed time and place, there is the least chance of a complete refund from the Funeral homes whom with you have signed the contract for preplanned funeral services.

Prepaying is not enough sometimes

Prepaid funeral plans include only those charges which are pre-decided like the cost of the casket, vehicle, coffin box etc. But you will pay some additional amount after completing the rituals for third-party services and medical services. It can create a misunderstanding between the consumer and the service provider.

Family members bear the expense sometimes

Many people sign the prepaid funeral service plan before their demise and this contract shows a certain amount that you pay. But it is not certain that there will be no charge after this payment.

In case some extra things are added to the plan, your close family members or friends have to pay for them.

Utilization of your insurance policies by funeral homes

Not every Funeral Home takes advantage of your life insurance but some funeral direction teams include the amount of your life insurance policy for the payment of services.

You can understand it in this way,

If you have signed the contract in which it is mentioned that your life insurance policy will be used by the funeral home, you can not expect the remaining amount for your family members. The funeral home will not return the amount which is left after the utilization.

Chances of scams

According to a report, many funeral homes take advantage of people’s hard-earned money by not offering the same services. You must read the plan carefully before paying for it or signing it. Your family members should also know about your plan and the amount that you pay for it so that they can put their points legally.

Thorough information about the Preplanned Funeral Plans can save you from the disadvantages and cons of it.

The post 10 pros and cons of Prepaid Funeral Plans appeared first on Last Journey.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

When a person loses a beloved family member he/she goes through unbearable pain and feels a void in life. In this situation, the close ones or friends sympathize with him/her through condolence messages.

But sometimes we have to express our grief and condolences to a person whose religion is different from ours. If you want to express your grief to a friend or colleague who follows the Islam Funeral religion, this article will help you in choosing the right words that can console the grieving person.

Condolence Messages in Islam

There are several quotations used by people in the Islamic religion to express grief and support for the mourning person. Many of these quotations belong to Hadith ( a traditional record of Prophet Mohammad’s sayings).

Some of them are given below that you can use while a grieving Muslim friend or colleague.

Indeed we belong to Allah and indeed to him, we will return.

Meaning – People use this Islamic quote at the time of tragedy or while they console someone on anyone’s passing. It implies that almighty Allah bestows us with everything that he has and in the end, we all return to him. You can also use the Arabic version of this quote which is, ” Inna lillahi Wa Inna ilayhi raji’un.”

May Allah give place to him/her in Jannatul Firdaus.

Meaning – This Islamic condolence quotation says that Allah will dwell the departed soul in paradise. Here Jannatul Firdaus implies that it is a place in beautiful heaven.

May Allah shroud you with immense love and care in this difficult phase of life and help you heal with each passing moment.

Meaning – You can use these simple pair of words that mean losing a loved one is difficult but Allah will make it easy for your gradually.

May Almighty Allah bestow you comfort and patience.

Meaning – Choosing the right words for consoling is not that easy and when the person belongs to another religion it becomes more difficult. If you are in doubt, pick this simple line to express your support.

Do not lose heart and grieve, you will be superior if you are a believer.

Meaning – This quote was said to Umm Salma who was the wife of the Prophet Mohammad. If you are going to visit a lady who has just lost his husband, select this quote to console her.

May the departed soul complete a pleasant journey and may Allah shower his blessings on his/her grave.

Meaning – You can spread positivity in times of despair and grief through these words. This quote helps the grieving person in realizing that the end of a life journey can also be beautiful.

You can also recite Dua for the deceased person and pray to Allah for accepting him/her after forgiving his/her unacceptable deeds. But your pronunciation and words will be clear while reciting it otherwise it can hurt the sentiments of bereaved family members.

Ways to Express Grief and Support the Grieving Person

In the Islamic religion, close family members mourn over their loss for three days. During this period, you can pay condolences to the departed soul and sympathize with them through your kind words.

There are many ways that you can choose for expressing condolence. Some of the most popular ways are mentioned below that you can follow.

Use a card for expressing the sorrow

In the Islamic religion sympathy notes and cards are acceptable so you can choose one in which an Islamic condolence message is written or you can also write the sympathizing words by yourself on the card. Your effort will heal their aching heart to some extent and the person will understand that you genuinely care for him/ her. If you are residing at a place that is far from your Muslim friend or colleague, use notes and cards. This will be the best way of expressing condolences.

Add some flowers to your condolence message

Flowers always show the feeling of offering peace, love and warmth toward the departed soul. If you are visiting a person who has lost a close person, bring some fresh flowers or you can send them along with a card that is carrying a positive message in a time of deep sorrow. You can also choose the favorite flowers of the departed person. This small act will show your sincerity and affection toward the grieving family.

Make a personal visit

Establishing a personal connection with the grieving person through one visit or multiple visits will be highly applicable to the grieving person or his/her entire family. If the person who has lost a beloved family member is residing in your local area, you must visit his/her home and convey your feelings of the heart. While visiting you can bring some memorable pictures of that person or a story related to his life also. Telling or showing your grief through these methods will help in healing the mourner.

Ask for a donation drive on the behalf of the departed person

A good deed like charity, donation or help on the behalf of the deceased person will also be a praiseworthy step. But you must ask for the permission of the family or that particular person who has lost a loved one. If they deny accepting any such gesture you should not impose it on them.

What are the points that one should keep in mind while conveying a sympathy message or condolence to the grieving person?

After knowing the condolence messages of the Islam religion and ways to convey them, you should also be aware of some points that you must avoid while visiting a mourner’s home.

Respecting his/her silence is very important. You should not force the person to open up and talk to you. You can simply convey your grief and support and spend some quiet moments with the person.
Give some place to the positive things also. You should not talk about grief all the time.

The post What to say when someone dies, condolences in Islam appeared first on Last Journey.