Ask Barb - Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers

This time of year encourages people to travel away from home.  You might be a snow bird and relocate for the season or simply a vacationer seeking the sun  on  a cruise or friendly beach.

Sadly, death can happen at any time and getting you home to your family can be an over whelming project.  So I’d like  to encourage you to consider placing some provisions in your preplanned future trips.

1.  Make sure your family/friends have an itinerary for your trip.

2.  Make sure you have legal documents in place so someone can handle your personal decisions.  Some of those documents to consider are as follows.  For example; a medical power of attorney, a financial power of attorney and  guardianship papers for children under the age of 21.

3.  Make sure your  family knows where to find that important paperwork.

4.  Have a funeral directive in place.  Within that preplanned funeral include a “return travel” arrangement for your body.  Such travel plans provide for a team of professionals that will make sure you get home safely to those who love you.  These professionals will know how to prepare you, the paperwork and your travel.  This insurance program will provide your family with a unique peace of mind  that when something tragic happens that you had, once again, taken care of  them.

5.  Pack a small camera and record all the special moments you’ll share together!

Have an amazing start to the New Year …make sure to hugs and kiss….start that new year by doing something unexpected and nice for someone you’ve never met….welcome new friendships and celebrate old ones…appreciate this moment in time!

My best friend is moving her parents back to Iowa this month. One of her parents concerns involved their preplanned funerals in Delaware.  Having reviewed her parents arrangements the solution was really simple.  When they arrive in Iowa ,and settle in, they need to select a new funeral home they feel comfortable with.  Then, they need to sit down with the new funeral center and have them review the funeral plans from Delaware.  The Iowa center will then confirm they will handle (they can refuse) the arrangements as agreed to in Delaware and send some letters to confirming the change.  Generally not to stressful.  As always they need to check the laws governing their personal choices in that given state.

The buzz line is one most of us support …. it’s also a key marketing tag for Mathews Int. cremation division.  Mathews, like many providers, are actively addressing concerns about greenhouse gases, fuel consumption, and overal enviromental impact of the cremation process.  Cremation equipment, in general, has continued to improve over the years.  Testing has shown many reports used by the media regarding the enviromental impact of cremation are out dated. So before you make up your mind check out the providers reputation within your market. Ask what type of training and equipment they have. Another good referal source is CANA www.cremationassociation.org