Each month ElderHope does two short tapings for the thrice daily Community Focus segment on KEOM88.5FM (don't you just love using words like thrice). We are in a rotation with a number of other community based organizations. This month we did a segment on planning ones funeral. This is the script for that segment.

Personal Funeral Planning
Taped live at the KEOM studios in Mesquite, Texas
June 23, 2004


Q:So, Mike, what are we taking about today?

A: Today, I thought that we would spend a few moments talking about planning for funerals. We started talking about it a little last month. I wanted to continue a little more today. It's hardly a topic that most people want to think about. Yet, I suspect that it's something that we turn our thoughts to every once in awhile, whether we admit it to ourselves or not. And, it's a wise thing to think about. So many folks die without some kind of plans in place, or even any idea of what they would want. When this happens, it is devastating to families.

Q: I think it is pretty daunting for most folks!

A: It certainly is. And, it's understandable that it is. But, most of us can remember our parents admonishing us to eat vegetables because they were good for us. Similarly, giving some attention to how we would like things to be for our family is also good for us and for them.

Q: Why is it good for us?

A: Because it causes us to turn our thoughts in directions that we generally choose not to think about. I think we avoid thinking about them because we figure it might jinx� us. But, the truth is that it can empower us. Indeed, it can cause us to think about new directions that we might want to take in our life. It also feels good to know that our families will have a plan when the time comes.

Q: So what do we need to know about planning for our deaths?

A: Concretely, that it's not as hard as most people might think. First, express what you want and find out what your family would want for your care. Some people like the idea of cremation; others prefer the idea of burial. In any case, we should recognize that funeral ritual is to care for the emotional needs of survivors, not for the person who deceased.

Secondly, think about where you would like to be. Some people like the thought of being near trees; some like the thought of having ashes spread over some body of water.

Consider who you would like to do your care. This is very important. The costs for exactly the same services, the same casket, and the same amenities can vary from facility to facility by, literally, thousands of dollars. Imagine what a difference that can make to survivors on a small income. One of the most significant reasons for establishing a plan, as we are talking about today, is because families are emotionally ripe for overspending after the death of a loved one. As a point of information, cremation is usually much cheaper than burial, sometimes hundreds or thousands of dollars cheaper. But the emotional needs of family should be an equally big consideration. Most funeral homes can assist families in making financial arrangements far in advance of need.

Q: How hard is it to actually set up a plan for this kind of care?

A: In many cases, it can be as simple as a phone call to begin the process. Funeral homes are required to be able to furnish a price list. Listeners should ask for one, and review it. Indeed, they should go to several different establishments to get prices: again, prices vary by enormous amounts. Then, in consultation with loved ones, they can decide on what kind of care they want.

In conclusion, by planning ahead for what will inevitably come, we are able in some way to still be of comfort to those we love and leave behind.