Pre-pay funeral lesson from rest home case

Pre-pay funeral lesson from rest home case

26 November 2014

A case where a man’s body was left in a rest home for more than a day because his family couldn’t afford to get him cremated is a perfect example of the importance of advanced planning and pre-paying for funerals, says the Funeral Directors Association.

The man died on Sunday afternoon but was not taken to the Taranaki Base Hospital morgue until Monday evening because the family executor, a beneficiary, said she could not afford the $1900 fees. Signing over the body to the funeral director would have made her liable for all costs.

Funeral Directors Association Chief Executive Katrina Shanks said if there was a pre-paid funeral plan in place this would not have happened.

“Even though the executor was told there could be a Work and Income grant available which could cover the cost, and that under the law councils can waive burial or cremation fees for poor families, she obviously wasn’t prepared to commit to being liable for the costs in the meantime, and that’s sad.

“It’s sad because, even though the deceased had said he wanted to be cremated, the family member wasn’t in a financial position to do that, and so the body was left in limbo.

“It’s a distressing situation at an already very stressful time, and one that could have been avoided.

“Most people don’t plan ahead for their funerals, but all the best advice is that it’s something everyone should consider.

“Pre-paying your funeral is just as important as putting something away for your retirement – it’s just that, hopefully, it’s something that won’t be needed till well after that.

“There are huge benefits of pre-paying.

“I know of families who have been surprised to discover their loved one had a pre-paid funeral plan, and of the relief that brought. All of a sudden that was one big aspect of the situation confronting them that they didn’t have to worry about. They could just get on and grieve and give their loved one the best send-off.

“I also know of families who have had to scramble around to find the money because there was no money set aside. Their grieving and planning was interrupted because they were worried about where they would find the money to pay for the coffin, the flowers, the celebrant, the funeral director, and even for a couple of sandwiches at the wake.

“You could say that at such times, pre-paying makes life so much easier.

“Thankfully, in this case the funeral director worked with the rest home and the District Health Board to finally get the situation resolved at no cost to the family.”

Mrs Shanks says there are two key types of structure to consider for the pre-paying of funerals – pre-paid funeral trusts or insurance – and each will suit different requirements and circumstances.

“The options need to be considered carefully, and the person most able to help you to work through the options is your Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand funeral director.

“They will be able to help you consider all aspects of your pre-arrangement and will talk to you about the choices available.

“There is no time like the present to start the important job of advance planning and pre-paying for your funeral.”

ends

© Scoop Media