Calling the funeral director
The death of a loved one requires a host of tasks to be co-ordinated in a short space of time and, understandably, this can be overwhelming for family and friends who are grieving the loss of some-one special.
The funeral director's role is to give practical help, support and guidance with all aspects of the funeral arrangements, and even if you are planning on having the funeral a week or more after passing, the initial call to the funeral director should not be postponed. Michael O'Brien can be contacted on 0451 956 002, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We believe speaking to the funeral director can be a comforting experience during this difficult time. Being able to leave the formal arrangements in the hands of a trained professional can be a welcome relief for people in the initial stages of bereavement, it will also ensure that that all tasks are carried out completely and according to your wishes.
An initial meeting is held to discuss arrangements for the funeral, where your funeral director will help you plan events over the following days. In addition to answering any questions you may have, your funeral director will also listen to your suggestions and detail the available options. While your funeral director may make suggestions, decisions will only be made in line with the families' wishes or, more specifically, the wishes of the executor of the will.
It is very important that you do not advise family and friends of the funeral date/time until you have confirmed this with the funeral director.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of a funeral?
The cost of the funeral is dependent on many things, accordingly a funeral that is more complex to plan and carry out will cost more than one that is simple in structure. The quality of the coffin or casket will also affect the overall cost. When a funeral advisor meets with your family, they will discuss many of the options available to you, giving you the freedom to select the services that are most appropriate to your needs.
It is normal for the cemetery or crematorium costs and the various disbursements (such as doctors fees, clergy or celebrant fees, registration costs , press notices, flowers and so forth) to be included in the one account, along with the funeral company fees.
We also understand client's families appreciate value and honesty, to this we welcome a value comparison and invite you to visit us to obtain an accurate cost proposal without obligation.
For a full list of our Funeral Costs - Please Click Here
Is burial more expensive than cremation?
In most locations, the cost of purchasing a lawn cemetery plot, interment fee and plaque will cost more than a cremation fee. However, we can provide detailed cost comparisons on all cemeteries and cremations options.
I have been told it can be wise to allow yourself more time prior to the funeral, why is this so?
Sometimes families see the funeral as a painful experience and feel that the sooner it's over, the sooner life will return to normal, however if your initial desire is to put the funeral behind you as quickly as possible, we encourage you to reconsider this approach.
We must understand the loss of a loved one has caused you pain, we believe the funeral can and should be the instigator of your healing. Please speak to the funeral director and allow yourself enough time to consider and carry out all your options.
What is the difference between a coffin and a casket?
The difference between a coffin and a casket is basically one of design. Coffins are tapered at the head and foot and are wide at the shoulders. Caskets are rectangular in shape and are usually constructed of better quality timbers and features higher standards of workmanship.
The decision to select a coffin or a casket is made by the family according to their personal preference. Many people regard the coffin or casket as an important tribute to the deceased and therefore select it with care. However to spend so much that it would mean financial difficulties for those left behind would be misguided.
Cremation or burial?
Cremation is a respectful, dignified process that feels right for many of today's families, however a cremation should not take place if there are written instructions from the deceased to the contrary. Please speak to the funeral director if you wish to know more about cremations.
In cremation what happens to the coffin or casket?
The coffin or casket is always cremated with the body of the deceased; fears that the coffin or casket is used again are completely unfounded.
Will we have the opportunity to say goodbyes?
An opportunity for family members to say a final goodbye can be arranged through a service call for a private viewing which is usually held at the funeral home. It is up to the immediate mourner's whether they wish to arrange or attend a private viewing.
Viewing a loved one after death can be beneficial for the family as it allows a personal last good-bye, it also helps to establish the reality of their loss.
How should a love one be dressed?
At Good Samaritan we encourage family members to determine what is appropriate under the circumstances. We suggest that you chose clothing that reflects the taste and personality of the person who has passed, as family and friends who wish to see the deceased will find comfort in seeing them as they remember them.
If the family are unable to provide clothing, the funeral director will ensure a suitable shroud is provided.
What should we do with the wedding ring and other jewellery?
If directions have not been left in a will, then this becomes a very personal decision and there is a no right or wrong answers. Allow time to discuss this matter with your family
Should young children attend funerals?
The death of a loved one affects everyone in the family, including the funeral. With a loving explanation of what a funeral is about and what will happen, children should be encouraged (though not forced) to share the funeral experience with family and friends of the deceased.
Adults have a tendency to try and protect children from pain, but children also need to be able to accept the death and resolve their view of reality and their grief.
Making important decisions and arrangements
For some of us, the thought of planning our own funeral can be sad. But the key thing to remember is that it doesn’t have to be. Rather, it’s a way for you to make important decisions and arrangements yourself, saving your family the emotional burden.
What sort of service do you want? Would you prefer to be buried or cremated? What music would you like to be played? Who should give the eulogy? These are just some of the questions you need to think about.
When you pre-plan your funeral, there is no money involved. You simply document what you want. Of course, you can also pre-pay for your funeral.
The team at Good Samaritan Funerals has a wealth of experience in providing compassionate and professional advice to those considering their funeral options. We can help you understand your choices and guide you through the planning process.
My life. My farewell. My funeral choices.
Good Samaritan Funerals has put together the My life – My farewell – My funeral choices planning booklet, which sets out the choices and decisions you need to consider when planning your funeral, as well as at the time of need.
By nominating Good Samaritan Funerals as your funeral home of choice, we can ensure that your family is aware of your pre-planned choices and provide them with the care, support and reassurance they need ahead of the funeral.
Put simply, a pre-paid funeral is a pre-planned funeral that is paid for in advance. You arrange the funeral service you want at today’s prices – so, subject to any specific provisions in the pre-paid funeral plan contract, your funeral plan will not be affected by any future price rises.
A pre-paid funeral takes an enormous emotional and financial burden away from your family. It’s one less thing for them to deal with at a difficult time.
Pre-Paid Funerals
Your money is in safe hands
The money you pay for your pre-paid funeral contract is held independently of Good Samaritan Funerals. Funeral Plan Management ensure all money paid under any pre-paid contract is properly invested and safeguarded in accordance with the Funeral Funds Act 1979 until it is needed.
Pros of pre-paid funerals
- Costs are fixed, so you can pre-pay for the funeral you want at today’s prices
- Your money is securely invested in compliance with strict government guidelines
- You make the choices you want for your funeral
- You can pay in a lump sum or by instalments. If you pay by instalments, you have up to three years to pay in full
- You are not locked into a particular funeral director. The pre-paid contract is transferable
- A pre-paid funeral can be cheaper than a funeral bond or funeral insurance if you live longer than another five to 10 years
- The amount you pay for the pre-paid contract will be exempt from any asset and income means testing when assessing eligibility for the aged pension.
Cons of pre-paid funerals
- If you change your mind about the pre-paid funeral, you will generally forfeit the administrative set-up fee and be charged a small exit fee
- If you pay in instalments, the pre-paid contract is not claimable until the final payment is made. This means if you die before the contract is paid in full, any funeral costs will be payable at current prices less the amounts already paid against the pre-paid contract.
Put simply, a pre-paid funeral is a pre-planned funeral that is paid for in advance. You arrange the funeral service you want at today’s prices – so, subject to any specific provisions in the pre-paid funeral plan contract, your funeral plan will not be affected by any future price rises.
A pre-paid funeral takes an enormous emotional and financial burden away from your family. It’s one less thing for them to deal with at a difficult time.
Your money is in safe hands
The money you pay for your pre-paid funeral contract is held independently of Good Samaritan Funerals. Funeral Plan Management ensure all money paid under any pre-paid contract is properly invested and safeguarded in accordance with the Funeral Funds Act 1979 until it is needed.
Pros of pre-paid funerals
- Costs are fixed, so you can pre-pay for the funeral you want at today’s prices
- Your money is securely invested in compliance with strict government guidelines
- You make the choices you want for your funeral
- You can pay in a lump sum or by instalments. If you pay by instalments, you have up to three years to pay in full
- You are not locked into a particular funeral director. The pre-paid contract is transferable
- A pre-paid funeral can be cheaper than a funeral bond or funeral insurance if you live longer than another five to 10 years
- The amount you pay for the pre-paid contract will be exempt from any asset and income means testing when assessing eligibility for the aged pension.
Cons of pre-paid funerals
- If you change your mind about the pre-paid funeral, you will generally forfeit the administrative set-up fee and be charged a small exit fee
- If you pay in instalments, the pre-paid contract is not claimable until the final payment is made. This means if you die before the contract is paid in full, any funeral costs will be payable at current prices less the amounts already paid against the pre-paid contract.