Questions/Answers
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When should funeral arrangements be made?
It depends on the individual's or family's preference. Some people feel preplanning reduces stress at the time of death. Others do not want to deal with these difficult decisions until the death occurs.
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What should happen when a loved one dies?
The death must be pronounced and recorded by an appropriate person. If your loved one is in a hospital, nursing home or hospice, a physician or hospice nurse can do so. If he/she dies at home, and there is no attending physician or the deceased is not enrolled in a hospice program, you will need to call the police. Arrangements are usually made by a spouse/partner, child, sibling, next of kin or legal representative.
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Can Wesche Funeral Home help if my loved one dies out of state?
Absolutely, we can assist you with out of state arrangements, encompassing transportation of your loved one back to New York or from New York to any other state. Wesche Funeral Home can also arrange transportation into or out of any country in the world.
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What do funeral directors do?
Funeral Directors are licensed by the State of New York to provide administrative and care giving services to the family and friends of the deceased. They are highly trained in all aspects of death care, including the safe handling and transportation of your loved one, preparation and co-ordination funeral services with clergy and cemeteries. they complete all paperwork required by law and help families with their decisions regarding funeral choices and disposition.They are also trained to support mourners during their time of grief.
Funeral Directors are critical during times of natural disasters or catastrophic events. Most respond quietly, without compensation or fanfare.
New York State requires the use of a licensed Funeral Director to dispose of Human Remains.
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What are the options for disposition?
The remains of the deceased can be buried, entombed, cremated or donated to science.
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What do I need to know about planning a funeral?
Most of us will have to deal with making funeral arrangements some time in our lives. At Wesche Funeral Home, we're here to make the process as stress free as possible.
We recommend that you:
- Be informed and asked questions.
- Discuss all services and payment options available based on your needs and budget.
- Make sure you get a copy of our general price list.
- Choose a personal, meaningful ceremony that honors your loved one and helps people heal.
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Why do people have funerals?
Cultures around the world use a ceremony to pay tribute to a loved one who has died. It allows survivors to pay their respects, as well as helps with the grieving process.
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What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service?
A funeral involves the presence and final disposition of the deceased's remains. Sometimes the funeral includes a viewing of your loved one, depending on your personal, religious and cultural beliefs.
A memorial service commemorates the person's life and death without the remains being present. It can also include the ashes of a cremated loved one.
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What are the options for funeral services?
Each family makes a personal decision based on its religious and cultural traditions, as well as costs and personal preferences. The final decision on the type of ceremony and disposition — simple/elaborate, public/private, opened casket/closed casket, location, burial/cremation — will be influenced by these factors.
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What is embalming and is it required by law?
Embalming is a process using chemicals, internally and externally, to disinfect and temporarily preserve the remains for open casket viewing or transport to another location. New York State does not require that remains be embalmed; however embalming is necessary if you choose to have an open casket.
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Why do people choose cremation?
Cremation has become a more popular option due to shortage and cost of cemetery space, as well as personal preference. It is an alternative to burial. A funeral service can still take place either before or after cremation.
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Is a casket necessary for cremation?
No, nor for burial either. However, since crematory or cemetery personnel cannot handle the remains, it must be placed in an enclosed container.
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What happens to cremated remains?
It is up to the family how to dispose of cremated remains. Some keep them at home, bury or entomb them; others scatter the ashes in ways that resonate with the life of their loved one.
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Why are funerals expensive?
At Wesche Funeral Home, our goal is to help you have a ceremony that honors your loved one and takes into account your financial limitations. Funerals are costly because we are required to be on call to assist families 365 days a year, at all hours, in addition to maintaining our facilities, licensing regulations, insurance, vehicles and staff. We will provide you with a price list that itemizes all costs, so you can decide which options best serve your needs.
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Does Social Security help pay funeral expenses?
Social Security may pay a lump sum benefit of $255 to a surviving widow/widower. Dependent children may also be eligible for benefits. Information is available by called the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or visiting its website.
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Does the Veterans Administration pay for veterans' funeral expenses?
Every honorably-discharged veteran is entitled to burial in a national cemetery at no expense, a burial flag and government grave marker. He/she may also be eligible for monetary benefits. For more information, call 800-827-1000 or visit the VA website.
