December 2000
The Director - Features
The Direct-Cremation Conundrum
Helping families make an informed choice that should be the role of every arrangements counselor
What causes consumers to consider low-cost direct-cremation and direct-burial options? It may be because of the ever-increasing cost of "traditional" funerals, or it may be because "traditional" funerals no longer fulfill the needs of today's consumers. Baby boomers are discovering that cookie-cutter funerals accomplish nothing of real value in their grief-recovery process. In addition, funeral directors are often unwilling to move beyond the assembly line approach to the funeral process.
In The Direct-cremation Conundrum, preplanning consultant Bill Hilbrick describes his experiences in arrangement conferences in which the client's initial plan was direct cremation. Hilbrick explains how his personal belief in the healing value of purposeful funerals and his desire to communicate that belief helped all of his clients eventually choose a traditional service. The article includes seven steps for funeral service professionals to consider when making arrangements for a client considering direct cremation.
Hilbrick is the total care coordinator for Brintlinger's Funeral Home in Decatur, IL.
