Myth: You should use your will for funeral pre-arrangements.
Fact: Well, it's all in the timing. Funerals usually take place (including disposal of the body) less than a week after a person dies. The will frequently doesn't get officially read until after the funeral has taken place. By then, it's too late! A will, in itself, is no guarantee that you will have the funeral you desire.
Myth: Leave your funeral arrangement plans in a safety deposit box.
Fact: Without documentation, the only person who can open the safety deposit box of the deceased is you, the deceased. Often the safety deposit box is accessed after the funeral. So... where do I put my funeral arrangements? The more people who have copies of your arrangements, the more likely you are to have the funeral you would like. You can choose to give copies to your next-of-kin (preferably to more than one), your executor, your family doctor, a leader at your place of worship, and to a funeral home. All this in addition to placing them in your own files.
Myth:Embalming is necessary.
Fact: In most cases, no. It's an old myth that's been scientifically disproved ages ago. But wouldn't that pose a health risk? Not generally. However, some funeral homes have a policy that requires embalming, even under normal circumstances, if the body is to be viewed. Ice or refrigeration can be an alternative in many cases.
Myth: A fine wood casket lined in satin is a necessary part of a funeral.
Fact: A reinforced cardboard casket or a simple wooden container can be requested for burial or cremation.
MYTH: A do-it-yourself funeral is illegal.
Fact: In Ontario, it is legal! A do-it-yourself funeral, using either burial or cremation, is not a common occurrence, but if it's what you might be interested in, our organization can direct you to a knowledgeable resource.
Myth: Preplanning and prepaying for your funeral is foolish.
Fact: Planning for what will happen to your body after you die is doing a great favour to your family. The cost is locked in if you prepay. The money is held in trust, and you will receive a contract that clearly itemizes all services with costs, guaranteeing that the prices quoted will not change.
Insurance coverage provides funds for funeral expense, A caution, this involves two contract: 1) funeral provider, 2) Insurance provider. If a payment is missed on the insurance policy, all monies can be lost.
DID YOU KNOW... that funeral directors by law must provide you with an up-to-date price list free of charge? All operators in the bereavement sector must provide a price list to a consumer prior to them entering a contract, not just funeral directors.
This means cemeteries, crematoriums, transfer services and funeral establishments. They also must, by law, provide a copy of the consumer information guide published by the Bereavement Authority to the consumer before they sign a contract. You can find the guide here: https://thebao.ca/for-consumers/consumer-information-guide.
Myth: Regarding organ donation, I get to say what happens to my body.
Fact: Your next of kin gets the final say. What happens to your body is in the control of your next-of-kin. If they don't agree with your wishes, their decision takes precedence over yours! If you choose to make a gift of part(s) of your body, you are potentially making a decision to save a life or to significantly improve a life, of someone you will never meet. You need to know that your wishes will be respected. To do that, discuss the issue with your family doctor, your loved ones, caregivers, or anyone who may be able to speak for you at the crucial time. Register your consent with the Trillium Gift of Life Network.
DID YOU KNOW... that Dying With Dignity is an organization that provides papers called A LIVING WILL, to help you to document your decisions about what happens to you and your body as you are dying, and after death. They support your choice to "no heroic measures" to be taken to extend life near death.
AND TO ALL YOU SNOWBIRDS
We recommend that you get to know the Memorial Society in the area where you vacation. Get all your questions answered now, and save your family the worry later (when they may not be in shape to make good decisions for you!)