faq

It is the customary way to recognize death and its finality. Funerals are recognized rituals for the living to show respect for the dead and to help survivors begin the grief process.

What do funeral directors do?

Funeral directors are caregivers and administrators. They make the arrangements for transportation of the body, complete all necessary paperwork, and implement the choices made by the family regarding the funeral and final disposition of the body. Funeral directors are listeners, advisors and supporters. They have experience assisting the bereaved in coping with death. Funeral directors are trained to answer questions about grief, recognize when a person is having difficulty coping, and recommend sources of professional help. Funeral directors also link survivors with support groups at the funeral home or in the community.

What do cemeteries require?

All cemeteries in our area require some type of burial vault to assure the grave will not need additional fill over time. We offer concrete burial vaults which withstand many thousands of pounds of weight. Steel and copper burial vaults are also available. Most of the burial vaults we offer seal in order to keep outside elements from the casket.

Why should I pre-arrange?

Pre-arranging a funeral assures that decisions are made without undo stress in regard to a loved one's passing. In an at need situation, decisions must be made within hours of a death. The time pressure and emotional turmoil can be avoided with pre-arrangement. Pre-arranging can also be accomplished over a period of time allowing family members out of state to be involved and to be fully aware of decisions.

What is the purpose of embalming?

Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body, retards the decomposition process, and enhances the appearance of a body disfigured by traumatic death or illness. Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, thus allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them.

Does the deceased have to be embalmed, according to law?

No. Most states, however, require embalming when death was caused by a reportable contagious disease or when remains are to be transported from one state to another by common carrier or if final disposition is not to be made within a prescribed number of hours.

What should I do if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?

We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By calling 734-697-9400.

Will someone come right away?

If you request immediate assistance, yes. If the family wishes to spend a short time with the deceased to say good bye, it's acceptable. They will come when your time is right.

If a loved one dies out of state , can Higgerson & Neal Funeral Home still help?

Yes, we can assist you with out-of-state arrangements, either to transfer the remains to another state or from another state.

So, I've decided on cremation. Can I still have a funeral or a viewing?

Yes, quite often some sort of viewing precedes the actual cremation. Higgerson & Neal Funeral Home can assist you with the necessary information for a funeral with a cremation following or a memorial service.

Is it possible to have a traditional funeral if someone dies of AIDS?

Yes, A person who dies of an AIDS-related illness is entitled to the same service options afforded to anyone else. If public viewing is consistent with local or personal customs, that option is encouraged. Touching the deceased's face or hands is perfectly safe. Because the grief experienced by survivors may include a variety of feelings, survivors may need even more support than survivors of non-AIDS-related deaths.

Why have a public viewing?

Viewing is part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Many grief specialists believe that viewing aids the grief process by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death. Viewing is encouraged for children, as long as the process is explained and the activity voluntary.

What to do when a death occurs?

Q: What should I do when a death occurs in my family?
A: Contact Higgerson & Neal Funeral Home as soon as a death has occurred. A time will be set up with the funeral director to come in and make arrangements. We will help coordinate arrangements with the cemetery, church and clergy.

Q: What should I do if a death occurs while I am away traveling?
A: Contact us immediately, and let us coordinate with a funeral home in the area where the death has occurred. We will take charge from then on and make all the arrangements for transporting the deceased to a local funeral home for embalming and preparation for return to home. You only need contact us with some basic information and call us when you return home to set a time for an arrangement conference.

Q: What if a death occurs while traveling outside the U.S.?
If a family member dies while traveling outside the United States, the U.S. Embassy will come to your assistance. You should call us immediately when a death occurs abroad. We are well versed in the procedures for returning the deceased to the United States.