IN Fox Chapel Area Spring 2018 | Page 33

INDUSTRY INSIGHT WONDERFUL REMEMBRANCES We Listen… We Understand C ommunication is key is an old cliché. At Perman Funeral Home, our goal is to alleviate confusion and doubt for the families we serve. Excellent communication starts with a family’s initial contact with our funeral home. Questions between the family and staff get the ball rolling. We learn so much when communication is continuous. Invariably, the conversation then gets to this: What should we bring to the funeral home? Here is what your family should bring to an arrangement or prearrangement conference: • Clothing – We request a full set of clothing including undergarments, socks/stockings and shoes/slippers. Tops or shirts should not plunge at the neckline. Tops, shirts, sweaters or jackets should be long sleeved. We clothe the deceased out of respect, even if a simple cremation is selected. • Photographs – Perman Funeral Home uses photos for many things. For example, we use a photo for the obituary on our website, memorial cards, and informational signage at the funeral home. We also use 50 to 75 family photographs to create custom DVDs for use at the visitation. We can use printed photographs, cell phone photos, CDs, flash drives and emailed photos. • Statistical Information – Information is required for website and newspaper death notices, death certificates, and Social Security. Information needed includes the full name of the deceased, parents’ names (including mother’s maiden name), highest level of education completed, Social Security number, names to be included in the website or newspaper notices, date and place of birth including county, and next-of-kin name, address, email and telephone contacts. • Contact Information – Church, clergy, officiant telephone number, email and address are needed. We also help secure caterers, musicians, dove release, military honor guard, active duty military honor guard, etc. • Benefit Paperwork – Veteran benefits, work-related benefits and insurance policies can be expeditiously handled by our excellent staff members. • Cemetery or Mausoleum Information – Please bring your deed paperwork so we can handle burial details and arrangements. We excel at helping the family build the story of a life lived. We may ask: How would you describe the person? What gave him the most enjoyment in life? What was her favorite food to eat or to prepare? SPONSORED CONTENT What was the most fun for him? Families tell us about employment history, membership in organizations, clubs and fraternal lodges, offices held, awards, recognitions and honors. What were her favorite colors, best vacations, fondest memories? Was there a religious or church affiliation? Recently a family told us that their family member loved candy. We later asked them to bring candy during the visitation hours and services. They said, “Wow. You really listened to what we said. Now we understand why you asked so many questions.” We helped another family create wonderful stories about their husband and father through his military career and active participation in the Boy Scouts of America. Visitors were drawn into his life with his Air Force and Boy Scout uniforms proudly displayed. Military and scout memorabilia throughout the viewing rooms were like going through a display at a museum. Communication and listening are key to helping families get where they need to be. Call us to help tell the stories. FREE FUNERAL PLANNING GUIDE Come by for FREE tour and Planning Guide IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO BE BETTER PREPARED • What to do First – a checklist • Funeral Arrangements • Pre-planning / Planning Ahead Frank Perman, Supervisor, CFSP, CPC, CCO, CFC 412-486-3600 www.permanfuneralhome.com 923 Saxonburg Blvd, at Route 8, Shaler Township across from Eat ‘n Park This Industry Insight was written by Frank Perman, FD, Supervisor, CFSP, CPC, CCO, CFC. He is the owner of Perman Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 923 Saxonburg Boulevard at Rt. 8 in Shaler Township. Mr. Perman believes an educated consumer makes the most personal, affordable and memorable decisions. Inquiries may be made to him at 412.486.3600 or emailed to [email protected]. FOX CHAPEL AREA ❘ SPRING 2018 31