Handling arrangements when a loved-one dies

A how-to list should make things easier IOWA CITY, IOWA - Survivors often are left to arrange a loved one's funeral while still grieving and with little knowledge of their options, but a new guidebook can help them cope. The funeral resource guidebook, compiled by a group of University of Iowa students in the School of Social Work, lists prices for funeral homes in the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City areas, price information on caskets for sale or rent and a checklist of things to do when a loved one dies. The seven students, all majoring in social work, researched laws regarding final arrangements, contacted 33 funeral homes and spoke with the Johnson County medical examiner. "Typically, you're doing this in less than 72 hours and unless you plan ahead, you don't know all this and you're not going to shop around," said Tara O'Brien, 23, of Cedar Rapids. "We spent almost an entire semester on this, and I can't imagine doing it in three days, especially if you're grieving." Federal law requires funeral homes to provide a general price list to anyone who asks for it during business hours, but many people don't know that. "If you wanted to buy a fridge, you could get the price, but it's harder to get options and prices" for funerals, said Mercedes Bern-Klug, the faculty adviser for the project. Price can make a big difference - caskets can range in price from $80 to $25,000. Some families opt to display the body in an expensive casket, but bury it in something more affordable. Inserts can be purchased for that reason. Embalming rates vary from $415 to $800, but embalming isn't even required if the body is cremated or buried within 48 hours. Grieving relatives might not ask. There also are additional costs for preparation services such as cosmetology, washing and dressing, viewing or visitation services and transportation of the body. Many funeral homes waive service fees for infants or offer special pricing for infants and children. Students also looked at ways to personalize a funeral, Bern-Klug said. The University of Iowa fight song might be played at a Hawkeye fan's funeral. One funeral director said he used a fire truck to transport the remains of a deceased firefighter. Services can be held anywhere - a park or a garden, even a favorite tavern. During a service for a child, family and friends signed their names on a specially ordered white casket, the students noted. Another funeral home allowed motorcycles in the chapel. "There is room for a lot of personal touch," Bern-Klug said. "Talk with your family about what you want. Talk with the people who are making the decisions." Terry Anderson, funeral director at Jones-Eden in Washington, said the guidebook is a good resource for families because most people aren't aware of their options or feel uncomfortable asking questions. "I think it's a good start if it gives people an early introduction into our services," Anderson said. "It's a good resource for state laws and as far as cost comparison for the general public." Collect documents required to establish rights for insurance and pensions: Will Legal proof of age or birth certificate Social Security card or number Marriage license Citizenship papers Insurance policies Bankbooks Deeds to property Veterans discharge certificate Decide and arrange within a few hours of loved one's death: Burial location Casket type Clothing for deceased Selection of funeral home Selections for readings or musical selections Locating addresses and phone numbers for interested people Meeting with religious leader, funeral director and cemetery staff Check will for special wishes Notify as soon as possible: Doctor Funeral director Cemetery Relatives and friends Insurance agents Attorney/executor of estate - AP On the Net: University of Iowa School of Social Work: http://www.uiowa.edu/~socialwk