- Redden Funeral Home

Redden Funeral Home

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below is a list of questions and responses that we commonly receive at the funeral home. We will continue to include any new questions in this section that we feel would be helpful to others.

If you would prefer to call us on the telephone, (212) 242-1456, our staff would be pleased to provide an answer to any funeral related matter you may have. If we do not have the answer immediately, we will find it for you and contact you the minute the information is in our hands.

1.	Why do I see different funeral home names at the same location or address?

2.	What purpose does a funeral serve?

3.	Why have a public viewing?

4.	Is cremation a substitute for a funeral?

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

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

7.	What do funeral directors do?

8.	What is the purpose of embalming?

9.	Is embalming required by law?

10.	What can I do to assist a friend or loved one during this difficult time?

11.	What is the first step in starting the funeral process after a death has occurred?

12.	What information or items should I bring to the initial arrangement conference?

Question #1	Why do I see different funeral home names at the same location or address?
Answer:	There are two reasons: 1) There are different owners who are operating separate funeral businesses/registrations in a common building. 2) A single owner is operating under multiple business names and funeral registrations. Possibly, to charge different prices for the same services depending on what "name" you call, or to make it seem that there is an affiliation with a particular religious, ethnic or community group. You should ask the funeral director for the reason.

Question #2	What purpose does a funeral serve?
Answer:	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. Remember, funerals are for the living, not the deceased.

Question #3	Why have a public viewing?
Answer:	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. The act of viewing a dead person may be difficult , however the effect on us is one of healing and comfort. Viewing is encouraged for children, as long as the process is explained and the activity voluntary.

Question #4	Is cremation a substitute for a funeral?
Answer:	No, cremation is an alternative to earth burial or entombment for the body's final disposition and often follows a traditional funeral service. In fact, according to FTC figures for 1987, direct cremation occurred in only 3% of deaths.

Question #5	I've decided on cremation. Can I still have a funeral or a viewing?
Answer:	Yes, quite often some sort of viewing precedes the actual cremation. We would be more than happy to assist you with the necessary information for a funeral with a cremation following or a memorial service.

Question #6	What should I do if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?
Answer:	We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please contact us immediately and we can assist you during this difficult time. (212) 242-1456.

Question #7	What do funeral directors do?
Answer:	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 in the community.

Question #8	What is the purpose of embalming?
Answer:	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.

Question #9	Is embalming required by law?
Answer:	In the State of New York, embalming is not required by law. However a funeral home may require that embalming be performed because of certain funeral services selected. These reasons may include a funeral with a viewing or an extended period of time between death and final disposition.

Question #10	What can I do to assist a friend or loved one during this difficult time?
Answer:	A person who is grieving the loss of a loved one is a friend in need of your caring and understanding. Here are some suggestions on what you can do to help. * Attend the funeral of your friend's loved one. Being at the funeral emphasizes to your friend that your friendship is important and you will be there for them to call on. * Offer to listen. Tell the bereaved person, "I can't relate to what you're going through, but if you want to talk, I'm here to listen." Someone who is grieving needs to talk about his or her emotions. * Don't tell him or her to "Get over it." or explain how "death is a part of life". People differ in the amount of time it takes to overcome a loss. There is a fine line between being supportive and being insensitive. Let the person know you are there to support them, not judge. Survivors need to talk about their loved ones for months, sometimes years. Healing is not an overnight process. * It's okay to cry. * Laughter heals. One of the most important things your can do is to help your friend focus on the good memories and fun times that live on. * A hug or squeeze of the hand goes a long way toward providing lasting comfort. * Send a letter recalling all the great times you have shared together. * Make a memorial contribution to their favorite charity. * Stay in touch. Call them often on the phone and let them know you have not forgotten them. * Be the friend you were before. Take over a meal. Invite your friend to your home. Go out to lunch, dinner or shopping. Offer to take the kids for a night. See a movie together. * Don't wait to be asked. Show that you care in whatever way is comfortable for you. This is what friendship is all about.

Question #11	What is the first step in starting the funeral process after a death has occurred?
Answer:	Call the funeral home to notify them of the death and set up a time to meet to discuss the funeral arrangements.

Question #12	What information or items should I bring to the initial arrangement conference?
Answer:	The funeral director will probably obtain some information from you at the time of your call. Information to bring at the time of arrangements: Deceased's full legal name; home address, date and place of birth, social security number, occupation, years of education, father's name, mother's first and maiden name, veteran information. Other items that may be applicable: Clothing, photograph, veteran discharge papers, cemetery deed

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Redden Funeral Home

Immediate Need

Jewish Services

Cremation Services

Pre-Arrangement