Friday, February 24, 2012

Cremation Popularity Increases, Memorialization Options Expand

Being part of a community means understanding the needs of the families that you serve. The Restland name has been a part of the Dallas community for more than 80 years and is synonymous with quality service and unsurpassed family care. Restland Coppell Chapel and Rolling Oaks Memorial Center is carrying on that legacy in Coppell and the surrounding areas. For today’s families’ funeral and cemetery preferences have changed, ever-evolving – like clothing fashions, hairstyles and music – to reflect each new generation’s choices.

One of the biggest changes is the steadily increasing popularity of cremation. Today, nearly one-half of all funerals include cremation. So, why are more people choosing cremation? Here are the main reasons:


• Changing of traditions. Some people prefer to avoid the “typical” funeral experience and choose something non-traditional.
• Increased education: people are more knowledgeable about cremation.
• Changing religious theologies.
• Increased mobility of American families.


The choice for cremation isn’t the only rising statistic. Baby boomers, the approximately 78.2 million people born between 1946 and 1964, are aging. The oldest boomers started turning 60 in 2006. More and more of them are making end-of-life arrangements for their parents, plus preplanning for themselves.

Restland Coppell Chapel professionals are aware of these statistics. Dedicated to providing what families want, they are educated on the many cremation options available and can answer customers’ inquiries and better serve families’ needs. Knowing that families look to them as the experts, Restland Coppell Chapel professionals are dedicated to educating the cremation family about their options and offering them value-added services to care for and memorialize their loved one.

Arrangers take the time to explain what’s available. For example, a family chose cremation for their loved one and expressed the desire to scatter the remains. The arranger explained that additional offerings were available, such as holding a personalized gathering and permanently memorializing the deceased with a niche in the cemetery. The family subsequently decided to celebrate their loved one’s life with a gathering, and chose a permanent place to visit their loved one, thereby preserving the legacy for generations to come.

Arrangers should take the time to inform families of all of their options so that they get what they need. They should explain that choosing cremation in no way eliminates the choice of combining the cremation with a traditional or personalized service. Many families know the importance of holding funeral services to help the bereaved family heal and to reflect and say goodbye to someone dearly loved.

Nearly 50 percent of cremation families currently choose to take the cremated remains away from the cemetery for scattering or storage. Because a very high percentage of those who intended to scatter do not follow through after five years, arrangers ask families to consider a permanent resting place for their loved one, a place the family, kids and grandkids can visit and share lasting memories.

SOURCE: http://www.thenewsconnection.com/article/Highland_Village_TNC/Editorial/Cremation_popularity_increases_memorialization_options_expand/35287

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