Klicker- Chapter 4 Flashcards
A scheduled time when the deceased is presented for viewing in a casket so that family and friends may come together in an environment of mutual support to pay their last respects to the deceased. In some instances the deceased is in a closed casket with usually one or more photos of him/her on display.
Visitation (Wake, Calling Hours)
- Used to be 2-5, 7-10 for three days
- Now is 2-4, 7-9 for one day
- More closed casket visitations or visitations without the body present than before
- A more personalized setting now
- The entire funeral is more reflective of the deceased’s life
Visitation has Changed Over the Years
- Deceased is transferred to the funeral home
- Deceased is embalmed
- Arrangements with the deceased’s family
- Clothing brought from the family or purchased from the funeral home.
Pre-Visitation
- Flowers
- Register book
- Prayer cards
- Donation envelope
- Newspaper notices
- Sign Board
- Music
- Tribute videos
- Memory tables
- Picture boards
Functional Details that the Staff Must Attend to Pre-Visitation:
- Arrange and display these deliveries
- Place in correct room
- Closest family members’ arrangements placed nearest the casket
- Colors complement each other
- Save address cards
Flowers
- Visitors sign names
- Contains information about the deceased and the services (completed before book is on stand)
- Pages for pallbearers, people attending, and people who sent flowers.
- Periodically checked to be sure there are enough pages for visitors to sign.
Register Book
A card with the name and sometimes a picture of the decedent-service information and a prayer or verse on one side and a photo on the other side.
- Check before placing out that the information is correct.
- Place on register stand or nearby table
Prayer Cards
If a charity has been listed in place of sending flowers, these must be available and displayed.
Donation Envelope
Should be checked to ensure accurate spelling of names, and that the date, time, and location of the visitation, funeral, and committal service are correct.
Newspaper Notices
Displays the name of the deceased and possibly the time and date of the service. This should be made up before the visitation begins and placed in a location where guests at the visitation can see it.
Sign Board
If the funeral home uses this in the background, it should be playing and the loudness adjusted to the preferred level.
Music
- Family gives meaningful photos to the funeral director
- Made in house or photos sent out to a company to make this
- If the family is using this, it should be set up in the room prior to the family’s arrival.
Tribute Videos
A small table available for the family to display meaningful memorabilia representative of the deceased’s life. Often includes photos, trophies, awards, or service medals. If it has been a cremation, the urn containing the cremains may be on this.
Memory Tables
Attractive boards that display pictures selected by the family. They are placed in the visitation room in a conspicious location. Often the family will take this home with them after the arrangement conference. They will fit it with photos and display it during visitation when it is placed on an easel.
- Used by almost all funeral homes
Picture Boards
Perhaps the most emotinally charged part of the funeral process. In some instances this may be the first time members of the family have seen the person dead.
- Should be a family affair
- Family should have at least an hour
- Funeral director should be prepared for any kind of reaction- sobbing, intense crying.
- Staff members should be visible for when the family arrives
- Staff member should walk up to them and introduce themselves and express sympathy
- Ask about flowers funeral home supplied
- Show them prayer cards
- Help arrange displays
- Tell the family you are there to help them
First Viewing
Can lessen the fear and anxiety some people may be experiencing.
Being Immediately Visible
- Lead the family into the room
- Escort the family
Two Effective Ways to Approach the Family’s Entrance into the Room for First Visitation
Proceed right up to the casket in a natural manner and then step back and indicate that they may now come forward.
- Step back, but do not leave immediately
- your assistance might be needed if someone hs questions or becomes emotionally overwrought
- Listen for comments on the appearance of the deceased, casket, or flowers.
Lead the Family Into the Room
Get half way to the casket and stay in the background as they approach the casket. Listen for comments you may need to ask or act on.
- Wait for things to calm down and then approach the family with a question.
- Make adjustments if necessary
- If moving the deceased is involved in the adjustment, have the family leave the room.
Escort the Family
- Should be encouraged but never forced to attend visitation and funeral
- Should be prepared for what to expect
- Parents should have first viewing before children enter
- Parent should walk child to casket and hold their hand
- Asked if they would like to move closer or touch the deceased
- Answer any questions
- Best to bring the child when there are not too many people in the room
Children’s First Visit
- Most common times are between 2pm and 9pm one or two days before the funeral
- Some families choose to have a shortened visitation 1 or 2 hours before the funeral
- Assist visitors with coats
- Best to walk people to the room or use a hand gesture (no pointing)
- Check the deceased and flowers periodically
- Do not distrub the family if they are busy, chat with them if they are alone
Public Visitation
- Mass cards or memorial donation envelopes
- Music
- Flowers
- Car list
Duties of People Working Visitation
A preprinted card or envelope used by Catholics to request a mass to be said for the deceased.
Mass Cards
Give the person the envelope and ask if he or she would like to use an empty office, room or convenient desk to fill it out. Suggest that the envelope be given directly to the family or put on or in the cardholder (since it does usually involve money).
Donation Envelopes
