Packet- Service to the Public While in the Funeral Home Flashcards
- Proper attitude is the most important factor.
- There should always be an attendant in the parking lot (retired person)
- Inside the funeral home, there should be an attendant available at all times.
- Cleaning the reposing room or chapel area after services.
- Maintenance of all rolling stock and all supplies and storage
- Care of automotive equipment. Never wait until the morning of the services to maintain automotive equipment.
- After the funeral service, make sure that all of the rolling stock is properly placed in the garage, all keys are removed to key locker and garage door is locked.
Duties of Attendant, Apprentices, Support Staff Working the Floor Serving the Public
Proper dress and a neat appearance, courtesy and friendliness, a willingness to help all visitors. Remember that it is this individual in front of the public that the public will retain of the funeral home. Funeral service is about service- people helping people.
Proper Attitude is the Most Important Factor
The attendant should be the focal point of the funeral home (lobby, central hall, entrance area- a high traffic area). Desk and chairs make for the lazy attendant- they should be eliminated. The attendant should be in his/her feet- in motion and moving around, not sitting around engaged in idle conversation, reading magazines, on the phone.
Inside the Funeral Home, There Should Always be an Attendant Available at all Times
- Floral pieces should be properly displayed with cards visible.
- Either remove floral cards at the end of visitation or the end of the service. And give to the family or make a written record from those cards as they enter the funeral home and give the record to the family.
- Lounge, coffee room, restrooms and hallways should be constantly policed for neatness.
- Temperature control checked (heat and ac)
- Periodic contact with the person holding PRD, paying special attention to their needs.
- Anything necessary (chairs, podium, etc) for religious and fraternal organizations in the conduct of their service.
- When answering the phone, be sure accurate service information is at each phone.
- Invite visitors to sign register book. Be sure there are folders or prayer cards in sufficient quantity available and they are accurate.
- Be sure service information board has accurate and complete information
Areas of Responsibilities Relating to Attendant Duties in the Funeral Home
- Register book
- Emblem
- Rmaining memorial cards or folders
- Acknowledgement cards
- Flower cards, floral record
- Any kind of memorial offering
Attendant at the Conclusion of the Visitation/Service should gather together at give to the Funeral Director in Charge:
Attendant should inform the funeral director in charge of any request made by the person holding PRD concerning these items that should be removed from the deceased and returned to the family or any item to be buried with the deceased.
Jewelry
Funeral director in charge should assist the family in mking this for each funeral. Have this information printed the night before the funeral so that those working the parking lot will have the information early enough to line up the funeral procession.
Car List
The attendant should inform the funeral director in charge of these things to be made regarding reception following the committal.
Announcements
- When the family requests it
- Prior to the begining of the service
- Just prior to leaving the funeral home
- Procedure for closing the casket
- Always be at least 2 staff members involved
- This should be accomplished with absolute care and complete dignity.
Be Ready to Assist the Funeral Director in Charge in Closing the Casket:
If possible, avoid closing the casket in the presence of friends and family becuse many feel this will only add to this.
Emotional Burden
Should be present when closing the casket to act as witnesses.
A Family Member or Clergy
- Vacuuming all floors
- Empty all ash trays
- Dust all furniture
- Refill water cups at fountain
- Clear register board of all information
- Clean and refill supplies in restrooms
- Clean hallways and lounge areas
- Police grounds, sidewalks, doorways, parking lot, driveway, snow removal.
- In general, be sure the funeral home is ready for the next visitation.
Cleaning the Reposing Room or Chapel Area After Services
- Ash trays emptied
- Holy water, sand, flower casket strap, casket key in glove box.
- Casket carriage oiled and polished in boot of coach.
- Locking pins in proper position
- Extra long heavy duty jumper cables
- FLower car swept out
- Umbrellas in all equipment and at least three in the family car.
Care of Automotive Equipement (Neve Wait Unit Next Morning)
