F.A.Q.
Q…. How can I know if a funeral home is locally owned?
A… This is becoming more and more difficult with the growing trend of impersonal corporate take-overs and consolidations in funeral service. Typically, after the firm has changed ownership, the new owners keep the old name making it difficult for anyone to know there was a change. Independently owned funeral homes like ours, still out-number the "internationals". Our advice is to call the home and ask if they are part of a conglomerate, if you have any doubts. We have chosen to not only work here, but our family lives here.
Q… Do we have to use a limousine?
A… No, you don't. Many families choose to use their own cars for the funeral procession. This is just one of over 48 options we have on our itemized funeral arrangement form. We do not dictate which of our services you must use. You customize the service to your needs and desires. Limousines are convenient but you don't have to pay for one if you do not use one. Some funeral homes tell you, "it's included", but it will also included in their overhead charge. We do not include optional items you do not ask for.
Q….What does a funeral cost?
A… This is impossible to answer without sitting down with the survivors and discussing their needs and wishes. No two funerals are exactly alike.
Traditions, customs, personal feelings, financial ability and a multitude of other influences affect each funeral. We conform our services to each individual family's wishes and their personal and religious needs. We encourage pre-planning arrangements when emotions are not stressed.
Q….What is "Entombment"?
A… "Entombment" is one of the options a family might choose for the final disposition of a body. It describes the placing of the remains above ground into a crypt or space in a structure for this purpose, called a mausoleum. Mausoleums can be either small and private or large and public.
Q….Dad wants to be cremated. Do we have to bury him?
A… No, but most people choose a final resting place as a sign of love and respect for the deceased. This could be in a grave or in a columbarium (a structure containing niches where cremated remains are placed). Think of it as a last gift for Dad.
Q…. We have pre-need arrangements with a funeral home that has changed ownership. Can we change to another funeral home now?
A… Yes. Whether or not any money has changed hands, Florida State law allows for the transfer of arrangements at any time prior to the death of the person named in the pre-need contract. In fact, the family can change the funeral home at any time prior to the final disposition (burial, entombment, cremation) of a decedent. Feel free to call us if you have any questions regarding this or any other concerns you may have.
Q….How do I choose a cemetery?
A… There is an old saying, "The acorn falls close to the tree." Many people choose to be buried close to their birthplace or near where they lived. Visit the cemeteries, ask their policies regarding monument and landscape placement, check their prices and ask if they make winter burials. Observe their ground maintenance. We can help you with this choice.
Q…. Why are "certified" copies of the death certificate necessary?
A… Insurance companies, banks, motor vehicle departments, among others, require a copy of the death certificate that has a raised seal embossed on it (that is "certified") before any claims or liquidation's can be made on an estate. The number of "certifieds" needed is dependent on the institution - not the document. For instance, if the deceased had six life insurance policies, all with one company…. only one certified copy is needed.
Q….Who should I call if death occurs away from home?
A… Call a funeral home where most of the service (calling hours, funeral, and burial) will be done. We routinely arrange for the transportation of remains back home by contacting a funeral home near the place of death. We instruct them to remove, embalm and prepare the remains for return. By calling us first, you accomplish two things: 1. You can feel more comfortable arranging difficult details with someone you know. 2. You will save money by not hiring two firms (the shipping firm is paid by us). We can also arrange for bereavement air fare and ticketing for relatives.
Q… Am I normal?
A… Pat and I are often asked this by grieving family members who have experienced sleepless nights, confusion, loss of appetite, and other disruptions in their daily routine.
Yes, most likely you are normal. Each individual has their own time table for grieving. People need to accept their feelings and be patient with themselves as they learn to accept the reality of a loved one's death. Grief is a process not an event.
Q…. What are your hours?
A… Like a police or fire department, we must be available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Unlike a police or fire department however, we don't have the luxury of rotating shifts. 1-800-pax-villa
Q…. I would like to be cremated…can I still be viewed?
A… Yes. In fact, most families who elect cremation, also choose to have calling hours and a service before the cremation. Cremation is only a form of disposition. Its no different than the choice between burial in a grave or entombment in a mausoleum. The choice of cremation is followed by the choice of what to do with the "cremains" (ashes). We find that most families bury the cremains in a cemetery with another family members. This allows a site for visitation and memorialization.
Q….Does everyone use the same size casket?
A… Generally, yes. Some folks need a larger size. They are available in select models. Unfortunately, children and babies who die need to have small caskets and we have those, too.
Q…. How do I select a funeral director or funeral home?
A… This choice should be similar to the one you make for a doctor or lawyer. If you don't personally know one, then word of mouth and references made by trusted friends and family members is your best advice. With the growing trend of corporate take-overs and consolidations this choice is made more difficult. We have chosen to remain members of this community, rather than a impersonal conglomerate. We hope this helps makes your choice somewhat easier. We are the only funeral homes that offers services in four different languages: English-French-Creole-Spanish.
Q….Can the immediate family serve as pallbearers?
A… If that is their wish, of course. Typically, bearers (those who carry the casket) are friends of the family, fraternal or business associates or in the case of veterans, military units. The family members are needed to be in close support of the surviving spouse. As pallbearers, they would necessarily be separated from that role while moving the casket.
Q….Can I pre-pay for my own funeral?
A… Yes. Many people find that pre-funding a funeral gives them peace of mind that their final wishes will not burden their survivors. After pre-arrangements are made (service, burial casket & vault selection), we offer pre-payment as an option. The money is set aside in an interest bearing account in the person's name. The interest earned in a fully funded account will typically offset any inflation costs. The overage is refunded to the survivors. An exception to this is the person who applies for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or the Medicaid Program.
Q….My mother needs Medicaid assistance, can she pre-pay for her funeral?
A… Yes. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid Program applicants must "spend down" their resources before being accepted to public assistance. One of the things her social worker will suggest is to make and pre-fund funeral arrangements. Those funds, by law, have to be placed in a irrevocable interest bearing trust. Upon death, the trust is paid to the funeral home up to the current amount of the funeral and the interest earned over that amount must be forwarded to the County. Any pre-paid accounts made prior to Medicaid application are also interest bearing, but are revocable.
Q….Can I pre-arrange my own funeral?
A… Yes. There is a self pre-arrangement trend that is growing across the country and is reflected locally. We support and encourage this trend as it has many benefits:
1. YOUR needs and wishes are meet.
2. YOU can control the cost!
3. Burden is removed from your survivors.
4. They help you to put your house in order.
5. They eliminate hasty decisions at an emotionally confusing time.
6. The need to wait for distant relatives to arrive before making "at-need" arrangements is eliminated.
7. Most importantly pre-arrangements provide peace of mind for you and your family.
Pax-Villa funeral homes, Inc has elected to work with other Florida licensed companies to guarantee our pre-need customers, thus we concentrate better on the daily operation of the business instead of financial bureaucracy.