Positive Signs to Look For
A good review isn’t just a number. It’s a story. You’re looking for signs that the funeral home is more than just a place; it’s a team of people who genuinely care. When you’re reading reviews, look for these specific details:
- Mentions of Staff Names: This is a great sign. When a reviewer mentions a funeral director or staff member by name, it shows that the person made a personal connection and went above and beyond. It’s a sign of a compassionate team.
- Transparency and Clarity: Look for phrases like “they were upfront about costs” or “there were no hidden fees.” This indicates the funeral home follows The Funeral Rule and is committed to honest business practices. Transparency is everything when you’re making such a big financial decision.
- Attention to Detail: Did the review mention that the staff made a special effort to honor a unique request? Did they comment on how clean and well-kept the facilities were? Small details matter, and a review that mentions them tells you a lot about the care you’ll receive.
- Empathy and Compassion: The most valuable reviews are the ones that focus on feelings. Look for words like “comforting,” “kind,” or “patient.” These tell you that the staff understood the emotional difficulty and provided a calming presence.
Remember this: A five-star rating is great, but a detailed, heartfelt review is gold. Sometimes the best reviews are found on a variety of platforms—not just their own website. It’s also a good idea to see what kind of place you’re dealing with, whether it’s a local vs. a chain funeral home, because their approach to reviews can be very different.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Now for the difficult part. Some reviews can raise major concerns. These aren’t just one-off complaints; they can be signs of systemic problems. Here are some serious red flags to be aware of:
- Lack of Price Transparency: If a review says the funeral home was vague about pricing or wouldn’t provide an itemized list, that’s a huge red flag. You have a legal right to this information. This is why it’s crucial to compare funeral home prices using the General Price List.
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Watch out for phrases like “they tried to upsell us” or “they made us feel guilty.” A funeral home should never use emotional pressure to get you to spend more. They are there to help you, not to take advantage of your grief. This is one of the key things to know before you ask questions for funeral directors.
- Complaints of Impatience or Disrespect: If reviews mention the staff seemed rushed, impatient, or acted like it was just a job, that’s a big warning sign. They should be professional and kind at all times.
- Limited Services or Options: A review that says “they told us we couldn’t bring our own casket” or “they said we had to have a viewing” is a sign that the funeral home is not following the law. Your options are protected. If you have unique needs, you may also want to search for specialized funeral homes that are better equipped to handle them.
Ultimately, a review is just one piece of the puzzle. It should guide your investigation, not be the final word. Use the insights you gain to build your own funeral home visit checklist, ensuring you ask all the important questions to get the answers you need. You’ll be able to tell very quickly if the kindness and transparency you read about in reviews are authentic and genuine.
Comments