Zogby Survey Provides Insight Regarding Funerals in New York State

ALBANY, NY (12/07/2010)(readMedia)-- Over the past several months, the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA) has been engaged in a great deal of research regarding funeral service in New York. The Association commissioned a large consumer survey of 700 New York State adults conducted by world renowned pollster John Zogby (of Zogby International).

The Zogby Survey contains fresh new data that measures the attitudes of consumers towards numerous aspects of funerals and memorialization in general. This was the first-ever survey of consumer attitudes on funeral-related topics that was limited to New York State. Although it appears that the trend for cremation in this state has slowly moved upward, the one thing that can be said for certain when it comes to the survey results is the adage "the more things change, the more things remain the same." And that is a very good thing!

An overwhelming number of consumers of all ages believe that memorialization of someone that has died is very important. In fact, nine in ten agree that memorial services are important when someone dies, while majorities also agree that religious beliefs affect the type of services they would select at a funeral, and that a religious figure is required to be part of the service. At least half find meaning in a eulogy/tribute by family/loved ones, calling hours at the funeral home, a service conducted by clergy or other celebrant, and a graveside service, and will select a casket/urn, calling hours, and a service of remembrance, when the time comes to actually plan a funeral.

Another positive finding is that New Yorkers have a very positive reaction to hearing the words "funeral director," and a majority rightfully consider them trustworthy. When it comes to deciding on a funeral home, the reputation of the director is a big factor, as are the recommendations of family and friends. It is reaffirming that people rightly view the role funeral directors play as pivotal to the overall funeral/burial process and key to helping them through their loss.

It also appears that the media "hype" regarding mega-retailers entering the casket business may turn out to be a novelty; one which received a lot of initial attention, but then became a relative non-issue as few consumer respondents said they would consider purchasing one at a chain retailer. Why? Mainly because they believe a funeral home should handle such things.

One worrisome finding is that very few of the New Yorkers polled have pre-arranged or pre-paid for their funerals. What are the advantages to preplanning? It's a simple procedure that doesn't take much time but ensures peace of mind and relieves your loved ones of making decisions at a stressful time. It allows you to make choices for your funeral service based on what you desire, all while enjoying the benefits of New York State's laws that ensure the safety and security of your preneed funds.

How do you go about preplanning? The first step is to select a funeral director.

Think of choosing one the same way you would a doctor or attorney. Get recommendations from your family, friends and neighbors. You can also research the names of funeral directors on the homepage of NYSFDA's newly updated website, www.nysfda.org. Your funeral director will help you explore your options. Once details have been finalized, your funeral director will prepare a preneed agreement and fully itemized statement for your review. The funeral director will forward the payment within ten days to an interest-bearing government backed account, or a funeral trust program such as NYSFDA's PrePlan® trust.

The Zogby Survey rightly draws attention to the fact that even though society as a whole may be undergoing change, funeral services and memorialization continues to be critically important to the grieving process.

Overall I am encouraged and gratified by Zogby's findings. Together, they are a recognition that, by honoring and celebrating the life of the deceased through a formal funeral and memorial service, funeral directors are here to help calm our grief and to help us reach closure after the loss of a relative or friend.

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Editor's note: For more information, or to schedule an interview with NYSFDA Executive Director Bonnie Mc Cullough, please call Vera Nuspliger at 518-882-9816; cell 518-424-8719 or Randy Mc Cullough at 518-452-8230.