Mixed Deck — All Funeral Services Topics Flashcards

In most U.S. states, what percentage of preneed funds collected must be placed into a trust?

Answer: 90% to 100%

Most states require 90% to 100% of preneed funds to be deposited into a regulated trust to protect consumers.

What is 'entombment'?

Answer: Placement of remains in an above-ground structure such as a mausoleum

Entombment is the placement of human remains in an above-ground structure, such as a mausoleum crypt, as an alternative to in-ground burial.

What is cavity embalming used for?

Answer: Aspirating and treating the thoracic and abdominal cavities

Cavity embalming involves aspirating the contents of the thoracic and abdominal cavities and injecting cavity fluid to preserve internal organs.

What is a 'perpetual care' fund at a cemetery?

Answer: A fund used to maintain the cemetery grounds in perpetuity

A perpetual care fund is a trust required by most states that ensures ongoing maintenance and upkeep of cemetery grounds after all plots are sold.

Who is legally authorized to sign a death certificate in most US states?

Answer: The attending physician, medical examiner, or coroner

In most US states, the attending physician, medical examiner, or coroner is legally authorized to certify the cause and manner of death on a death certificate.

What is a 'grief support group'?

Answer: A community of bereaved individuals who share experiences and support

A grief support group provides a safe space where bereaved individuals can share their experiences, receive peer support, and learn coping strategies.

What is the purpose of a 'combination unit' in funeral service?

Answer: A vehicle that serves as both hearse and ambulance

A combination unit is a vehicle designed to function as both a hearse for transporting the deceased and an ambulance for emergency medical calls.

What is the role of the NFDA?

Answer: The National Funeral Directors Association, a professional trade organization

The NFDA (National Funeral Directors Association) is the largest funeral industry trade association, providing education, advocacy, and resources to funeral professionals.

Which accounting method is most commonly used by funeral homes to track individual service profitability?

Answer: Job costing

Job costing tracks the costs associated with each individual funeral case, allowing management to calculate profitability on a per-service basis.

What is the primary role of a funeral director?

Answer: Coordinating all aspects of funeral arrangements and services for families

A funeral director serves as the primary coordinator of all arrangements, guiding families through the funeral planning process and overseeing all services.

What is a 'lawn crypt'?

Answer: An in-ground burial system of pre-placed concrete crypts installed in sections

Lawn crypts are pre-installed, in-ground reinforced concrete burial spaces arranged in sections, sold like standard plots but with built-in outer protection.

What are the five stages in Kübler-Ross's grief model in correct order?

Answer: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance

The Kübler-Ross model identifies five stages: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance — though individuals may not experience them in this order.

What is the primary purpose of preneed funeral planning from a consumer standpoint?

Answer: To relieve survivors of decision-making burden and lock in current prices

Preneed planning allows individuals to make their own arrangements in advance, relieving family members of emotional decisions and potentially locking in current pricing.

What is the standard depth requirement for a grave in the United States?

Answer: Six feet

The common standard for grave depth in the US is six feet, though regulations vary by state and local jurisdiction.

What is required before a body can be buried on private property in the US?

Answer: Compliance with state and local laws, which may require permits and setback requirements

Home or private property burial must comply with state and local laws that vary widely, often requiring permits, minimum setback distances from water sources, and documentation.

Which business structure provides the most liability protection for a funeral home owner?

Answer: Limited Liability Company (LLC)

An LLC provides personal liability protection, meaning the owner's personal assets are generally shielded from business debts and legal claims.

What is a 'visitation' or 'wake' in funeral service?

Answer: A scheduled time for friends and family to pay respects to the deceased

A visitation (or wake) is a designated time, usually held at the funeral home, when family, friends, and community members gather to pay their respects.

What is the difference between grief and bereavement?

Answer: Grief is the emotional response; bereavement is the state of having experienced a loss

Bereavement refers to the objective state of having experienced a loss, while grief is the emotional, psychological, and physical response to that loss.

What are cremated remains commonly referred to in the funeral industry?

Answer: Cremains

The preferred professional term for cremated remains is 'cremains,' though families may call them 'ashes' colloquially.

What is a 'grave liner' and how does it differ from a burial vault?

Answer: A grave liner covers the top only; a burial vault fully encases the casket

A grave liner covers only the top and sides of the casket for ground support, while a burial vault fully encases the casket on all sides to provide greater protection.