Why is the selection of a Funeral Home so important?
A death forces you to deal with a world of details you know little about and at a time when you are most vulnerable. Since you must depend in large part on guidance from a funeral home, it's important that you have confidence that these advisors are open, honest, and have your best interests at heart when helping you plan a funeral.

Other than providing the funeral service, what else should I expect from my funeral director?
The director should describe and explain all the options open to you in planning the funeral. Those options are almost limitless, so the more freely you discuss what you specifically want, the easier it will be for him or her to help you create a truly personalized service. In addition, because a funeral can be an event of such deep emotional impact, the director's staff should be professionally committed to help you through this trying experience.

Can you perform the funeral service even though I already own my cemetery lot?
Yes. Where you own cemetery space should have no bearing on which funeral home you select. Porter Loring Mortuaries does not sell cemetery lots, and this professional, non-competitive stance allows us to maintain close working relationships with all local and many out-of-town cemeteries. As a result, we can arrange any type of service, at virtually any location desired.

We are not members of a church. Who would conduct the service?
If you desire a religious service, your funeral director can make arrangements for you with a local clergyman-from a denomination with which your family has had some past association. Or if a more intimate or informal approach is preferred, a family member might offer a few simple words. A good friend could read some poetry. You could even plan a music-only service with no speaker. Any of these can be appropriate, as long as the form of service you select will be meaningful to your family.

Is sending flowers a waste of money?
No. Sending flowers to a funeral service is a way of showing that you care, and are thinking about a family in their time of loss. Flowers add beauty to the service and soften the memory of the event in the family's mind. Traditionally, they symbolize the cycle of all life and help us understand that death is a normal part of our existence on earth. So even though many may request memorial contributions to a charity instead, flowers are still valid, appropriate and thoughtful ways to express your sympathies.

My loved one has been gone for two years. Can I still receive help through your bereavement program?
Anyone who is grieving a loss is welcome-not only to attend our support groups, but to read our personal bereavement literature and to investigate our individual and family counseling programs. There is no charge and no time limit. After all, it's not uncommon for grief to be delayed or extended, and there is no one "right way" to grieve. What's important is that you have a place to turn when it strikes.

What happens if the casket I selected in my prearrangement plan is not available when needed?
Regulations in Advance Planning contracts require detailed descriptions of all merchandise selected. This protects the consumer as well as the mortuary. In remote cases where particular merchandise is not available, it is Porter Loring Mortuaries' policy to offer a selection of merchandise of equal or better quality than what was originally purchased.

How can I find out if your services are right for my family's specific needs?
We can send you some general information which will apply to anyone planning a funeral. But to make informed decisions, you'll want more specific facts. And the fastest, easiest and most effective way for you to get them is to sit down, visit with us, review our programs, discuss various options and ask questions.

Do I have to pay for my advance funeral plan all at once?
No. Several payment options and plans are available, including ones that allow you to pay over a period of time. Your Porter Loring consultant will be happy to explain all the options, so you can select one that best fits your situation. After all, one of the biggest advantages of advance planning is your protection from increased future costs.

Why sould I choose Porter Loring to make advance arrangements?
We believe in comprehensive care. Our services can start long before a funeral is needed-and they extend well beyond the funeral itself. We provide bereavement counseling, grief support groups and personal follow-up to your family for one year after the death-all at no cost.

How is Porter Loring different from every other funeral home?
We offer unrivaled continuity of care, from advance planning to at-need arrangements to bereavement counseling. We attempt to provide all options to assure the most personalized service possible. And we're most concerned with how we provide those services: our counselors are trained and expected to do what is in the best interest of the family being served, never to follow "must" guidelines or selling strategies. Where do I go to start making my advance funeral plans? Basically, wherever you feel most comfortable. You can make an appointment to meet with a Porter Loring Mortuary Advance Planning consultant in the privacy and comfort of your own home-or at either Porter Loring Mortuary location.