Talking about end-of-life decisions can be a difficult and emotional process. However, it is important for families to understand their loved one's final wishes while there is still time to have a conversation. Porto Funeral Homes has been serving the New Haven area for over 75 years, providing funeral services, cremation services, and pre-arrangement services for clients from all walks of life. The dedicated staff at Porto Funeral Homes understands how sensitive funeral planning discussions can be and works hard to simplify the process and make it as peaceful as possible.

Planning a funeral in advance gives your loved ones the opportunity to make their wishes known. This discussion relieves stress on the family by saving them the pain of having to plan a funeral while in mourning. Additionally, your loved ones can request personal touches for their service. Porto Funeral Homes strives to accommodate personal wishes and adhere to religious customs when requested. It is important to put these wishes in writing. Having final wishes included in a will ensures that they will be carried out during the funeral.

One of the biggest decisions to make during the pre-planning process is whether to choose a burial or cremation. Some religions have specific tenets regarding burial or cremation, but in cases where this decision is left to the individual, it is important to state a preference, including a specific burial site or who in the family will take possession of the cremains.

There are also financial benefits to pre-planning a funeral. Paying in advance locks in current rates, ensuring that your loved one’s funeral costs will not increase over time. Funeral trusts are also available for families who wish to make arrangements in advance and set aside money over time. Both of these options help eliminate the financial stress associated with end-of-life care. Having this discussion ahead of time means your family will be able to weigh their options and choose the one that makes the most financial sense. In some cases, families may be eligible for cost-saving funeral benefits, either through the Veterans Administration or Social Security. Porto Funeral Homes provides online guides for both types of benefits, including contact information for the relevant agencies.

To facilitate discussion and simplify the funeral planning process, Porto Funeral Homes also provides an online pre-planning form. Using this form ensures that your loved one’s vital and personal information is accurately recorded and can be reflected in an obituary. This form also provides the funeral director with contact information for the family member responsible for finalizing the funeral arrangements.

Porto Funeral Homes is committed to providing compassionate, dignified funeral services. To learn more about pre-planning a funeral, call (203) 467-3000, or visit the funeral home online.