How to plan a funeral under lockdown restrictions
Tom Osborne, area manager at Fosters Family Funeral Directors, said: “Bereavement is always devastating for families, but with the current restrictions it’s almost unbearable for some, missing out on many of the support systems in place. My colleagues and I are adapting as much as we can to make funerals meaningful and personal.”
One of the most important services they are offering is to allow families to view their loved ones at the funeral parlour.
Tom explained: “This is allowed under the current lockdown restrictions, but some funeral directors have gone much further, and banned this altogether. There will be cases where loved ones have been in hospital, with no visiting allowed, and may have been there for weeks. I think it is vital for people to see their loved ones again.”
Fosters is also using technical innovation, including live streaming services so wider families and friends can join in the funeral, e-orders of service, and allowing many of the arrangements to be done by video call or phone. And with fresh flowers and bouquets difficult to source at this time, Fosters can also arrange beautiful artificial flowers.
The personal touch is so vital in planning a funeral, and Tom and his team are making some special arrangements.
He said: “We are not currently able to offer limousine services; however, we have extended our flexible cortege service. In the past people would use this, for example, to drive by the deceased’s favourite football ground.
“Now we can arrange to drive past where their friends and family live, to allow people to bow their heads, say a prayer or give a round of applause as the funeral car passes. It’s really important for families to feel this love and support from their community, and equally important for the extended family and friends to play a part in the funeral, even if it’s different from the usual way.”
Looking ahead to when lockdown is lifted, Tom’s team have plans in place.
“We want all of our customers to know that while funerals are different now, we can plan things for the future. This includes opening up our funeral parlours for families who want to organise a bigger memorial service later in the year.
“More than anything we want families to know we are there to help; this is a time for us all to pull together. We want to help you make your loved one’s funeral the most fitting and personal it can be. And we’ll be with you to help every step of the way.”
Find out more at www.fostersfuneraldirectors.com or call 0131 263 0261.