During this unprecedented time of social distancing, thank your local funeral director. Funeral homes are taking steps to keep you safe in the midst of grieving the death of loved ones in the age of coronavirus.

Italy, which is a week or so ahead of the United States in the contagion curve, is dealing with a terrifying number of dead that need to be buried or cremated. This NPR story details the challenges the funeral industry is facing there.

Funeral Industry Resources

The funeral industry in the United States is rising to the challenge. Here are good resources for keeping informed about funerals during this time of coronavirus.

ICCFA, the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association, has a page devoted to the latest information and resources about COVID-19 and funeral issues. Visit the page here.

NFDA, the National Funeral Directors Association, also has a page devoted to the latest information and resources about COVID-19 and funeral issues. Visit the page here.

Renowned grief educator Dr. David Kessler is starting an online free grief group for anyone who needs support. Whether you’re newly bereaved or have been struggling for a long time this group is here to help you. To find the group, go to www.Facebook.com/groups/DavidKessler or you can look up in your group section Grief: releasing pain, remembering the love and finding meaning.

The website RememberingALife.com has a good article by Sara Murphy, Loss in A Pandemic: Supporting Grievers which provides many good tips. Sara Murphy, PhD, CT, is a death educator, certified thanatologist (Association for Death Education and Counseling), and suicidologist. She teaches at the University of Rhode Island and conducts workshops and seminars on death, dying, and bereavement nationwide for professional organizations, schools, and community groups.

Aging With Dignity produces The Five Wishes form for dictating how you’d like to be treated if you encounter a life-threatening illness. The organization is offering a free downloadable version of their easy-to-understand and use advance care planning form. Learn more here.

Remote Funeral Viewing and Other Options

Our two largest funeral homes in Albuquerque have shared information about what they are doing to help in these unprecedented times. They both offer options for funerals to be viewed from a distance.

News from French Funerals & Cremations

Amidst continued concerns over the Coronavirus and COVID-19, French Funerals and Cremations is offering guidance and updated procedures to help keep families safe as they mourn and say goodbye to loved ones.

TomAntram, President of French, said that his team’s number one priority is thesame as always: to honor and remember every life. “The loss of a loved one isalways difficult, and it is more so amidst periods of confusion, fear, anduncertainty,” said Antram. “We’re working to ease that pain as much as we can,by helping protect families’ safety during this time, but also making sure thatthey can continue to mourn in a healthy manner. We’re continuing our operationsin every way possible so that families don’t have to defer or delay their griefprocess.”

Tominimize the spread of illness and protect families, French is taking thefollowing measures:

• Frenchis recommending that all funeral arrangements are made by phone or internet,rather than through an in-person meeting. Call 505-843-6333 with questions orvisit frenchfunerals.com.
• Incooperation with public officials, French recommends that all services, for theduration of the outbreak, be held in French locations and be limited toimmediate family members only.
• Frenchwill be live-streaming all services for other friends and family to attendvirtually.
• AllFrench community gatherings, including Advance Planningpresentations/lunch-and-learns, workshops, bereavement group meetings, andpublic events hosted at French facilities, will be cancelled until furthernotice.

Moreover,French is in close contact with national associations, as well as the CDC andOSHA, to ensure the safest possible handling of the deceased.

“Our commitment, as the French Family of Companies, is to serve our community and protect our employees and their families from the spread of this virus,” Antram continued. “Amidst this State of Emergency, we seek to continue to serve Albuquerque safely and professionally. Our dedicated staff is standing by to address any questions or concerns.”

Statement from Daniels Family Funerals & Cremation

Daniels Family Funerals & Cremation has served this community for many years and we stand ready to help you now. Even prior tothe coronavirus pandemic, the safety and well-being of you, your family and your friends has always been of utmost importance tous. We will remain open and our experienced, caring staff will continue assisting families during this critical time.

Our heart goes out to those affected by the recent changes due to coronavirus (COVID-19) and we extend our appreciation to thehealth care community for all they are doing now to protect us. We want you to know everything we are doing to keep your safetytop of mind while still helping you support friends and family during a time of loss. Please see below for important communityupdates and more information regarding our locations and help planning funeral arrangements.

Daniels Family Funerals & Cremation has adapted our services to follow the guidelines and mandates issued by New Mexico’sGovernor, the Centers for Disease Control and health professionals. In keeping with Governor Lujan Grisham’s most recentdirectives, effective immediately, all Daniels Family Funerals & Cremation services will now be limited to immediate family only.

In this climate, we know there is a lot of uncertainty. We want you to know what we are doing to keep your safety top of mind andhow you can still support friends and family during a time of loss by knowing the facts. We want to thank you in advancefor putting your trust in us.

Visiting a Daniels Family Funerals & Cremation Location

While the COVID-19 virus has required all of us to be more mindful as we go through our regular activities, rest assured that ourlocations are clean and safe. Our protocols cover everything from handwashing hygiene, cleaning product specifications andcommon area cleaning procedures.

How Daniels Family Funerals & Cremation Helps You Support Friends and Family

We have always implemented the latest technologies for the convenience of families we serve. You may support families via guest books and online memorial tributes on our website.

Funerals are important. Recognizing loss is a human instinct and it is important to recognize that we must facilitate beginning thehealing process. Please make an extra effort to support those that have lost a loved one during this unusual time. Your support ismore important than ever with the added stress of these extraordinary circumstances.

Making Funeral Arrangements

If a death has occurred, or will soon, we are very sorry for your loss. If you are unable to make it to one of our locations due to travelrestrictions, health concerns or any other reason, our caring staff can help you accomplish everything virtually. Every situation canand will be accommodated to ensure the arrangements for the care of your loved one and ensure your wishes are followed.

Thank You

Losing a friend or family member is never easy—and we are very aware that these unsettling times can amplify feelings of grief andanxiety. Please know that we are here for anything else you may need to honor life, support loved ones and begin the healingprocess.

The safety and well-being of you, your family, and your friends is of the utmost importance to us.

Stay at home. Wash your hands well.