Many adults struggle with funeral planning words, survey finds
It was revealed that 41% don’t know what a direct cremation is, despite it being the fastest growing type of funeral in the UK
Many UK adults are unsure of the definitions of funeral-related words, according to a recent Funeral Choice survey.
The company, which helps families compare funeral providers, asked 2,000 people to identify the correct meaning of eight words and phrases that are involved when planning a funeral.
It was revealed that 41% don’t know what a direct cremation is, despite it being the fastest growing type of funeral in the UK. Meanwhile, 19% said they had never heard of a direct cremation.
Over a third (36%) of the respondents also are unfamiliar with natural burials. This is also despite the fact that eco-friendly funeral options have become more popular.
Some 33% of people also admitted to not knowing what a hearse is, with 23% not knowing the definition of a eulogy.
Only 52% knew that a committal is a graveside ceremony where the body or ashes are put into the ground, while 48% didn’t know the term ‘interment’ and that it means the act of burying a person’s body or ashes.
Disbursements was found to be the most confusing term in relation to planning a funeral, as only 13% knew the correct definition. Some 44% also revealed they had never heard of it before.
Funeral Choice’s survey coincides with the theme of language for this year’s Dying Matters Week (6 – 12 May).
Alix Baldwin, director of Funeral Choice, said: “Our research highlights a clear need for strong communication between the public and the funeral industry to make sure conversations around death and funerals are transparent; and that the person planning the funeral gets exactly what they intended.
“Dying Matters Week’s theme on language couldn’t be a more appropriate time to highlight how many of us struggle with phrases and words associated with funerals. It’s unfamiliar to most of us, until the time comes when we need to plan a funeral.”
He added: “Losing a loved one and planning their funeral can already be a difficult time, but these feelings could be amplified when there is a confusion over terminology that can make it difficult to understand choices.”
