Pre-Planning with Maus Family Funeral Home

We believe that one of the greatest gifts you can give to your family is planning and funding your funeral.  Doing so provides great comfort during a difficult time.  This is something you can do now.  It is affordable.  Whether you are pre-planning for yourself or a loved one, you are providing peace of mind for yourself and your family.

The following topics are covered below:

• A Simple 4-Step Process
• Control
• Tax-Free Benefits
• Financial Flexibility
• Inflation Protection
• Simplicity
• Security
• Protect
• Resources

A Simple 4-Step Process

At Maus Family Funeral Home, we veiw pre-planning as a four-step process.  We are here to walk you through the process and to assist by answering your questions and make suggestions and recommendations.

Step One - Collecting Your Thoughts
Most of us think about our own death at some point and maybe even wonder what it will mean for our loved ones.  It isn't always the easiest thing to think about, but we know it is a reality we all must face one day.  Take some time to think about the type of funeral services you'd like to have.  What details are important to you?

Step Two - Sharing Your Thoughts
Take time to discuss your wishes with your family.  They may be reluctant at first, but you can ease their minds my explaining that you simply want to make things easier for everyone involved when the time comes.  By including your family in the planning, they will find healing in the services.

Step Three - Writing Down Your Thoughts
Take time to write down your wishes and the details that are important to you.  This is a good time to write down your personal information such as your special interests, hobbies, military service, etc.  At an emotional time, it can be difficult to remember all the special and important things about a loved one.  Having things prepared for them helps them know they aren't forgetting something.  If you have not contacted us yet, now is a good time.  We have materials that can assist you in preparing all of this information in a concise and complete manner.  This also provides us an opportunity to explain all your options, outline the costs, and make recommendations.  A copy of your notes should be kept at the funeral home.  For your convenience, we offer an online Pre-Planning Form that you can use as well.

Step Four - Funding (Optional)
By paying for your funeral in advance, you increase the peace of mind for yourself and your family, knowing there will be sufficient funds to cover the costs of the services and details you and your family desire.  We will work with you to create a funeral plan that fits your budget.

Control

By planning your service and appropriate coverage in advance, you prevent your bereaved family from emotional overspending from grief or guilt.  Planning ahead gives you a chance to personalize your funeral and make it a true celebration of your life.  By getting your family involved, it can be a positive and healing experience.  Maus Family Funeral Home and staff are available to assist and answer all of your questions in these pre-planning decisions.

Tax-Free Benefits

Our programs offer tax-free benefits to survivors and are sheltered from Public Aid and Social Security.

Financial Flexibility

Maus Family Funeral Home offers a wide range of funeral services and merchandise, as well as payment options from monthly payments to one lump sum.

Inflation Protection

The growth of your plan can help to offset inflationary price increases.  It allows us to lock-in the costs of services and merchandise at today's prices, so that your family will not have to be responsible for paying more at the time of death.

Simplicity

Our plans take little time to initiate.  Funds are made readily available at the time of need so the financial burden is completely removed from your family.  After covering inflationary price increases, and additional proceeds are paid directly to your family.

Security

All payments are made directly to a trust or insurance company, assuring your deposit is protected.  Your funeral plans are firmly in place at our funeral home.  However, since the funds are placed in a trust or insurance policy, they are easily transferred to another funeral home should you move or relocate.  You also maintain the flexibility to make changes to your wishes in the future.

Protect

By stating your preferences ahead of time, you protect your family from difficult decisions at the time of your death.  They won't have to worry or second-guess if they made the right choices.

Resources

Carle Home Health Services
Home Care - Hospice - Infusion Services
206A W. Anthony Dr., Champaign, Il 61822
(800) 239-3620
www.carlehomehealthservices.com

Lincolnland Hospice
700 Broadway Ave. E., Suite 9, Mattoon, IL 61938
(800) 454-4055
An affiliate of Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System
www.sarahbush.org

Mid-Illinois Senior Services Inc.
Kim Adamson, Advisor
114 E. Jefferson, Box 583, Sullivan, IL 61951
Sullivan Office, Fri.: (217) 728-8521
Home Office, Mon.-Thurs.: (217) 768-4440

Senior Information Services

Caregiver Program

• A comprehensive program offering support to those who serve as caregivers, including: In-home counseling for caregivers; Caregiver Support Groups; Referral services for in-home care, nursing home facilities, and hospice; Referrals regarding elder abuse/neglect issues; Grief couseling; Meal Assistance for seniors; and Medical Equipment availability.

Provena Hospice
1501 Interstate Dr., Suite C, Champaign, IL 61822
(217) 353-3400