Gransnet forums

Chat

Apologies in advance for morbid topic

(33 Posts)
Grannynannywanny Tue 01-Sep-20 20:58:10

I’ve been mulling over the option of a prepaid funeral plan and wondering if any of you have one in place or can offer any advice. I can see the advantages in that it’s paid at today’s price and guaranteed not to rise later( or so I’m told) Also it saves loved ones the upset of arranging it. But I’m wondering if there are any pitfalls to be aware of before making the decision.

Apologies if some may find the topic rather morbid.

Blondiescot Wed 02-Sep-20 13:53:48

If you're hoping to leave your body to medical science, you do need to have a Plan B. Your body may not be accepted for any number of reasons. My mother had stipulated in her will that this was what she wanted, but the medical school were unable to accept as they already had their quota of bodies at the time. It's a great thing to do and wonderful if that wish can be fulfilled, but you do need to think of what you would want if it can't happen.

Tweedle24 Wed 02-Sep-20 14:04:30

My husband and I had prepaid plans. It was such a help when he died. Everything was covered except the ‘wake’ but, I would not have expected that.

We chose up front how many cars, the announcements and service sheets. There were family flowers only so there were no unexpected bills. I would say, go for it.

Grannynannywanny Wed 02-Sep-20 16:33:12

Thanks everyone for your replies. A prepaid funeral plan has now moved to near the top of my to do list!

BlueBelle Wed 02-Sep-20 16:39:27

Paddyanne Not completely true my two friends have both signed up for their bodies to go to medical science and they have signed something that says whether they want their bodies or not and whatever is left if they do use their bodies or bits can either be returned to family OR can be disposed of by the Medical organisation itself After discussing it with their children they have both signed for their bodies to be disposed of by the organisation
I m not sure whether this has changed since you got your information or whether it varies depending on the medical organisation but that’s what they were told this year when they both signed up

mcem Wed 02-Sep-20 16:47:03

Dundee University Medical School disposes of donated bodies and organise a memorial service in the university chapel for families. I have not heard of remains being returned to families.
However, as has been mentioned above not all proposed donations are accepted for various reasons.

Serendipity22 Wed 02-Sep-20 19:33:48

Grannynannyw

It certainly isnt morbid at all, if anything it is sensible.

I am 55 yrs old.I have sorted my will out, written out detail for detail my funeral wishes and left money in the bank for it, with full intention of my children not having the worry and stress of it all .

My mum did the same and boy oh boy did it take a huge weight off my shoulders.

My mum used to say " I wont die any sooner if I sort it all out now."

At first I shuddered with the mere thought, but when the time came that my precious mum was no longer here, the relief and weight that instantly lifted was beyond explanation, and so I did the same.

smile

Witzend Wed 02-Sep-20 21:25:33

A childless aunt of mine had arranged and prepaid hers with a local independent firm - all quite simple. We appreciated her consideration very much, since it was one less thing to have to think about, and there was no need to wonder what she’d have wanted.