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The Swiss Army Knife Approach to Aftercare: Why Funeral Homes Need More Than One Tool

“Funeral homes need a Swiss Army knife approach that provides different modalities for different grieving styles and needs.” One key doesn’t open every door. Yet when it comes to aftercare, many f...
By Melissa Lunardini
In Articles
Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Companioning Those in Grief IS NO SMALL FEAT

I have been a licensed psychotherapist for many years now and own a private practice in Missouri. At one time, my business was affiliated with Baue Funeral Homes that provid ed aftercare for famili...
By Kristen Ernst
In Articles
Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Building a More Flexible Preneed Program

If I could give funeral homes one advantage in today’s preneed market, it would not be a f lashy new pitch, a fancy brochure, or a script that sounds like it was written by someone who has never ac...
By Kevin Bitnoff
In Articles
Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Funeral Home Staffing and Training: A Human Resources Perspective

The funeral profession operates at the intersection of technical expertise, regulatory compliance, and compassionate care. Unlike many service industries, funeral homes must be staffed with individ...
By Bill Ford
In Articles
Friday, February 6, 2026

LISTENING DIFFERENTLY: WHAT TODAY'S FAMILIES ARE REALLY TELLING US

We hear it all the time: “Data is changing everything.” But in reality, it’s not the data itself that’s revolutionary— it’s access to it. Just think about how much information your smartwatch can...
By George Owens and Chance Parker
In Articles
Friday, February 6, 2026

Getting to YES with Interested Candidates

There has been much discussion within the Funeral Service profession about the future of the business. In my 30 years in the profession, I don’t recall a more challenging time. The pace of technolo...
By Bob Heidlage
In Articles
Friday, February 6, 2026

Allaying the Fears of Future Funeral Directors

Before I transitioned from funeral directing to teaching, my dominant role at the funeral home was being a funeral director who met families and directed funerals rather than embalming, even though...
By Lauren M. Budrow
In Articles
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
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Previous Posts

The Importance of Mentorship in Funeral Service

Over my four decades in funeral service, one truth has never changed: none of us succeeds alone. Every step forward in my career was possible because someone believed in me, encouraged me, or opene...

THE HIDDEN RISKS OF UNSUPPORTED SOFTWARE (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM)

If it works it must be OK, right? Wrong. Using outdated or unsupported software to manage your back office is costing you now and in the long run. When it comes to technology, standing still is nev...

BEYOND EFFICIENCY How Funeral Software is Redefining the Family Experience

When funeral homes first began adopting technology, the goal was simple: make day-to-day operations smoother. Case management software, website integrations, and automated paperwork brought a level...

SOFTWARE IN THE DEATHCARE INDUSTRY: Finding a Human-Centric Role for AI and Automation

Inevitably, automation and generative AI are finding their way into all businesses–including funeral homes. The  key is knowing where these tools help free up time for crucial human connection...

Safety is Not a Luxury for Funeral Homes and Cemeteries

With inflation and rising costs continuing to affect both businesses and the families we serve, it’s easy to see why some funeral homes and cemeteries hesitate to prioritize safety. Whether it’s la...

UNLICENSED PRACTICE The Unnecessary Regulator Windfall

Licensure: there’s no more important component of regulatory compliance. Nearly every deathcare-related activity requires a license, and deathcare professionals endeavor to obtain the licenses they...

THE BEST LAWSUIT IS THE ONE THAT NEVER HAPPENS: Five Lessons from the Witness Stand

In over two decades of working in funeral service, from embalming rooms to disinterments, from cemeteries to classrooms, and now as an expert witness, I have seen a pattern that funeral homes canno...