Funeral Service Customs and Rituals

In this podcast, Brian interviews Theresa from Samaritan Evergreen Hospice. Theresa Karlik is an RN and the manager of Samaritan’s coastal hospice team for Samaritan Evergreen Hospice. The coastal hospice team, based in Newport, provides hospice care to patients throughout Lincoln County and into Tillamook County.  This interview focused on the mission of hospice and end of life care. Brian asks her about what is needed to go onto hospice, how hospice is different than palliative care and much more.

You can find out more about Samaritan Evergreen Hospice by visiting their website https://www.samhealth.org/find-a-location/s/samaritan-evergreen-hospice-coast
or calling 541-574-1811. 

Many individuals ask whether or not an autopsy would be performed in order to determine cause of death. In this episode, Brian talks about why an autopsy could be required by the state. If an autopsy is not required by the medical examiner, a family may still request one to be done privately.  This episode also answers common autopsy related questions such as what is the medical examiner's job, what does cause and manner of death mean and many other common questions. 

Planning a funeral can be very difficult and full of questions. This is especially true when the death was sudden or unexpected. In this episode, Brian talks about the process of laying to rest a person who passes unexpectedly. Brian explains how the authorities must be notified, the funeral home gets called, and how to make arrangements with the funeral home. Lastly, this episode covers the funeral planning process that the family will go through once the authorities have been notified of the death. 

In this podcast, Brian explains what embalming is and why a person may choose to be embalmed or not. He talks about circumstances when embalming is required and some of the benefits of choosing embalming.  Brian explains the laws surrounding embalming in Oregon and how they are similar to most other states in America. In addition to laws, sometimes embalming is required by cemeteries or mausoleums in order to be placed there. The episode also covers how funeral homes are regulated in regards to embalming. 

While most deaths today are due to chronic illness such as heart disease and cancers, death can occur unexpectedly in accidents and sudden severe illness. This is why it is important to start the conversation about final wishes early. In this episode, Brian talks about what things should be addressed in a conversation about death. He explains what information your funeral director will need to know in an arrangement conference and what to write down during the conversation. He also talks about what items should be brought to an arrangement conference and different documents that would be helpful to have located.
To learn more about Next of Kin, you can watch this video where Brian explains ORS.97.130. To find an Appointment of Another form, you can locate it on  our website under forms.  To start the pre-arrangement process with Bateman Funeral Home, you can visit our website or call 541-265-2751. 
If you have any questions, or have another topic you would like The Last Track to cover, you can email Brian at info@batemanpacificview.com.

Sometimes it can feel uncomfortable to bring up the conversation or figure out where to start when discussing your final wishes. In this episode, Brian talks about ways to start planning both on your own and with your loved ones. He gives ideas on what to look at to start the process of planning your final wishes. Brian also gives ideas on different ways to bring up the conversation with loved ones such as going to The Conversation Project or filling out the online pre-arrangement form on our website.
How to start planning for the conversation:
- Check in on your life insurance
- Locate or start a will/ trust
- Update your estate plan
- Consider a travel protection plan
If you want to learn more about pre-planning, visit our website or listen to our in-depth podcast:
Preneed VS At Need
Write Your Own Story
What to Bring to a Preneed Appointment
For more information or if you have a topic you would like The Last Track to cover, please send an email to info@batemanpacificview.com

When people who haven’t had conversations about death and dying become seriously ill or injured, often their family has to make difficult decisions on their behalf their funeral arrangements.  In this episode, Brian talks about different reasons it can be good to start the conversation about what your final wishes are before there is a need. He also provides ideas on different times that could be a natural opening to the conversation.
Reasons to start the conversation early- before an illness 
● Peace of mind
● Ability to communicate wishes
● Able to prepare financially 
● Ability to plan in parts
● Ability to shop for the best plan
For more information or if you have a topic you would like The Last Track to cover, please send an email to info@batemanpacificview.com

In this podcast, Brian talks about different religious funeral traditions. First, Brian covers Buddhist funeral traditions, including types of candles used in the service, the timing of the visitation, and what is placed on the tables used in the viewing. Next he covers Catholic traditions including the rosary, the crucifix and holy water. The last set of religious traditions covered were Eastern Orthodox. Brian talked about the direction of the visitation line, readings and prayers offered at the service. 

In this podcast, Brian talks about how to celebrate a life through holding a viewing or visitation. For some individuals, seeing a person after they have passed is extremely healing and brings the closure that they need. Brian answers common questions about both attending and planning a viewing. Some of the topics he goes into includes: how to decide on clothes to dress a loved one in for a viewing, deciding on whether to keep jewelry as a family heirloom or place it with the loved one and what to expect the decedent to look like at a viewing. 

If you have any questions, or have another trend you would like The Last Track to cover, you can email Brian at info@batemanpacificview.com. 

There are several differences between how a funeral is run by an ordained minister and a celebrant, such as the way the life of the decedent is spoken about and how the officiant addresses the religious portion of the service. Brian explains the difference between a life story and a eulogy and different ways to share memories.  Bringing the spirit of the departed loved one to the service is the main focus of a celebration of life. From the location of the service, to the music, readings and decorations, each element can bring healing and comfort. Brian also gives tips on how to bring the life story of the person who has passed to life. This podcast also addresses ideas on how to celebrate a life such as lighting a life candle, including videos from the decedent's life and showcasing their hobbies at the service.
If you have any questions, or have another trend you would like The Last Track to cover, you can email Brian at info@batemanpacificview.com.