The #1
Question is, “Why use a family-owned mortuary?”
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Yes. Making arrangements prior to a death helps alleviate some stress and relieves the burden from your family, allowing them to cherish the memories rather than plan the details. Please call us in Vista at 760-726-2555 or in San Marcos at 760-744-4522 to begin the planning process. | ||
Please call us immediately at either 760-726-2555 or 760-744-4522. Our Funeral
Directors are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to guide you through the entire process. If pre-arrangements are
on file, we will follow the wishes of the deceased. If not, we will assist you of every step of the way.
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What is embalming? | TOP | |
Embalming is a temporary preservative. It sanitizes and preserves the body,
slows the decomposition process, and enhances the appearance of a body that may have been disfigured by trauma or illness.
Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, thus allowing family members time
to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them. | ||
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Can I have a funeral and viewing if I choose cremation? | TOP | |
Yes.
Cremation, like burial, is only a final disposition. Memorial services, traditional services, and graveside
services are all available with cremation. | ||
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What are my choices after cremation for the ashes? | TOP | |
The State of California gives families certain options for cremated remains disposition. Ø Cremated remains can be kept at home and can be separated and shared among loved ones if you so choose. Ø They can be interred at a cemetery in ground, in a columbarium or niche or in a cemetery scattering garden; all of which gives surviving family and friends a place to go and memorialize. Ø Cremated remains can be interred in a house of worship or religious shrine if your church or place of worship has its own columbarium or other facility for cremated remains. Ø Cremated remains can be scattered at sea at least 500 yards off the shore. Ø Cremated remains can be scattered on private property or state property with written permission from the property owner or governing agency. Ø Cremated remains can be carried on board an airplane or shipped to another location,
with a proper permit.
Ø Ashes cannot be placed or scattered on public land or at historic places or landmarks without written permission by the governing agency. Ø Cremated remains cannot be transported without a permit. Ø Cremated remains cannot be disposed of in refuse or sewer systems. | ||
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The term "funeral" describes a service with the body present.
Many families like to set up a “memory table” or “memory board”
for the service. A memory table can consist of favorite items of the deceased. The memory board is often a collection of pictures
of the deceased through different stages of his or her life. It may also include pictures of their children, grandchildren
and friends.
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The
decision on having an open casket is entirely your choice. Since this will be the last time family and
friends see their loved one, the viewing can provide a lasting memory. Most times, a loved one will look
more peaceful than they did in the hospital or during a lengthy illness. | ||
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Yes. We have many ministers who are available to work with the families we serve. We work with
all denominations to insure that each family's needs are met with respect and dignity. We will also arrange a meeting
between the clergy and family members before the service to help personalize the service to the family’s wishes.
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Yes. There are several options for music, including organists, soloists, bag pipers, and recorded music. We can arrange for the music that meets the needs of your family. We also have sound systems in each chapel if you prefer to provide your own music on CD or cassette. | ||
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How many days after a death before we have to schedule services? | ||
In general, the deceased must be buried, embalmed, refrigerated or cremated within 24 hours of death. Normally, a funeral service is held a few days after the death. Many factors can come into play when deciding the
actual day of the service.
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Certified copies of the death certificate are issued by the County Health Department where the death
occurred. When you come in to make arrangements, we will help you determine the quantity you may need and
order them for you. Our Allen Brothers Mortuary, Inc. Forms and More page has a checklist you can print out in advance that will
help you determine how many copies you might need.
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Allen Brothers Mortuary will make the initial notification to Social Security for you; however, you must contact them to apply for any benefits
you may be entitled to receive. You may apply at any Social Security office or by telephone. Their toll-free number is 1-800-772-1213.
The operator can schedule an appointment for you at a local office or arrange for the local Social Security office
to take your claim by telephone. | ||
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Veterans’ benefits vary depending on many factors. All Veterans can be buried in a National Cemetery along
with the spouse of the veteran. The two closest national cemeteries are Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego and Riverside
National Cemetery near March Air Force base in Riverside. | ||
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Yes. Currently, any eligible veteran leaving under conditions other than dishonorable is entitled to certain military honors, such as folding and presentation of the American flag and the playing of Taps. Other honors that may be available, depending on the deceased’s military status, could include a rifle squad and pallbearers. For more military related information, please visit our Allen Brothers Mortuary Resource Links page. | ||
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The basic difference between a liner and a vault is the bottom. A liner fits over the casket and does not have a bottom. The sole purpose is to keep the ground above the casket from settling too much. A vault completely encases the casket and helps keep dirt and other outside elements away from the casket in addition to keeping the ground above the casket from settling too much. | ||
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Funeral costs include various items and services. They include the facilities and services of a mortuary staff who handles all of the legal documents and makes many detailed arrangements on your behalf. Your Funeral Director assists you in coordinating your service location, minister, florist, cemetery, and newspapers. The death certificate, permit, and any other items necessary for your specific arrangements are all taken care of by your Funeral Director and staff. Seeing to all these necessary details and making your service go smoothly takes time and a professional staff, all of which are included in the total cost. Merchandise and cash advance items (outside fees) can also add to your funeral cost. Please check Our Services page for more detailed information. | ||
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Yes. Please visit our Allen Brothers Mortuary Resource Links page for links to some local services. | ||
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Yes. The Federal Trade Commission regulates all funeral home activities nationwide. The “Funeral Rule” requires the industry to provide information and disclosures that help consumers when shopping and purchasing funeral goods and services. Briefly, the Funeral Rule states:
Allen Brothers
Mortuary, Inc., Vista and San Marcos Chapels are
licensed through the Cemetery & Funeral Bureau, which regulates and licenses funeral homes, funeral directors and embalmers for the State of California. For
your convenience, you can view The Consumer Guide to Funeral and Cemetery Purchases on-line; you will also receive a written copy when making your arrangements.
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Family
owned and operated in San Diego County, CA since 1964. |