Ethically Serving Seniors

Course overview

Funeral directors and others in the funeral profession serve people from diverse backgrounds and communities. Of the approximately two million-plus funeral arrangements that are planned every year, a considerable number are made by those aged 65 and older. This number is certain to grow as the well-documented baby boomer generation has moved squarely into the senior demographic. The growth of the senior market will present both opportunities and challenges for funeral professionals. To serve the expanding wave of older customers with the integrity that marks genuine ethical conduct, funeral professionals must first understand the various physical and cognitive changes that occur as people age. This course examines the challenging issues that funeral professionals must address in order to serve all customers ethically, irrespective of age and whatever unique communication and decision-making challenges they may present. It offers ideas and insights that will help the funeral professional understand how best to conduct their practice when communicating with older customers and their families. While the course reviews common ethical duties that funeral professionals owe to customers of all ages, it concentrates on the special responsibilities required when working with senior customers (i.e., those aged 65 and older). Besides describing the normal age-related changes that occur with aging, it presents strategies funeral professionals can use to ensure understanding and effective communication with their older customers.