A recent article in the “Funeral Service Insider” was advocating funeral directors get more involved in their local hospice organizations. The authors were determined to make the association as one of let us help our hospice friends to the benefit of all. How absurd. The only reason they have is to engrain themselves into the minds of the hospice personnel so they will receive more business. They want to stop by and assist those who are under hospice care so they understand their end of life options. The agenda for the funeral home is to do everything possible to encourage all involved to use their services.

The article tries to cover up the real intent by claiming that it is building relationships. Well it is no different the the funeral director belong to civic organizations. These too are to build relationships. But the relationships are primarily to enhance their sales. People like to do business with people they know and like. So building relationships is a part of the job for any sales oriented entity. But inserting oneself into a hospice environment crosses the line. What if every funeral director in an area were popping into the hospice every week or so and offering their assistance. Who then would consumers turn to, the last one in the door.

Consumers need to be aware that the funeral director at the hospice door has as his main objective to get their business. Being a nice guy will potentially lead consumers to make decisions that are only in the best interest of the industry. It will also cause a potential, if not real, conflict of interest with hospice employees. Funeral industry personnel aligning with hospice personnel is not good for consumers. BEWARE.