ABSTRACT
Aftercare is not a new concept, as most experienced funeral directors understand. Aftercare may be perceived and defined differently depending on the circumstances. The bereaved, the social worker, and the funeral director all may have different perspectives. Because the aftercare concept originated in several ways, tracing the specific history is difficult and facts are illusive. I t is important, therefore, to clarify what we mean by a funeral home-based aftercare program. Funeral home aftercare may be defined as an organized way to maintain a helpful and caring relationship with clients, offer continuing services to client families beyond the expected body disposition and accompanying rituals, and provide death, loss, and grief education to both clients and the community.
