There’s a common misconception regarding what the cemetery staff takes care of and maintains, which can lead to challenges for families. These families might end up feeling confused or frustrated, even though the cemetery staff may be following proper protocol and directions. If you or your loved one purchased a perpetual care fund, what exactly does that mean, and what does it cover?
What Is Perpetual Care?
When you visit your loved one in a cemetery, you’ll be welcomed onto the grounds with well-manicured lawns and pathways. You’ll find lush, meticulously maintained foliage and flora, inviting you in with beauty and tranquility. When you purchase a perpetual care fund, you’re helping to contribute to the maintenance of the cemetery grounds, keeping it the peaceful, beautiful place it is. These funds cover lawn, pathway, and signage upkeep, as well as repairs to cemetery structures. Many cemeteries offer perpetual care, and some states require that cemeteries provide it.
It’s important to understand that perpetual care funds usually do not cover the maintenance of individual gravesites. It’s typically up to the family of the loved one to care for their gravesite. In most cases, repairs to monuments or markers, as well as cleaning and decorating, are not covered by the perpetual care fund. However, some cemeteries do offer additional funds outside of perpetual care that cover issues like repairs and cleaning.
Why Does Perpetual Care Matter?
Think of a cemetery as a house. Each person has their own room, which they are in charge of maintaining. But there are also many community spaces in the house. When everyone in the house contributes to maintaining it, it’s cleaner, prettier, and simply a better place to be overall. As someone with a loved one in the cemetery, you’re in charge of maintaining your loved one’s “room.” But through the perpetual care fund, you’re also contributing to the care of the entire “house.”
What If I Need Gravesite Maintenance?
Perpetual care’s meaning can vary from state to state and even from cemetery to cemetery. It’s important to speak with the cemetery staff about what perpetual care means to them and how it’ll affect you and your loved ones. If perpetual care doesn’t cover gravesite maintenance, which is typically the case, inquire about additional maintenance funds offered by the cemetery. The cemetery may have a different type of fund that covers gravesite care.