Coming Soon: Hooverwood Living is expanding its services to include hospice care! 

The Aaron-Ruben-Nelson (ARN) Hospice at Hooverwood is expected to open February 2022.

Hooverwood is a well-regarded, not-for-profit skilled nursing facility in Indianapolis, specializing in rehabilitation, dementia care, and adult day services. While upholding the values of Judaism, it welcomes residents and families of all faiths and backgrounds. Hooverwood is committed to building premier services for seniors on their campus and in the greater Indianapolis community.

“We are so thrilled to be able to launch this much-needed service to our community while partnering with Jennifer Nelson Williams to name this organization in honor of her family,” states Evan Lubline, CEO of Hooverwood Living.

Both Aaron-Ruben Nelson and Hooverwood Nursing Home have served the greater Indianapolis community with care, compassion, and the highest professional standard for decades. 

Jennifer Nelson Williams, President of Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home Inc. (a funeral home and cremation service that has been serving central Indiana since 1935) was delighted to get involved because her family has been an integral part of Hooverwood’s history for almost a century. 

Hooverwood was originally established as the Jewish Shelter House in 1902 and was the first licensed skilled nursing facility in Indiana. In 1929, Anna and Joseph Borinstein (Jennifer Nelson William’s great-great-grandparents) donated their family home to create the predecessor to Hooverwood, the Borinstein Home.

Hooverwood was later established at its present location in 1970 and soon after Jennifer Nelson William’s grandmother, Lucille Borinstein Cohen, founded the Hooverwood Guild. The Hooverwood Guild sets Hooverwood apart from other facilities because it fosters volunteerism and involvement. The current 700+ Guild members are integral in fundraising and also work in the gift shop and library, offer educational programs and help with games, activities and monthly birthday celebrations, among other things. 

Jennifer Nelson Williams has been involved with Hooverwood personally as a Board Member since 1993 and has previously served as Hooverwood Guild President. This naming opportunity arose as Jennifer commemorates the 2-year anniversary of her father, Max Nelson’s death. 

Max Nelson was the child of immigrant parents. From an early age he spent many long hours working in their family market, which helped shape his dream for a better life. In 1964, after ten years of apprenticeship and employment, Max was able to fulfill his dream and purchase the Aaron-Ruben funeral home, which was renamed the Aaron-Ruben-Nelson funeral home. In his 65 years as a funeral professional, Max touched the lives of thousands. Families will forever remember him as a kind, loving and compassionate man.

Jennifer stated, “My dad would be proud and honored to know that our company’s name is being linked with Hooverwood, a care center we know upholds itself to the same gold standard we do at the funeral home.”

“The board of directors saw the vision we were developing here at Hooverwood and decided it was time to bring this much-needed [hospice] service to the community. We can now help those within the walls of Hooverwood and the greater community at the most important time in someone’s life. We will support and stand by the family whenever they need us.” said Evan Lubline.

Hooverwood’s rich history, traditions, community involvement and commitment to person-centered care have led them to expand from skilled nursing to assisted living and now hospice care. Their commitment to serving Central Indiana by expanding services while maintaining the highest level of care is the same legacy Max Nelson hoped to inspire in his children and grandchildren, who inherited his values of kindness, love, and community. 

The Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Hospice at Hooverwood Living is a testament to the positive change and care we can grow in our communities when generations build upon each other’s dream of a better Indiana.

Coming Soon: Hooverwood Living is expanding its services to include hospice care! 

The Aaron-Ruben-Nelson (ARN) Hospice at Hooverwood is expected to open February 2022.

Hooverwood is a well-regarded, not-for-profit skilled nursing facility in Indianapolis, specializing in rehabilitation, dementia care, and adult day services. While upholding the values of Judaism, it welcomes residents and families of all faiths and backgrounds. Hooverwood is committed to building premier services for seniors on their campus and in the greater Indianapolis community.

“We are so thrilled to be able to launch this much-needed service to our community while partnering with Jennifer Nelson Williams to name this organization in honor of her family,” states Evan Lubline, CEO of Hooverwood Living.

Both Aaron-Ruben Nelson and Hooverwood Nursing Home have served the greater Indianapolis community with care, compassion, and the highest professional standard for decades. 

Jennifer Nelson Williams, President of Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home Inc. (a funeral home and cremation service that has been serving central Indiana since 1935) was delighted to get involved because her family has been an integral part of Hooverwood’s history for almost a century. 

Hooverwood was originally established as the Jewish Shelter House in 1902 and was the first licensed skilled nursing facility in Indiana. In 1929, Anna and Joseph Borinstein (Jennifer Nelson William’s great-great-grandparents) donated their family home to create the predecessor to Hooverwood, the Borinstein Home.

Hooverwood was later established at its present location in 1970 and soon after Jennifer Nelson William’s grandmother, Lucille Borinstein Cohen, founded the Hooverwood Guild. The Hooverwood Guild sets Hooverwood apart from other facilities because it fosters volunteerism and involvement. The current 700+ Guild members are integral in fundraising and also work in the gift shop and library, offer educational programs and help with games, activities and monthly birthday celebrations, among other things. 

Jennifer Nelson Williams has been involved with Hooverwood personally as a Board Member since 1993 and has previously served as Hooverwood Guild President. This naming opportunity arose as Jennifer commemorates the 2-year anniversary of her father, Max Nelson’s death. 

Max Nelson was the child of immigrant parents. From an early age he spent many long hours working in their family market, which helped shape his dream for a better life. In 1964, after ten years of apprenticeship and employment, Max was able to fulfill his dream and purchase the Aaron-Ruben funeral home, which was renamed the Aaron-Ruben-Nelson funeral home. In his 65 years as a funeral professional, Max touched the lives of thousands. Families will forever remember him as a kind, loving and compassionate man.

Jennifer stated, “My dad would be proud and honored to know that our company’s name is being linked with Hooverwood, a care center we know upholds itself to the same gold standard we do at the funeral home.”

“The board of directors saw the vision we were developing here at Hooverwood and decided it was time to bring this much-needed [hospice] service to the community. We can now help those within the walls of Hooverwood and the greater community at the most important time in someone’s life. We will support and stand by the family whenever they need us.” said Evan Lubline.

Hooverwood’s rich history, traditions, community involvement and commitment to person-centered care have led them to expand from skilled nursing to assisted living and now hospice care. Their commitment to serving Central Indiana by expanding services while maintaining the highest level of care is the same legacy Max Nelson hoped to inspire in his children and grandchildren, who inherited his values of kindness, love, and community. 

The Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Hospice at Hooverwood Living is a testament to the positive change and care we can grow in our communities when generations build upon each other’s dream of a better Indiana.

As a leader in funeral services, ARN is committed to keeping our families safe and preserving the sanctity of the funeral.  During this year of challenges and loss, we have developed innovative solutions to help our families have a funeral.  

These solutions have included limiting the size of services and still holding them, relocating services to outdoors to allow for airflow and social distancing, recording services so they can be viewed virtually, and hosting drive through services - to name a few.

In addition to changes in the way the funeral looks to guests, ARN staff has increased our already rigorous cleaning schedule.  We have also met with families to make arrangements via Zoom and email and made our processes contactless where possible.

We do have to abide by state and facility-specific guidelines, but we have done our utmost to give families as much comfort through classic services as we are able. 

ARN's annual food drive collects canned goods and other non-perishable food items for local food banks.  Our staff collects the donations the whole month of October and then hand delivers them to local food pantries for distribution.  The Zionsville community shows their giving spirit and we all join together to help fellow Hoosiers just as the weather is turning colder.

Our annual remembrance tree planting honors those we have helped in the previous year.  It is a way for us to once more hold their names in our hearts and plant a tree to grow as a symbol of their memory that still blooms in our hearts and in the hearts of those they leave behind.

ARN yearly plants a vegetable garden on our property.  The staff selects the plants and Donni Lotz plans, plants, and carefully tends the produce.  As the crop develops, we are able to donate a lot of the harvest to a local food pantry to serve the hungry in our community.

We are honored to be named an official member of the funeral home partnership program with Indiana Donor Network.  The Indiana Donor Network tirelessly works for Hoosier families.  They are hopeful for those who need transplants and honored by those who give one last give of life to a stranger.  We are proud to partner with them and appreciate their 24 hour effort to help their community.

It is ok to not be ok.  Dr. Alan Wolfelt is a leader in grief therapy and has devised this mourner's bill of rights.  It is important to fell empowered to grieve.  We encourage our families to work through their feelings and accept that all grieving is "normal".

2013 March 21 by Jennifer Nelson Williams

Aaron Ruben Nelson is proud to announce that we’ve joined the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). We’re looking forward to networking with other women-owned businesses in the city.

ARN hosted a community-wide Remembrance Celebration.  All were invited to spend time joining together with others who have experienced loss in an environment of understanding and support.  A heartfelt candle-lighting ceremony, readings, and non-denominational speakers created a night of healing for hurting Hoosiers.

We have several methods of outreach to our families in their time of grief.  In order to support them, we first distribute a list of local resources when we meet with the family.  In addition, our website offers a daily grief support email that they can enroll to receive.  We also offer a free grief support library which we invite everyone in the community to utilize.  We host free monthly grief support group meetings with a grief counselor in our chapel.

2013 February 26 by Jennifer Nelson Williams

Each and every one of us wants to feel special, to know that in our lives we have touched others. A funeral service is a final tribute to demonstrate how our loved one affected our lives. Since people touch us in different ways, it is very common for people to want to make the services special and meaningful; to show how beloved that person was to us.

How to accomplish this does not have to be a vexing task. Families rely on us. as funeral professionals to guide them, asking questions and offering suggestions on how to make the service unique and meaningful.

For example, adding a musical selection is an easy way to personalize the service. We are able to connect to Itunes, or personal MP3 players. The music may be played continuously or intermittently depending on the mood your are trying to create. The music doesn’t have to be religious or even somber in nature. We have had cheer leading squads cheer, jazz bands play and football teams sing out fight songs. In each case the music share something special about the person whose life was being honored.

Another way to personalize the funeral is through photos. Using a series of photos we recently created 25 large posters of the deceased to be hung around the funeral home in stations. At each station cards were placed for friends, and colleagues to write a message, memory or prayer to the family. After the service, the were collected and assembled into a memory book for the surviving family.

There are also many other ways to personalize a funeral service and we are honored to makes suggestions for you. With over 78 years of experience, we have helped many families say goodbye to loved ones in special and meaningful ways.

When it comes to planning a memorial service, personalization makes a big difference. Oftentimes, the grieving find the most comfort in celebrating the unique qualities that made their loved one so special.

We recently held a memorial service for a woman who had a passion for quilting and needlework. She was fortunate enough to turn her passion into a career, owning a local quilt shop for several years.

It was only fitting that her mastery be on display during her visitation and service. Her beloved family took great care in displaying her craftsmanship. Many of her favorite quilts were draped, and on display to be enjoyed by friends and extended family.

This personalization was an easy, affordable way to bring more meaning to the event and to truly evoke the presence of the deceased. It was a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to their wife, mother and friend.

We were so grateful to be a part of this meaningful memorial service, and we have plenty of ideas on how to make your service personalized as well.

Writing a sympathy card can be a daunting task.  We have devised this helpful tool to give you a starting point.  We hope this helps you send your condolences in a simple and meaningful way.

Our staff makes a point to attend local conventions to stay up-to-date on current products and trends.  We are always striving to provide our families with the most innovative solutions that make the funeral more personal.  

We annually support the Zionsville Lincoln Park Concert Series.  You can often see our staff attending these events and handing out free goodies!  Everyone looks forward to our picking up a pocket-sized bug spray or fan from our booth to help with the shady summer heat.  We enjoy sponsoring these events and look forward to seeing old friends and new.

Jennifer Williams was honored to serve on a panel of speakers in the Partners In Aging series sponsored by Zionsville United Methodist Churh and Lona Newton of Senior Living Advisor.  She was able to answer questions about pre-planning for funeral and cremation arrangements as well as educate the audience of current trends in funeral service. 

Jennifer Williams hosts Brooke's Place volunteers for educational series on Jewish funeral traditions.  As Indiana's only Jewish Funeral Home, we are often called upon for our expertise on funeral practices.  Jennifer welcomes groups of new volunteers a few times a year to give a presentation on Jewish funeral practices and beliefs.  The group is also invited to tour the funeral home and see preparation areas to gain an understanding of our role in the grief process.

In Honor of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, we delivered care packages to local hospice organizations.  We work closely with these groups on a regular basis and understand the commitment and time they put into serving local families.  We hope they feel seen and appreciated for all they do to help local families in their time of need.  

We try to spread positivity and appreciation in our community.  Our weekly donut and flower drops to local business partners, churches and hospices show that we understand the work they are putting in everyday for our community.  We like to recognize those that do so much so quietly for those around them.

The female staff of ARN rolled up their sleeves to help the Boone County Habitat for Humanity in their annual Women's Build.  In addition to doing some hands-on work on the house, the team raised over $1000 to help with the build.  Our staff is constantly looking for ways to make a difference in our community through outreach and fundraising!

Zionsville's American Cancer Society Relay for Life event takes place annually in Lions Park.  Our staff is honored to participate in this walk-a-thon and raise funds for this worthy cause.  We enjoy being with those in our community who are facing or have faced this courageous battle and support them with each step.

What will your legacy be in 100 years?  ARN hosted a dinner through CICF in honor of Ben Franklin Funds to find out.

Ben Franklin Funds were created by Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) in celebration of The Indianapolis Foundation’s 100th anniversary. Without the foresight of visionaries 100 years ago, The Foundation would not have the capacity to annually award over $7 million in competitive grants to local not-for-profits working to alleviate the obstacles facing residents in Indianapolis.

CICF believes in the power of its Ben Franklin Funds to transform Indianapolis in 2116. If the two $100,000 Ben Franklin Fund endowments, built from donations of $1,000 and $100, are invested for 100 years, CICF estimates they will be worth $100 million each and will distribute $5 million (5 percent) annually to benefit the city of Indianapolis in 2116.

You’ve probably heard CICF talk about this before, but you may not have heard the conversations inspired by a group of strangers (Ben Franklin Fund donors) gathered for dinner, emboldened by the idea of collectively transforming the future of Indianapolis. We think they’ll inspire you, too.

Text from cicf.org

2013 May 7 by Jennifer Nelson Williams

We are pleased to announce that Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary has invited the students at Zionsville Middle School and Zionsville West Middle School to participate in an art contest in tribute to Memorial Day!

The deadline for art submissions is May 17, 2013. We will be recognizing the top three pieces with monetary gifts at a reception on May 22, 2013 in Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary, 11411 North Michigan Road. All students, families, educators, and community members are invited to join the artists in this fun event.

The art will be on display the month of June for the community to enjoy! Please stop by and enjoy the thoughtful artwork of local middle school students commemorating Memorial Day!

Click here for more information: Memorial Day Art Competition

2014 March 11 by Jennifer Nelson Williams

Our own, Jennifer Williams, is in the running for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Woman of the Year! She has an ambitious fundraising goal, but with your help, we can make a difference!

The Girl and Boy of the Year are just part of the reason we are so passionate about this cause: http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=LUJEGuy0HSU

We are holding a big fundraiser at the mortuary on Friday, April 18th from 7 – 10 PM. The Rock Out to Knock Out Cancer concert is going to be fun for everyone! The tickets are $100 per person and all ticket sales are 100% donated to LLS! The concert will be performed by Dave & Rae! There will be food provided by Outback Steakhouse, beer and wine, drawings, celebrity appearances, and lots of fun!

Read more about Jennifer’s story, buy tickets, or donate to the cause using this link: http://www.mwoy.org/pages/in/indy14/jennifer

We hope you can help us get the word out about this fun event we have coming up and help raise $$ for LLS

Have you ever opened an old photo album and wondered who the people were in the pictures and what their story was? With the passing of each generation family histories grow dim.

Don’t let your family history be forgotten. Join us on March 28th, for an evening with celebrated storyteller Bob Saunders and learn how to begin documenting your family history. Bring your parents and your siblings for a shared experience you won’t forget.

The program is free but reservations are requested.

2012 November 26 by Jennifer Nelson Williams

It’s the season to give back to our communities. We hope you’ll joins us as we do our part by hosting a blood drive with the the Indiana Blood Center. The event will be held on December 13, 2012 from 2:30-6:30 p.m. here at Aaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary, 11411 North Michigan Road, Zionsville. You’re eligible to donate whole blood if it’s been at least 56 days since your last donation. To make sure we can accommodate everyone, please sign up for an appointment window to make your donation.

Every two seconds, someone needs blood. That might be your neighbor, your family member. One day, it might even be you. By donating blood, you’ll be giving the greatest gift you can. So raise your sleeve and join us in making a difference. Hope to see you on December 13.

2011 September 10

After more than 50 years in this business, I know that a majority of families who meet me for the first time are in a very vulnerable state.

They’ve just lost a loved one or death is eminent. The prospect of planning these last arrangements can be daunting, confusing and even intimidating.

When I was a young man, just starting out in this business, I was fortunate to have mentors who taught me how to assist families in this state of mind. The bottom line is this: You have to listen with compassion and advise with ethical expertise.

With too great of frequency, we have read or heard stories that are contrary to this standard we’ve established at A.R.N. Cremation Services. High-pressure sales tactics and improprieties have no place in business in general and even less so within the funeral industry.

There are rules that have been established by the Federal Trade Commission that protect consumers. The so-called “Funeral Rule” provides that:

• You may purchase a casket (or cremation urn) from anywhere you choose (including the big-box discount houses); you are not required to buy from the funeral home.
• The funeral establishment must provide you with a general price list (GPL) and a casket price list (CPL) when you inquire in person.
• Funeral establishments must give an itemized statement that includes only those items you selected when you contracted for services.
• A funeral package statement must describe and include all goods and services. If you’re going to sign a contract, get a total dollar amount in writing first.

In addition, each state has its own licensure and inspection procedures. Those licenses should be predominately displayed and up-to-date.

As we’ve become increasingly aware, just because these rules are in place does not mean that they won’t be bent or broken. The best way to ensure you are treated with compassion and dignity is to get to know the funeral service professional before you need him or her. If that is not possible, there are a few questions that you may consider asking that can help determine your level of comfort.

1) How long have you been in the business? What licenses and memberships do you hold?

2) Why did you enter this business?

3) Is your mortuary locally and/or family owned or a chain?

4) (If you are considering cremation) Do you have an on-site crematory?

5) How do you charge for cremation/funeral services?

These are just a few things to consider. It is much like entering into a relationship with any other professional service provider like an attorney, an accountant or a physician. It is essential to establish a relationship that allows you to trust this person and, in turn, allows them to assist you.

2011 September 13 by MaxJenn

The beginning of the year is traditionally a time when people feel the need to better organize their lives. They make resolutions to live happier and healthier lives; they tie up those nagging loose ends. They set a budget, invest in a financial plan and update their wills; they ensure that their families are taken care of in the event of their death.

However, one often-overlooked item is planning for one’s final arrangements. Pre-arranged funerals provide peace of mind for both you (in that your wishes have been carried out) and for your family (in that they’re not “guessing” about what you would want). In addition, a trust fund may be established to pay for the funeral arrangements in advance. When those funds are needed, they are applied to cover the cost of your funeral arrangements.

Trusted funeral advisors can assist you in planning all of the details of your final arrangements just as you wish. A few areas that are specified when pre-arranging these services:

• Instructions of final disposition including of both location of service and cemeteries; if you are to be cremated, what do you want done with your ashes?
• Who do you want to serve as pallbearers?
• What clothing and jewelry do you want to wear?
• What items/mementos would you like to have displayed?
• What poems or literature you would like to have read?
• What favorite religious passages would you like read?
• What favorite colors and flowers would you like used in floral arrangements?
• Are you eligible for military, graveside honors?

A.R.N. Cremation Services assists individuals in planning funerals, including those who wish to pre-plan their own services. A convenient pre-planning form is available for download on our website (click here). Locally owned by Max Nelson and Jennifer Nelson Williams, we have been assisting Indianapolis-area families plan and carry out final arrangements since 1935. For more information, call us at 317.873.4766 or visit the website, www.arncremation.com.

2014 February 24 by Jennifer Nelson Williams

In these modern times, digital seems to be the way of the world. We text rather than call, email rather than write letters, and go online for news rather than read a newspaper. But the funeral business has been mostly immune to this electronic trend. In an impersonal world, the personal touch of a phone call or in-person meeting is necessary when discussing delicate funeral arrangements.

In kind, notifying someone that their loved one has passed away is a very emotional and private exchange that should be approached in a sensitive way. Although funeral directors usually do not have to make these notifications, one funeral home in Florida has faced a barrage of phone calls due to a popular phishing email.

In this online scam, a link is sent via email which will supposedly notify the recipient of a funeral for someone they know. When the link is clicked, it downloads malware onto the recipient’s computer. For more information on how the scam works and what the email looks like, follow this link:

http://www.azcentral.com/business/news/articles/20140221e-mailed-death-notice-really-phishing-scam.html?nclick_check=1

We, at A.R.N., would like you to know that it is not common practice for any funeral home to notify loved ones about a passing or funeral via email. We guarantee a personal touch when dealing with bereaved families, so take care when opening any emails, no matter how legitimate they may seem. It is an unfortunate truth that the bereaved have been targeted by con artists and defrauders for centuries, but today’s electronic world takes these injustices to a new low.

2012 October 9 by Jennifer Nelson Williams

With the right preparation and forethought, the end of life can be a celebration of a life well-lived. By planning and preparing for when you pass on, you can make the entire process easier for you and your family. Learn how to prepare your mind, body and estate for the last stage of life with Life–The Later Stages.

The event will be held at the Center for Inquiry, 350 Canal Walk, Suite A, Indianapolis, on Saturday, November 10, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Speakers will cover a range of topics, including a presentation by our own Jennifer Nelson Williams:

Rebecca Vaughan, Program Director, Indiana Long Term Care Insurance Program, Indiana Department of Insurance.

ABC’s of Long Term Care in Indiana

Dr. Amy Adams, Patient Care Manager, Harbor Light Hospice

Hospice 101

Clarke Miller, President, Compassion & Choices of Indiana

The Right to Die Well: Why Physician Assisted Dying Should Be Legal

Jennifer Nelson Williams, President, Aaron-Rubin-Nelson Mortuary, A.R.N.Cremation Services.

Preparing for Death–The Questions You Really Should Ask

Reba Boyd Wooden, Director, Center for Inquiry Secular Celebrant program.

Secular Celebrations for Life’s Milestones

We hope to see you there as we explore how to put the most quality and peace-of-mind into your later years.

2013 October 29 by Jennifer Nelson Williams

No one wants to have that difficult conversation about dying, but it needs to be done. Writing a will and making your wishes known to your loved ones will go a long way in helping them during their grief. This isn’t always an easy task, but it is necessary if you want your wishes to be honored and your family’s burden at the time of your passing to be lighter. One way in which you can prepare your family is by making a file of your final wishes. Once your family knows there is a plan in place, they can feel less anxious about honoring your memory.

A final wishes file should contain copies of your pre-arranged funeral or cremation arrangements. Sometimes it can be difficult to have a discussion with your family about the details of your final arrangements. They may not be ready to accept that you ailing, or they may just not want to talk about dying in general. A helpful solution is to make pre-arrangements with your chosen funeral home. The funeral director has experience in guiding you through the planning process and can make suggestions when needed. Not only will they gather all your information together in one place so that your family isn’t scrambling to find it, they will record all your wishes and keep copies of your obituary or other pre-selections (ex. songs you wish to have played at your funeral). In addition, you can pre-pay for the arrangements and give your family complete peace of mind.

Another important aspect to consider is your assets. A lawyer can assist you in making a will, which should be included in your final wishes file. Most people think of assets in terms of the china they received as a wedding gift or the car parked in the garage, but assets are more complex than that. Life insurance policies, bank accounts, deeds, titles, etc. should all be listed in your file to help your family change ownership. As we become a more digital society, some of our assets are now digital as well. We found this helpful article which explains in more detail what digital assets are, and how death can affect them.

http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20131023-grave-concern-online-after-death

That difficult conversation with your loved ones can be easier, if you create a plan for them to follow.

2013 March 1 by Jennifer Nelson Williams

When people realize I’m a funeral professional they often ask me “what should I say to my friend or colleague that has had a death in their family ?”

It seems everyone wants to say the correct thing, but nothing seems right. This is not something we do often, so it always seems a little awkward. I often tell people that this is one of those times when less can be so much more. You don’t have to try to imagine how the other person feels. Instead of saying I know you must feel awful, stick with words of kindness. ” I’m here for you” or ” What can I do to help?”

We all have experienced times when our life overwhelms us. A death of a loved one is certainly that sort of time. It can be physically and mentally draining. So lending a helping hand so your friend can nap, can be so much more touching then just sending a bouquet of flowers to the service. The small acts of kindness like grocery shopping or bringing over prepared food, helping with child care, or walking the dog will be forever remembered. Not sure what to do or say? When in doubt just hold their hand and say nothing.

2011 September 11 by MaxJenn

If you have attended a loved one’s funeral services recently, you may have noticed some profound differences from services you attended in the past. Perhaps there was no calling; perhaps the memorial was in a public place and not in a funeral home. And in increasing numbers, the casket has been replaced by an urn.

The last decade has seen a substantial increase in individuals choosing cremation. In 1998, 24 percent of Americans were choosing cremation; the most recent figures reveal that percentage increasing to 36 percent. And some areas – like Nevada, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Arizona – have more than 65 percent of their residents choosing cremation. 

So, why has cremation become an increasingly preferred method of disposition? While its practice dates back 2000 years and remains the most popular option (more than 70 percent) in much of Europe and Asia, it has only been in the last few years that cremation has entered the mainstream of American’s funeral arrangements. 

For many families, it is a simple matter of economics. Cremations in general are less expensive as they eliminate the need for a casket and provide more flexibility in terms of the location of the funeral/memorial service.

Cremation has often been coined the most eco-friendly method of disposition of the body. It preserves land that would be used for expansive cemeteries and eliminates the need for chemically preserving the body during embalming.

And finally, as our society becomes more transient, families no longer reside in the same town in which they were raised or even where their family may have burial plots; family visits to the cemetery are no longer the norm. An urn or small container, designed to be worn as jewelry to hold only a small portion of ashes, are better suited for families scattered across the miles. 

With a recently constructed Hamilton County facility that includes an on-site crematory to ensure the dignified disposition of remains, the funeral professionals at A.R.N. Cremation & Funeral Services can help you determine if cremation is the right choice for you or your loved one. A.R.N. Cremation provides final arrangements allowing families and loved ones the freedom to make choices within their means, with cremation services starting at $465. Founded in 1935, today Max Nelson and daughter Jennifer Williamsoffer their 80 years of combined experience to provide unparalleled attention and sensitivity to detail.

2011 September 14 by MaxJenn

In commemorating what would have been his 100th birthday, there have been numerous articles and television segments on about Ronald Reagan. But a “sound bite” that really caught my attention was from wife Nancy Reagan, who talked about her grief.

“Everyone said it would get easier as time went on,” she said. “But I think it’s gotten worse. I miss him more.”

In our 70-plus years serving families in Central Indiana, A.R.N. Cremation realizes this is not an uncommon occurrence. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, you may well have felt the same way. As late as last week I was chatting with a friend whose husband had passed away three years ago. “I don’t know why, but this past holiday was the most difficult yet. I found myself crying all the time.” 

My friend went to a grief counselor who proclaimed these feelings very normal and part of the grieving process. And for many, realizing that grief isn’t a day or a week or a month; grief is a process that is as unique as the individual experiencing it.

You’ve probably heard about those five stages of grief:

• Denial: “This can’t be happening to me.”
• Anger: “Why is this happening? Who is to blame?”
• Bargaining: “Make this not happen, and in return I will ____.”
• Depression: “I’m too sad to do anything.”
• Acceptance: “I’m at peace with what happened.”

But even the author of these stages (Elisabeth Kübler-Ross) embraced the absolute individualism in which people mourn and grieve. She wrote in the last book before her own death, “They were never meant to help tuck messy emotions into neat packages. They are responses to loss that many people have, but there is not a typical response to loss, as there is no typical loss. Our grieving is as individual as our lives.” 

So, with grief you may experience all of these stages and not in any particular order; you may experience none of these stages or only two or three. Most importantly, experts urge you to first, seek support of others; do not grieve alone. Friends and family, grief support groups, your faith and grief counselors are all ways with which people can openly discuss and address their loss and their grief.

Secondly, you need to take care of yourself. Give yourself permission to grieve and feel sad; maybe journal about your feelings. Some people even find writing a letter to their departed loved one is one way to find closure.

And finally, be prepared for “grief triggers.” Things that you see or hear through the normal course of a day that may resurrect your grief – a car, a song, and many times special dates like anniversaries or birthdays. These are perfectly natural, even coming years after your loss. Embrace these moments as a time to remember your loved one and share your memories.

2011 September 12

If you follow the headlines, the past few years have painted some disturbing pictures of less-than-scrupulous mortuaries and crematories that have been remiss in the care given to human remains.

When we were planning our new facility (that we moved into earlier this year), one thing we were certain we wanted was an on-site crematory. We believed it would enable us to provide families with the ultimate care and respect their loved-ones deserved.

With an on-site crematory, we are able to control every aspect of an individual’s final arrangements – from preparing the remains for cremation to ensuring that the cremation chamber is thoroughly cleaned after every cremation, eliminating the risk of co-mingling remains. 

As one of Central Indiana’s oldest and trusted funeral service providers, A.R.N. Cremation Services is proud to be one of only two on-site crematories in Hamilton County and only a handful in the Indianapolis area. 

A few things to remember when selecting a cremation professional:

• Seek out licensed professionals including a licensed funeral director or certified crematory operator
• Ask about policies and procedures followed by the cremation service including the handling of the remains as well as documentation
• Never assume that a funeral home offering cremations has an on-site crematory; more often than not, the remains are sent to an off-site facility.
• Ask what options exist for those choosing cremation in terms of memorial services, casket rentals and urn/commemorative merchandise.
• If you are anticipating an on-site memorial service, ensure that the facilities are modern and will accommodate your anticipated guests as well as any special needs they may have.

Deciding on cremation and subsequently choosing the cremation professional to provide those services are decisions that require a great deal of thought and consideration. These decisions should be based upon reputation, location, facilities and the cost of services. Do not be afraid or embarrassed to “shop” these services; it is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. Taking a little extra time to ask questions and do a bit of research will result in peace of mind for years to come.

2013 December 13 by Jennifer Nelson Williams

Facing the holidays after experiencing the death of a loved one can be a painful and stressful experience. One may be tempted to cancel all holiday observances and to distance oneself from family and friends. The isolation and loneliness can intensify the feelings of grief and despair.

Conversely, some family members may want to avoid the subject of the loss altogether because they think that not talking about it will somehow make the holidays easier. This can make a grieving person feel as though their loved one is being forgotten. Here are some small steps that can be taken to help bring light back into one’s life and comfort to this difficult season.

The first, and possibly most difficult, is to accept that this holiday season will be different than those of past. Open your mind to the changes and try to accept them willingly. Instead of withdrawing, try planning a special tribute for your family, privately honoring your loved one, or attending a support group. Finding the right way to bring yourself peace during this time of year can make all the difference.

Secondly, reach out to people around you: friends, neighbors, family or organizations and join in their holiday observances. Our friends and loved one’s want to help, sometimes they just don’t know how. There is no right answer when it comes to facing loss. Sometimes having a shoulder to cry on or an open-hearted listener are the best gifts you can receive this holiday season.

Thirdly, think of ways to create a new tradition for the holiday season. It can begin as something small and evolve over time. Perhaps try a new recipe, help someone in need or participate in a form of volunteerism. Helping others is a wonderful way of bringing light in to our own lives.

“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.” – Unknown

The holidays remind us of all the wonderful times we spent with our loved ones. Try to focus on the cherished memories of your loved one and pass along that love to those around you as a way of honoring your bond.

On site crematories, is it really a big deal?

All funeral homes offer cremation, but not all of them have invested in their own private crematory retort.

Does having an on-site crematory make a difference?

ARN Funeral & Cremation Services built our brand new facility in Zionsville in 2009. When planning this new site, we invested in a crematory retort under our roof because we believe it positively benefits our families on several different levels.

Peace of mind. 

Once your loved one is brought into our care, they remain here. Our building is staffed 24 hours a day by one of our five employees. At no time does your loved one leave our facility, eliminating any need for worry. From the moment they are picked up by our staff, to the time the ashes are given to the family, your loved one remains under our watchful care in our one and only location.

Ability to witness the cremation.

When a funeral home has their own private crematory, as we do at ARN, family members may to be present during the cremation process. Families are welcome to come and sit in our meditation room during the cremation. The meditation room comfortably seats 4 people, has a viewing window and is directly adjacent to our crematory. We encourage families to be as involved as they want to be in the cremation.

Less Stress.

Since all of our operations are located in one facility, your family need only make a single phone call to reach us. We are on-site 24 hours a day, every day. We are a local, family owned business with 80 + years of experience. You can trust that we will personally handle all of your arrangements. We are a local company, invested in our community, and here to serve you.

ARN Funeral & Cremation Services is a family business. With a small team of experts, we constantly keep the families we serve at the heart of what we do. This makes investments like having our own private crematory an easy choice to make. We think that kind of service makes a BIG difference, and we hope you do too! 

2013 March 5 by Jennifer Nelson Williams

As I sit with a family during an arrangement conference there are always lots of questions. Often, after a bit of hesitation someone will start a question this way: “I’m sure this will be the strangest request you have ever had …”

I always reassure them that over the years, we have had many special requests to personalize the funeral service. We do not see any request as odd. I know that these questions and requests generally stem from one of two things: The love of their family member and a desire to honor the person; or from fear of death and the unknown.

When viewed through that lens, there really are no strange requests, but there are some interesting ones. Over the years I have buried people with bottles of scotch, golf clubs, tennis racquets, or a favorite snack food. I have covertly slipped the cremated remains of a beloved pet into a casket or a treasured blanket or stuffed toy.

I have agreed to prick someone’s toe with a straight pin in order to authenticate they were actually dead. I have promised to place a bottle of water, a flash light and a bell into a mausoleum crypt.

Each of these requests is important to the person making them, and I take them seriously as I fulfill them all. It is part of my pledge to the families I serve. So there are no strange requests, just heartfelt ones.