Aura Opiniões 1349

My Dad fought his terminal diagnosis for 18 months more than the 12 he was given, during this time he planned what he wanted. Ever the spendthrift he decided he didn't want the traditional cremation and decided on Aura. He checked in with us before his final decision and we agreed on the basis we could hold a memorial service for him. He passed recently and Aura were were compassionate and helpful and kept us updated on where Dad was and what would happen next.

They were a little scatty with some of the admin, I was a named individual but they couldn't seem to get match my address and phone number with me, they mixed it up with my mum and vice versa, there was also a point when I'd called them with info and it wasn't passed on within the team. Nothing major and it didn't impact but was a little frustrating.

There are several things that I noticed along the way if you or a family member are thinking about this service...

I live locally so I was able to see my Dad at peace at home before the funeral directors came. If you have family that would need to travel, there would be no opportunity to say goodbye their body.

It was odd not knowing when he was being cremated. We were initially given a rough timescale and assumed he'd just turn up again when it was done. Aura did actually call to let us know when he was booked into the local crem, but it was even weirder knowing when and where it was taking place without being there. I felt redundant.

Planning is a purposeful distraction process. We were able to plan a memorial service at our local church where he was active in his youth. It gave us something to focus on and we were able to write a eulogy, create a photo tribute and choose music. It gave us time together as a family to talk about him and we each had our moments of sudden realisation and grief would outpour. I don't know when that would have happened if there was no service to plan.

People wanted to pay their respects. People expect a funeral and it was initially uncomfortable explaining what Dad had chosen to well meaning friends and family who wanted to know when the funeral would be. Once we had enough info about the memorial service to share a plan that got easier, but it felt almost like we had to apologise to others whilst we were trying to grieve ourselves.

We actually had Dad's ashes back in time for the service and glad we did. For a while we didn't know if he'd be there and that felt really odd. I knew I needed a final moment of goodbye but I didn't know if it would be at the service.

There wasn't the sense of finality as a funeral where there is a coffin, however it was a celebration of his life with enough ritual to bring comfort. There is comfort in ritual - don't over look this!

Whilst initially I thought I needed the finality of seeing his coffin, and I was worried about the impact of not having that final moment, it meant I was saved the agony of watching my mum have her final moment in public, instead she was able to let go of her grief in private (but not alone), as both she and my Dad wanted.

Was an Aura cremation weird for those left behind? Yes, but I think the initial period after bereavement is weird regardless. Importantly it didn't deny us the opportunity for dignity and ritual, in fact it allowed us to craft our own experience that was right for our family at our most difficult time.

I'm sharing this because there is limited information about this kind of approach and I hope my observations on our experience will help others whose loved ones have chosen this path. It won't be for everyone and that's OK, but it was OK for my Dad and for our family despite my initial doubts.

Aura helped me all the way to make a decision. They answered all my questions truthfully. Thank you to Aura for all your help.

Easy to deal with. They were able to answer any questions I had. But importantly to me no hassling and gave me time to decide what I wanted

Excellent service and no pressure

Staff was helpful and easy to communicate with.

No pressure conversations and no question too silly to ask. All concerns were reassured and I was happy to purchase all the plans for myself and parents

Easy and efficient. Didi not hassle me with reminders. Friendly staff

Painless Tracy excellent helpful and empathetic

Matt was super professional and caring throughout our difficult conversation. It's not easy to prepare for a loved ones funeral even if hopefully it will be a while before I need to contact you. 10 out of 10for the way Matt handled it.

Polite, well mannered, no pushy communication. Very pleased with all communication, and information given. Very clear and professional.

Very helpful and efficient

I chose Aura for my funeral plan because of the ratings and its no-pester promise. Delighted to have done so. I never felt under pressure to make a decision, and wasn't subject to constant calls or emails. But when I had a question it was always dealt with promptly and professionally by Anne-Sophie. Communication was clear and courteous yet warm.

Clear offer, terms and conditions, enhanced by competent and informative staff.

A very pleasant,helpful and easy to understand phone conversation on a thing that could be upsetting for most but the caring and compassion from this lovely firm is why i took the plan,such a relief to know that close ones have after care as well,thank you Aura Angels

All round good experience

The ad attracted me to send off for the information about you and I liked what I read it was so nice and it made up my mind

Easy to set up Funeral Plan, representative very helpful and listened to what I was saying, the personal contact was very welcome in this day and age!

Their service is clear, quick and VERY professional!

Just lovely people and very helpful

Very helpful and pleaseod with the arrangements made.