NAFD Level 4 Diploma in Funeral Directing flashcards

34 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Dual-process model

A grief model describing oscillation between loss-oriented coping (grieving the loss) and restoration-oriented coping (adapting to daily life and new roles).

Continuing bonds

The theory that maintaining a relationship with the deceased through memory, rituals and objects is normal and often healthy rather than a failure to let go.

Complicated grief

Persistent, intense grief with yearning and functional impairment that continues beyond expected timeframes and may need specialist support.

Worden's tasks of mourning

Four tasks: accept the reality of loss, process the pain, adjust to the environment, and emotionally relocate the deceased while continuing life.

Standard precautions

Infection control measures applied to all deceased persons regardless of known infection status, assuming blood and body fluids are infectious.

PPE removal order

Remove gloves, then eye protection, gown and mask, performing hand hygiene between steps and at the end.

Airborne precautions

Measures for infections spread by aerosols, such as tuberculosis, requiring an FFP3 respirator, isolation and specialist advice.

COSHH assessment

A legal requirement to assess risks from hazardous substances such as embalming fluids and disinfectants, with safety data sheets available.

Rigor mortis

Post-mortem stiffening of muscles beginning within hours of death; positioning of the deceased should be completed before it sets.

Livor mortis

Post-mortem settling of blood in dependent parts of the body, producing discolouration that informs positioning and presentation decisions.

Algor mortis

Post-mortem cooling of the body, one of the changes that guides handling, storage and timing decisions.

Embalming contraindications

Circumstances where embalming should not proceed, including certain high-risk infections, advanced decomposition and absence of legal authority.

Executor's authority

The legal right of the person named in a valid will to arrange the funeral and give instructions about the deceased.

Coroner's custody

Legal control of the body in reportable deaths; the funeral director cannot release or embalm without the coroner's authority.

Green form

The certificate for burial or cremation issued by the registrar, required before burial or cremation can take place.

Medical referee

The official who reviews cremation documentation and authorises cremation after confirming the forms are complete and correct.

Informed consent

Valid agreement to arrangements given with capacity, full cost disclosure and absence of coercion; consent obtained under pressure is invalid.

Conflict of interest

A situation where a personal or financial interest could influence professional judgement, which must be declared to the client in writing.

Confidentiality after death

The duty to protect information about the deceased and family, disclosable only with lawful authority or consent of the personal representative.

Professional boundaries

Limits that keep the funeral director's personal beliefs and relationships from altering the standard of service or impairing judgement.

Active listening

A communication technique using paraphrasing, summarising, reflecting feeling and clarifying to confirm understanding without interrupting.

Itemised estimate

A written breakdown of professional fees and third-party disbursements given to the client before any commitment is made.

Legally authorised client

The person with legal authority to arrange the funeral, such as the executor or nearest relative under the statutory hierarchy.

Complaint handling process

Acknowledge promptly, record verbatim, investigate, respond in writing within the stated timescale and offer escalation.

Order of service

The printed programme listing music, readings, eulogy, prayers and committal, which must be proofread against confirmed names and dates.

Crematorium time slot

A fixed booking period, often 30-45 minutes, within which travel, ceremony and committal must be completed.

Cortege protocol

The agreed order of vehicles and mourners in a procession, confirmed with the venue and any police or traffic requirements.

Bearers

The people who carry the coffin; their number is determined by coffin weight and route, typically six for an adult.

Gross profit

Revenue minus direct costs such as coffins and disbursements, calculated before overheads are deducted.

Break-even point

Fixed costs divided by the difference between price and variable cost per unit; the volume at which total revenue equals total cost.

Disbursements

Third-party costs such as crematorium fees, clergy, flowers and newspaper notices, itemised separately from professional fees.

Situational leadership

Matching directive or supportive leadership style to the individual's competence and commitment for a specific task.

Significant event analysis

A structured, non-blaming review of an incident that identifies learning and records actions to improve practice.

Training needs analysis

Identifying the gap between required and current competence to plan, deliver and record appropriate training.