IT MAY be a sensitive subject, but a local charity is urging residents to speak openly about funeral arrangements.

More than two million people over the age of 60 don’t know how they would meet the cost of their funeral, according from Age UK Dorchester.

Almost a third of older people intend to meet funeral costs by use of either a funeral plan or over 50 life insurance plan.

But the branch is encouraging potential customers to carefully compare competing products to make sure they get the right plan for their needs. Age UK Dorchester provides the following guidance.

Some funeral plans, including that of Age UK, offer payment for their plans by either a one-off single payment, over monthly instalments for a fixed period of time. Some other providers present their pricing for plans by monthly and, in some cases, weekly instalments without making the payment term clear. So it’s important to total the payments up over the payment period to make a clear comparison.

All funeral and over 50s plans will have one form of limitation or other. Therefore it is very important to compare what cover a plan will provide. It is worthwhile assessing the key items. Will the plan provide for a limousine, a hearse and what type of coffin will be provided, and do these meet your needs? Does the plan only include the cost of the funeral directors services, or does the plan cover the cost of other disbursements such as the cremation and minister’s fees, and finally how will the plan differ between a burial service and a cremation service?

It is also important to understand the differing terms and conditions between the many funeral plans available.

Di Lawrence, Age UK Dorchester, said: “Where and how we are finally laid to rest is one aspect of a dignified end of life. Of course, it’s a sensitive issue, but discussing wishes with family and considering well in advance the practical arrangements for a funeral and how it should be paid for can save a lot of worry and difficulty at a deeply upsetting time.