Nicole Vullo
on
Written by Welton Hong, Ring Ring Marketing
Artificial intelligence (AI) is likely already part of your daily life—whether through curated playlists on Spotify or Pandora, those Netflix recommendations that are seemingly spot on or the smart assistant you ask to turn on the kitchen light when you get home from work.
So while AI might still sound futuristic—something out of a sci-fi novel rather than a tool for everyday business—the truth is, AI has been around for a while and is presently shaping many industries. Deathcare is headed that direction, too.
But in funeral service, its role must be handled with care. AI can certainly assist, but definitely not replace human empathy. So, my advice if you decide to integrate it in any way is to ensure it operates under human oversight, maintains data privacy and is transparently communicated to the families you serve. Your clients should always be aware of how AI is being used in their experience.
Like any revolutionary technology, AI brings both opportunities and challenges. While skepticism is natural, ignoring AI entirely means missing out on ways to enhance services, streamline operations and support families more effectively. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for human care, think of it as a tool to complement and enhance the work you already do.
I understand a big change in technology like this takes time. So today, let’s just explore some of the ways you might consider using AI in your funeral home in the future.
The first way that comes to mind is AI-powered chatbots, which can handle routine inquiries 24/7. Because compassionate service is your priority, you might be quite hesitant to use a chatbot—and understandably so. But not unlike an answering service, a chatbot can provide immediate answers about funeral packages, service options and documentation requirements when you’re not available. It can also assist in grief support by guiding individuals toward helpful resources and professional assistance.
I understand your concerns in using AI for anything related to serving families, but what it really does is free up your staff members’ time to focus on more complex, personal interactions that require a human. I also recommend incorporating a scheduling feature, so the chatbot can even help you make person-to-person contact with that website visitor.
If a chatbot is too big of a first leap, another more creative way to use AI is for help creating meaningful, customized services. AI can analyze data to suggest readings, music and visual tributes based on a loved one’s digital footprint. It can assist with crafting obituaries, designing memorial videos and curating guestbooks.
To begin, explore AI-powered tools for writing and design, ensuring they align with your funeral home’s ethical standards. And always review AI-generated content for tone and appropriateness.
One other AI-powered endeavor your funeral home can embark on is facilitating live-streamed funerals with interactive elements like virtual guestbooks and real-time participation. For those unable to attend in person, AI-powered platforms can create immersive 3D experiences or digital memorials featuring photos, videos and life stories.
My best advice when pursuing any of these AI-driven tools is to make sure they adhere to your funeral home’s privacy and ethical standards. Never be afraid to consult experts to find the right tool and integrate the technology seamlessly.
Remember: AI isn’t here to replace the human touch; it’s here to support it. By using AI responsibly, funeral homes can improve efficiency, personalize services and enhance client support. The key is to approach AI as a partner, ensuring it serves families with the same dignity and care they expect from your team.