New Tribute Center Now Compatible with SRS Computing Funeral Home Management Software

Frazer Consultants new all-in-one suite funeral personalization software for tribute videos, personalized printing and live or delayed webcasts is now compatible with SRS Computing funeral home management software.


Waunakee, WI., October 28, 2010 - Frazer Consultants a personalization, technology, and consulting company for the death care profession has announced that their new Tribute Center All-in-One Suite funeral personalization software has been made compatible with SRS Computing funeral home management software.

This compatibility enhancement allows death care professionals to import data from their management system directly into the Tribute Center.

"For all mutual customers using SRS and the Tribute Center, they now have true one time data entry," said Matt Frazer, consultant with Frazer Consultants.

Streamlining personalization products ease of use even further, the Tribute Centers new compatibility with SRS ensures the customer will not have to retype any data. At the click of a button, death care professionals are able to import all case data to auto fill the required fields in the Tribute Project, which produces tribute videos, personalized funeral stationery, and live or delayed webcasts.

“Frazer Consultants is excited to have worked with Scott Simons from SRS to make this integration possible,” said Frazer. "SRS is a great company and has a true dedication to the funeral industry. We are extremely pleased with their cooperation. This integration is a win-win-win for SRS, Frazer Consultants, and the mutual funeral home client.”

Frazer Consultants is in the process of making their software compatible with several other funeral home management companies.

SRS Computing
Since 1999, SRS Computing has been setting the industry standard in custom software applications designed exclusively for management of the funeral home, crematory, and cemetery industries. More information can be found at www.srscomputing.com or call 800-797-4861.

Frazer Consultants
Frazer Consultants primary products and services include interactive funeral home website design, funeral tribute video software, funeral webcasting, personalized funeral stationery, and funeral keepsakes. For more information, please call 866-372-9372.

What to Know When Considering Home Care

Determining if your parents are able to remain in their own home can be a challenge. Doing the research into their finances, current care needs, and determining if they really can take care of themselves can be a daunting task. Often aging parents, while they may admit they need help, whether it's financially or medically, they refuse to take the next step to an unfamiliar assisted living facility, continuing care retirement community or nursing home.

While each situation is different and a full evaluation should be done to assure your parents are receiving the proper care, an option to consider at this juncture may be Home Care.


Highlights of Home Care:

• The ability to stay in one's own home while receiving some assistance.
• Paid assistance is available from a few hours to entire 24-hour care.
• Medicare and Medicaid cover some parts of home care.
• Home health aides or nurses are usually paid by the hour or day
  • Home Health Aide $20+/hour and Skilled Nursing - $400 +/day.
• If starting home care, be present during the first several aide visits.

Questions to ask if Hiring in Help:

• What services are needed?
• Will the same home health professional provide care?
• How long has the service been in business? (and ask for references)
• Does Provider do background checks, bonding, training classes?

Barbara McVicker
Barbara McVicker is one of the nation’s leading eldercare experts and national speakers for some of the largest companies, organizations, and healthcare institutions. Barbara is based in Columbus, OH. With additional offices in Roanoke, VA, Madison, WI and Los Angeles, CA, Barbara travels frequently and is available for taped or live appearance or phone interview upon request.

Frazer Consultants Launches Online Training Video for New Software

Death care professionals can now view an online training video demonstrating Frazer Consultants new all-in-one suite funeral personalization software for tribute videos, personalized printing and live or delayed webcasts.

Waunakee, WI., October 25, 2010 - Frazer Consultants a personalization, technology, and consulting company for the death care profession has created a step-by-step and convenient training video to demonstrate their new Tribute Center All-in-One Suite funeral personalization software.


Providing back office technology that is easy and affordable, the Tribute Center enables death care professionals the ability to create high quality tribute memorial videos, personalized printed materials and perform simple high tech webcasts with a few keystrokes.

"Our new software, coupled with the training video provides our customers with the ability to easily and consistently create the most complete, high quality, personalized memorial products," said Matt Frazer, consultant with Frazer Consultants.

Watch the Training Video Now!

The newly launched training video, which can be watched at the customers convenience, starts with a brief overview of the Tribute Center. The viewer is then guided through the system module by module. Each module provides tips for easy point-and-click use and highlights the benefits of the particular personalization component.

"We encourage every customer that utilizes our software to watch the training video," said Frazer. "It's a great tool for staff training and is very convenient because they can watch it whenever they want."

The training video includes easy to follow instructions so that once the user finishes the training they will be able to quickly and easily create tribute videos, personalized funeral stationery, live or delayed webcasts, and personalized keepsakes.

"Frazer Consultants vision is to help each and every funeral home offer more personalized services through the use of our highly user friendly tools and technologies," said Frazer. "Our new Tribute Center All-in-One-Suite turns this vision into reality."

Frazer Consultants
Frazer Consultants primary products and services include interactive funeral home website design, funeral tribute video software, funeral webcasting, personalized funeral stationery, and funeral keepsakes. For more information, please visit http://www.frazerconsultants.com or call 866-372-9372.

Holiday Remembrance Ornaments

Remembrance ornaments are an expression of comfort, condolence, honor, understanding, peace and healing.

These memorial ornaments are a wonderful way to remember a loved one. The name and memorial dates of a loved one can be featured,creating a truly unique keepsake to treasure.

A personalized remembrance ornament is an appropriate, touching keepsake. Families can make the holidays extra special by creating these unique memorial keepsakes.

Memorial Gift Ideas

Remembrance ornaments can be a comforting and thoughtful gift for those who have lost loved ones. A personalized ornament can be given as a memorial gift to remember a mother, father, child, grandparent, or special friend. They can be a simple token of appreciation given by a funeral home or hospice. They can also be offered in connection with funeral pre-planning or aftercare services or presented during a holiday remembrance program.

How to Create a Remembrance Ornament

New technology and software gives death care professionals the ability to create personalized memorial ornaments in-house, quickly and easily.

Using a delicate, hand-blown ornament tipped with 22k gold, a software template, adhesive decals, and a laser printer, death care professionals can create a special memorial keepsake for their client families.

Each holiday ornament can be quickly and easily personalized in-house with the name and dates of the deceased or any other text required. Once personalized, each ornament can be placed in it's individual gift box, which is included, for presentation to the family and safe keeping.

Keep a loved ones memory alive during the holidays with a memorial ornament. 

Holiday Remembrance Ornaments are a wonderful way to remember a loved one or even a beloved pet who has died. Frazer Consultants personalization software gives death care professionals the ability to quickly and easily, create in-house, a personalized holiday remembrance ornament. For more information, or to request a sample ornament, please visit http://www.frazerconsultants.com or call 866-372-9372.

Frazer Consultants Funeral Personalization Software Webinar a Success

Last Wednesday, Frazer Consultants held a webinar to present their brand new all-in-one suite, the Tribute Center. Funeral Home participants declared the webinar a success and praised the software as being powerful and affordable.

Waunakee, WI., October 21, 2010 - Frazer Consultants a personalization, technology, and consulting company for the death care profession conducted a widely successful webinar on Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 to demonstrate their new funeral personalization software.


Webinar attendees learned how to create stunning video tributes, amazing personalized print items, and offer live or delayed funeral webcasts.

"I can't believe how the webcasting system worked. The ease of use and features are unmatched by another other webcasting provider in the industry," said Mark Cournoyer, of Cournoyer Funeral Home in Jaffrey, New Hampshire.

With more than 170 funeral homes logged in to participate in the webinar, attendees declared the presentation a success and indicated that the software is amazing.

"The week before the webinar, we unveiled the All-in-One Personalization Software at the NFDA convention in New Orleans" said Matt Frazer, consultant at Frazer Consultants. "The response at the convention and from the webinar has been truly remarkable. Our customers cannot believe how easy to use and affordable we have made this system -- opting for either the pay as you go plan or the monthly unlimited plan."

Frazer Consultants
Frazer Consultants primary products and services include interactive funeral home website design, funeral tribute video software, funeral webcasting, personalized funeral stationery, and funeral keepsakes. For more information please call 866-372-9372.

My First Christmas Without My Dad

The Perfect Memorial Gift, a Holiday Remembrance Ornament

My Father passed away in January of 2008 after a long struggle with respiratory issues which stemmed from years of smoking. He smoked when my sister and I were kids even when we begged him not to as we rode in the backseat of the car going on family vacations. He smoked when my Grandmother was in the hospital dying of breast cancer, from smoking. He smoked when he got up in the morning, when he cut the grass, after he ate dinner at night. It was hard to picture him at a time when he didn't have a cigarette in his hand, up to his mouth or just lighting up another one - even though he had yet to finish the last.

My Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1982. We were on a family vacation to Ireland and England when he first got sick. Five years later, and after a quarter of his right lung had been removed, my Dad was declared cancer free. But, the years of smoking had taken it's toll and would linger with him and cause many medical problems for the rest of his life.

The months after my Father passed were some of the most difficult of my life. Not only had my Father died, I had left a job I'd had for a dozen years, I had recently gotten divorced, and two of my beloved golden retrievers had died. Like most things in my life, when things get tough, I jump in and fight.

I needed a project -- something to keep me busy. I think better when I'm busy. Buying and renovating my home with my fiancé was probably what kept me sane during those difficult months after my Father's death. After six months of work, we finally were able to move in and planned to invite both families to celebrate Christmas day in our new home.

I knew the first Christmas without my Dad would be tough. But, I didn't really know exactly how I would feel or what would happen. All I knew was I was that fifteen people were coming for dinner and I was cooking.

Thoughts ran through my head. Christmas Day. A home my Father never lived to see. The hours of labor I had put into it with him looking down on me were over. Now it was time to celebrate the holiday, with my family.
In the back of my head I kept expecting to see him, for him to just show up, to tell me Merry Christmas, and to say what a great job we did with the house. But, at the same time, I knew different.

As we opened the presents, my Mother handed me a box. Just something for the tree, she said. I unwrapped and opened the box and felt the tears start burning down my face. My fiancé had been in the other room. Walking in, he was startled to see me so upset standing in front of the tree with my Mother. What's wrong? All I could do was to hand him the box. Inside was an ornament with the words: Dad, January 13, 1928 - January 3, 2008.

My Mom had found a poem and had carefully typed out part of it on a small card and enclosed it with the holiday ornament. The card read: Have a Merry Christmas and Wipe away that tear...Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.


Holiday Remembrance Ornaments are a wonderful way to remember a loved one or even a beloved pet who has died. Frazer Consultants personalization software gives death care professionals the ability to quickly and easily, create in-house, a personalized holiday remembrance ornament. For more information, or to request a sample ornament, please visit http://www.frazerconsultants.com or call 866-372-9372.

Frazer Consultants Partners with Oki Data Americas to Provide Affordable Printing for Funeral Homes

Frazer Consultants entered into a partnership agreement with Oki Printing Solutions to provide funeral homes fixed cost per page printing.

Waunakee, WI., October 20, 2010 - Frazer Consultants a personalization, technology, and consulting company for the death care profession announced its recent partnership agreement with Oki Printing Solutions to provide affordable color printing to funeral homes. This partnership agreement is a key piece to their print-on-demand funeral stationery system.

Frazer Consultants print-on-demand system for funeral stationery utilizes blank-stock to provide client families with over 450 personalized stationery designs from which to choose. Each theme includes a layout for a register book, memorial folder, prayer card, acknowledgement, book mark, sign, dvd packaging, and a candle.

"Pairing our print-on-demand personalization software with an Oki laser printer, funeral homes will have a total personalized print solution available for almost one-third of the cost of standard printing," said Matt Frazer, a consultant with Frazer Consultants.

With two packages to choose from, Oki will provide a color laser duplex printer for easy, cost-efficient two-sided printing. Functioning like a leasing program, the printer is provided for a set monthly amount. It is networked so that Oki can detect when toner is low and automatically dispatch a replacement cartridge direct to the funeral home so there is no down time.

"Our objective was to provide a print-on-demand system that offers ultimate personalized funeral stationery at an affordable price," said Frazer. "The Tribute Center all-in-one-suite is a dream come true for funeral home clients across North America. You can now get rid of all your pre-printed stock (inventory) and only inventory blank-stock and print on demand what you need, when you need it. This not only makes your life easier with less inventory, but increases the value of your services to your client families through ultimate personalized funeral stationery packages. All completed in-house and with no extra effort. This new agreement with Oki is truly ground breaking and the solution to affordability - enabling our funeral home partners to print at a fixed cost per page and offer their families unlimited personalization options."


Frazer Consultants
Frazer Consultants primary products and services include interactive funeral home website design, funeral tribute video software, funeral webcasting, personalized funeral stationery, and funeral keepsakes. For more information, please call 866-372-9372.

Fantom G8™ - Cost Savings Uncovered

Fonon Display and Semiconductor Systems’ Fantom G8™ utilizes Zero Width Laser Cutting Technology™ (ZWLCT™) which allows scribing applications to be processed with tremendous speed, no material loss, and no chips or other debris associated with conventional scribe and break techniques. Additionally, ZWLCT™ maintains the integrity of the glass, making it three to five times mechanically stronger.

“The Fantom G8™ splits materials at the molecular level with tremendous speed, no material loss, and no chips or other debris associated with conventional scribe and break techniques, it is ideal for ultra thin and larger G8-G11 size panels”, said Demitri Nikitin, CEO of Fonon Display and Semiconductor Systems. “Plus, the cost savings on the Fantom G8™ are tremendous and our prices not only include installation, but startup, and training as well.”

Consider the Savings:

• The Fantom G8™ is a low cost solution for precision glass scribing priced the same as or less than precision mechanical scribers.
• The Fantom G8™will produce glass panels without any additional edge processing, eliminating the grinding and cleaning line.
• The Fantom G8™ features adjustable loading and unloading positions for in-line integration saving valuable processing time.
• The Fantom G8™ is “plug-n-play”. It’s easy to install, quick to start-up and its operators training requirement levels are reduced.
• The Fantom G8™ requires no laser service, no gas consumption, no optical alignments, and no optics cleaning.
• The Fantom G8™’s modular design utilizes standard components for easier service.
• The Fantom G8 can be easily integrated into an inline system.

Fiber Laser Advantage to Chip & Wafer Marking

Marking chips and wafers is a requirement for manufacturers within the semiconductor, flat panel display and solar panel industries. Fiber laser systems can apply computer-generated images such as bar codes, serial numbers, logos, and UID marks to a wide variety of metallic and nonmetallic materials. In the chip and wafer manufacturing process, such marks are the key to traceability and improving production processes. Direct fiber laser marking is becoming widely accepted as the best solution.

As an advancement to traditional ink marking, the nd:YAG laser was the earliest laser to be used for wafer marking. The nd:YAG laser is still the most common in the industry; however, manufacturers are now, more than ever, focused on improving processes to reduce costs and increase throughput, thereby increasing profitability. The lower cost of ownership (COO) and higher throughput of fiber laser marking systems compared to the YAG laser and traditional ink marking makes fiber laser systems very appealing.

Lower Costs, Higher Throughput
Manufacturing and material processing equipment can be very expensive; especially when your process contains two or more different applications. A unique benefit of fiber laser systems is that one laser can operate different processes with the use of an optical switch. For example, a manufacturer can operate cutting, marking and welding machines all off of the same fiber laser. This is especially beneficial to companies who are experiencing growth or looking to move into different processing markets.

As production increases or new applications need to be implemented a manufacturer can also upgrade their laser wattage easily and affordably. Since the laser itself is the most expensive component of a system, manufacturers can save a considerable amount of money while expanding their operation in a more exponential manner. Additionally, the average diode life for Co2 and nd:YAG lasers is approximately 10,000 to 20,000 hours. Fiber lasers have an astonishing 50,000 to 100,000 hour diode life. A longer diode life, means less maintenance and less down time to change out the diode allowing your production to continue.

Compared to Co2 and nd:YAG laser systems, fiber laser systems do not require the use of consumables in their operation and are approximately 20 times more energy efficient. Both of these factors not only help manufacturers become more eco-friendly but are also key to reducing operating costs.

Production speed and throughput is a major concern for most manufacturers. The combination of speed, performance and versatility of fiber laser systems cannot be matched by any other marking technique. Fiber lasers offer high throughput due to the fiber-to-fiber architecture presenting a robust, monolithic design with no optics to align or maintain, no mechanics to stabilize, and high power densities are able to process even the most demanding applications. This allows manufacturers to increase the rate they process materials while not having to compromise any quality.

Semiconductor Industry Applications
Portable digital components, cell phones, PDAs, and digital cameras become smaller and more lightweight but continue to increase in functionality. The Direct Chip Attach (DCA) or flip chip produces a need for wafer identification and tracking. Laser marking a wafer before it has been diced and processed enables manufacturers to trace defective parts. Due to the ever shrinking size of chips, the ability of a fiber laser to produce a small spot size weighs in heavily. Utilizing laser marking, as opposed to ink marking, is the best solution because it provides a mark that is permanent, readable, and of a enough high quality to meet even the most stringent requirements.

Flat Panel Display Industry Applications
Traditional methods to mark glass panels with tracking codes such as mechanical etching can crack the surface of the glass thereby compromising the overall strength and quality of the glass. These cracks can potentially lead to panel issues in the future. Additionally, the marks are not always clear enough to be scanned or easily read. Although laser marking technology has been around since the 1970s, it has been slow to replace traditional methods. But, the combination of speed, permanence, and reliability, is making manufacturers stand up and take notice when high throughput, time savings and lower costs are clearly the focus for flat panel display manufacturers.

Solar Industry Applications
Typically, consumers require 20 to 25 year warranties on solar panels. Therefore, wafer marking in solar cell manufacturing for traceability is a must. Traditional methods to mark panels with tracking codes such as mechanical etching or engraving using a Co2 laser can crack or chip the surface of the glass thereby compromising the overall strength and quality of the glass. Due the harsh environments the panels must endure, these imperfections can potentially lead to panel issues in the future affecting panel longevity.

Overall, fiber laser marking has proven to be the best solution to chip and wafer manufacturers, because it produces a permanent, readable, and high quality mark fulfilling manufacturers marking's most stringent requirements. And finally, the lower cost of ownership (COO) and higher throughput of fiber laser marking systems can’t be ignored in these tough economic times.

Fonon DSS, the cutting edge developer of state-of-the-art, laser scribing, dicing, marking, coating removal, direct patterning, and photo mask repair solutions for the Flat Panel Display (FPD), Semiconductor, Photovoltaic and Electronics industries throughout the world. For more information about Fonon DSS’ systems, please visit http://www.fonondss.com/ or call 407-829-2613.

Media Contact:
Maureen McHale

Frazer Consultants Holds Webinar Demo for Funeral Personalization Software

Waunakee, WI., October 15, 2010 - Frazer Consultants a personalization, technology, and consulting company for the death care profession is conducting a webinar on Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 at 2:00 PM Central Daylight Time to demonstrate their new funeral personalization software.

Frazer Consultants recently unveiled their new All-in-One Personalization Software at the National Funeral Directors Convention in New Orleans. For those who may have missed the opportunity to enjoy a personal demo during the NFDA convention, Frazer Consultants would like to extend an invitation to attend this free webinar.

During Wednesday's webinar, Frazer Consultants will guide attendees through a demonstration of their new All-in-One Personalization Software which includes:

• World Class Video Tributes
• Low Cost, Customized Printing
• Cutting Edge Technology Webcasts.

A knowledgeable consultant will review the features and benefits and be available to answer any questions about this powerful and cost effective funeral industry personalization software.

"Funeral personalization is important to both customer satisfaction and finding profit in each arrangement," said Matt Frazer, consultant from Frazer Consultants, LLC. "We are extremely excited to bring to you an industry changing event that gives you a solution that finally makes personalization EASY."

Space for this webinar is limited. 

Reserve your webinar seat now. 

After registering, a confirmation email will be sent containing information about joining the webinar.

Frazer Consultants
Frazer Consultants primary products and services include interactive funeral home website design, funeral tribute video software, funeral webcasting, personalized funeral stationery, and funeral keepsakes. For more information, call 866-372-9372.

A Caregivers Point of View

The Psychology of the Past

"The caregiving stage of life includes balancing attachment and separation. It also puts the entire family under stress, to the point where even the "best" family has conflict and hurt feelings. This often manifests itself in the primary caregiver being pushed, burdened, hated, and manipulated by parents, siblings, and other family members.

The more difficult the childhood relationships with your parents, the less likely you are to firmly separate from them. Many times the adult child regresses back to the old parental relationship. Power struggles can be a reaction to loss and/or role reversal. The adult child now has power over the difficult parent, thus there may be abuse. Anger at the parent may be a reaction to the present or something from the past.
It is time to mourn that you did not have a perfect family, and now, never will."

--An excerpt from Barbara McVicker's Book, Stuck in the Middle.

It is estimated that 75 million Americans are caring for an elderly parent, many while working full time and caring for a family. This is the definition of the Sandwich Generation – sandwiched between taking care of 2 generations.

Barbara McVicker, from Columbus, Ohio, is one of the nation’s leading eldercare experts and national speakers for some of the largest companies, organizations, and health care institutions. She tells her personal story as a caregiver to her parents for 10 years while raising two children of her own and struggling to maintain her career as a high-level development director. She is the author of the book, “Stuck in the Middle: Shared Stories and Tips for Caregiving Your Elderly Parents.”

Barbara McVicker
Barbara McVicker is one of the nation’s leading eldercare experts and national speakers for some of the largest companies, organizations, and healthcare institutions. Barbara is based in Columbus, OH. With additional offices in Roanoke, VA, Madison, WI and Los Angeles, CA, Barbara travels frequently and is available for taped or live appearance or phone interview upon request.

NFDA Show Ends on High Note for Frazer Consultants

Waunakee, WI., October 14, 2010 - Frazer Consultants a personalization, technology, and consulting company for the death care profession recently attended the National Funeral Director's Associations International Convention to unveil their new funeral personalization software. The new software was met with great, positive response.

Attendees of the convention, held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA were treated to a demonstration of Frazer Consultants new All-in-One Personalization Software, which includes: World Class Video Tributes, Low Cost, Customized Printing, and Cutting Edge Technology Webcasts.


"The feedback regarding our personalization software that we received from the show was tremendous," said Matt Frazer, consultant from Frazer Consultants, LLC. "It solidifies our belief that funeral personalization is so very important in the industry today."

"We're pleased that we had the opportunity during the NFDA convention to have shown so many industry professionals how easily and inexpensively our cutting edge personalization technology can be integrated into their services," said Frazer. "We look forward to seeing everyone again in Chicago at next years NFDA conference, October 23rd, 2011 through the 26th."

Frazer Consultants
Frazer Consultants primary products and services include interactive funeral home website design, funeral tribute video software, funeral webcasting, personalized funeral stationery, and funeral keepsakes. For more information, please visit http://www.frazerconsultants.com or call 866-372-9372.

Assisted Living - an Option for Caregivers

Five Reasons Caregivers Should Consider Assisted Living

Family members or caregivers need to move slowly and with compassion when they try to convince an elder to move from the family home. However, once the adjustment is made, many elders are thrilled with the change. Here are some reasons to consider an assisted living facility.

• Safety. Assisted living centers are set up to provide a safe, comfortable environment for elders. Just the fact that there are other people around makes communal living safer than being alone in a house. Also, most assisted living centers have alerting systems so if residents have emergencies in their own apartments or rooms, they can summon help.
• Meals. Appetites can diminish as we age, plus many people don't enjoy eating alone. In assisted living, meals are provided and they often offer many choices of food. But the biggest plus may be that people have company for their meals.
• Transportation. Most assisted living centers provide group transportation for shopping and to community events. Each center is different, but the ability to go where they want is important to elders, and many seniors can no longer drive, or choose not to drive in heavy traffic.
• Less worry. Even renters have to actively contact a landlord if there are plumbing or other problems in their apartment, and often they must follow up on repairs. Seniors can be taken advantage of by unscrupulous contractors and repair people. There's no worry about the senior letting in a stranger to fix their bathroom pipe or getting bilked on the bill.
• Socialization. Socialization is perhaps the most important reason why many people who insist that they will hate assisted living end up thriving. Many elders have slowly gotten so they don't want to go out of their home because it's too difficult to get where they want to go. Significant lifelong friends have health problems or have died.

While assisted living isn't the answer to every elder's living problems, it does help many have a healthier, happier life. This, in turn, often increases life expectancy. However, quality of life may be the key factor in the growing success of good assisted living facilities, as it should be with every service we provide for our elders.

Barbara McVicker
Barbara McVicker is one of the nation’s leading eldercare experts and national speakers for some of the largest companies, organizations, and healthcare institutions. Barbara is based in Columbus, OH. With additional offices in Roanoke, VA, Madison, WI and Los Angeles, CA, Barbara travels frequently and is available for taped or live appearance or phone interview upon request.

Frazer Consultants Supports the NFDA as a Gold Sponsor

As a proud supporter of the NFDA and its initiatives, Frazer Consultants becomes a Gold sponsor.

Waunakee, WI., October 11, 2010 - Frazer Consultants a personalization, technology, and consulting company for the death care profession supports the NFDA and it's initiatives by becoming a Gold sponsor through the Associations' Marketing Partnership Program.

As a Gold sponsor, Frazer Consultants have made a commitment to the NFDA to be an integral part of its Marketing Partnership Program.

"We will do anything possible to support the funeral industry and its leading association", said Matt Frazer, Consultant with Frazer Consultants. "We look forward to many more years of partnership."

Frazer Consultants sponsorship level commitment exceeded other leading companies in the funeral industry.

Frazer Consultants

Frazer Consultants primary products and services include interactive funeral home website design, funeral tribute video software, funeral webcasting, personalized funeral stationery, and funeral keepsakes. For more information, please visit http://www.frazerconsultants.com or call 866-372-9372.

Frazer Consultants Offers Death Care Professionals Personalized Remembrance Ornaments

Frazer Consultants personalization software gives death care professionals the ability to create in-house, quickly and easily, a personalized holiday remembrance ornament.


Waunakee, WI., October 9, 2010 - Frazer Consultants a personalization, technology, and consulting company for the death care profession has expanded it's personalization options to include a unique holiday remembrance ornament for funeral homes and hospice care providers.

"Our remembrance ornaments serve many purposes," said Matt Frazer, Consultant from Frazer Consultants, LLC. "They can be given to client families to serve as a simple token of appreciation for choosing your funeral home or hospice. These holiday ornaments can also be given in connection with funeral pre-planning or aftercare services or presented during a holiday remembrance program."

The delicate ornaments are hand-blown and tipped with 22k gold. Each remembrance ornament can be quickly and easily personalized in-house with the name and dates of the deceased or any other text required.

Using Frazer Consultants Word-based software template, adhesive decals, and a laser printer, death care professionals can create a special memorial keepsake for their client families. Once personalized, each ornament can be placed in it's individual gift box, which is included, for presentation to the family and safe keeping.

"We currently have three different ornaments from which to choose," said Frazer. "Each ornament is beautifully handmade with care and attention to detail like no other."

Frazer Consultants provides unlimited technical support, free of charge, with every ornament order. Call Frazer Consultants for a free sample and a price list.

Frazer Consultants
Frazer Consultants primary products and services include interactive funeral home website design, funeral tribute video software, funeral webcasting, personalized funeral stationery, and funeral keepsakes including the award winning Life Journey Candle and Holiday Remembrance Ornaments. For more information, or to request a sample ornament, or call 866-372-9372.

Caring for Parents with Alzheimers

Identifying the Seven Stages of Alzheimers

When an elder parent is diagnosed with Alzheimers it can be a scary, emotional and stressful time.  By understanding the process of the disease you may feel more prepared to cope with the changes that may occur with your aging parent.

The progress of Alzheimer's has been documented in an endless amount of patients, and experts have found that most of them will go through seven stages of disease progression. As with any medical issue, the duration and symptoms might vary, but the general decline of Alzheimer's remains the same.

1. No Impairment. Individuals at this stage show no marked decline in their cognitive function. No memory problems show up on a regular basis. In fact, your loved one might seem absolutely fine.
2. Very Mild Impairment. Forgetfulness begins at this stage. Lapses in memory and basic thoughts might occur, such as familiar words or names. Forgetting small details, like if they took their medication that morning or where they put their glasses, might be more common.
3. Mild Decline. Usually, at this point, family and friends have begun to notice the symptoms. A person who was once able to organize and plan now seems lost with the details. Losing things is more common, and they might begin having performance issues at work.
4. Moderate Decline. In medical interviews, the problems are now clear. Forgetting personal history, recent events, and how to handle complex tasks, such as paying bills or planning dinners, happen much more frequently. Your loved one might be very aware something is wrong, and that leads to acting withdrawn or subdued in social situations.
5. Moderately Severe Decline. Major details, such as their address or phone number, become hard to remember. While they may remember their own name and the names of those important to them, such as a spouse or a child, this stage of Alzheimer's begins to etch away at basic information, such as the current date, time, or season. Day-to-day tasks, such as cooking, might not be safe any longer.
6. Severe Decline. At this point, your loved one might be losing their short-term memory. They may need more help with basic activities, such as dressing and using the toilet. They might also experience behavioral changes, such as feeling suspicious or experiencing hallucinations. Someone at this stage might engage in repetitive behaviors or wander away, only to become confused and lost.
7. Very Severe Decline. In this final stage, they may lose the ability to speak coherently. They may need help with general hygiene, and may eventually lose muscle coordination and the ability to control movement. Their muscles typically grow rigid, the reflexes become unpredictable, and eventually even swallowing could become be impaired.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's is currently the seventh leading cause of death. Someone develops Alzheimer's every 70 seconds, and though it more often affects the elderly, some individuals develop Alzheimer's in their 50s, 40s, or even their 30s.

Barbara McVicker is one of the nation’s leading eldercare experts and national speakers for some of the largest companies, organizations, and healthcare institutions.

Barbara is based in Columbus, OH. With additional offices in Roanoke, VA, Madison, WI and Los Angeles, CA, Barbara travels frequently and is available for taped or live appearance or phone interview upon request.

If you have questions or would like to schedule Barbara for your next event, please contact Barbara.

How to Choose an Assisted Living Center

When you are confronted with the question of senior care for your loved one, the many options available can be downright daunting.  Choosing an assisted living center or a nursing home is not a decision to be taken lightly. Here are a few practical tips to help make the decision--and the transition--easier for everyone involved.

• Begin Slow. Start with hiring help for basic chores, such as mowing the lawn or running errands. As the need for caregiving increases, if possible, add more in-home care.
• Open the Conversation. Talk to your aging parents about what the future might hold. Discuss their medical issues and what their options are for long-term care. Making a decision may not happen overnight, so be patient with them as they sort through their emotions.
• Offer Choices. When staying at home is no longer realistic for your elderly parents, sit down to talk about assisted living centers or nursing homes. Allow them to make many of the decisions on their own, within reason. Bring their doctor into the discussion as ask for their opinion as well.
• Make Legal Preparations. Long before a long-term care decision must be made, consider the legal roadblocks that might hinder any eldercare choices. Talk to your loved one about finances, durable power of attorney, and other legal factors.
• Show Them You Care. When you do place your aging parent in an assisted living center or nursing home, visit them often and talk with them daily if at all possible. Pay attention to their care, follow up on any complaints, and become an advocate for them. Most of all, remind them how much you care about them, and show them that their comfort and health is your utmost concern.

Choosing to have your elderly parent placed in an assisted living center or a nursing home is a difficult decision; but with open lines of communication between you and your loved ones, that rocky road can be made much smoother.

Barbara McVicker
Barbara McVicker is one of the nation’s leading eldercare experts and national speakers for some of the largest companies, organizations, and healthcare institutions. Barbara is based in Columbus, OH. With additional offices in Roanoke, VA, Madison, WI and Los Angeles, CA, Barbara travels frequently and is available for taped or live appearance or phone interview upon request.

Frazer Consultants To Attend NFDA International Convention

During the NFDA Convention, Frazer Consultants will be demonstrating their new All-in-One Suite funeral personalization software.


Waunakee, WI., October 6, 2010 - Frazer Consultants a personalization, technology, and consulting company for the death care profession has announced they will be attending the National Funeral Director's Associations International Convention to unveil their new funeral personalization software.

Being held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA from October 10th through the 13th, 2010, the convention promises to offer attendees the best place to 'renew yourself and your business'.

Frazer Consultants will be in booth 1727 demonstrating their new All-in-One Personalization Software, which includes:

• World Class Video Tributes

• Low Cost, Customized Printing

• Cutting Edge Technology Webcasts.

"Funeral personalization is important to both customer satisfaction and finding profit in each arrangement," said Matt Frazer, consultant from Frazer Consultants, LLC. "Our All-in-One Personalization Software easily and inexpensively accomplishes both."

Frazer Consultants invites all convention attendees to visit their booth during the show for a complimentary demonstration and to answer any questions about their powerful and cost effective funeral industry personalization software.

Frazer Consultants
Frazer Consultants primary products and services include interactive funeral home website design, funeral tribute video software, funeral webcasting, personalized funeral stationery, and funeral keepsakes including the award winning Life Journey Candle and Holiday Remembrance Ornaments. For more information please visit http://www.frazerconsultants.com or call 866-372-9372.

Silicon Wafer Dicing Technology

Wafers have the highest value at the dicing stage and the primary focus of a ZWLDT® is to increase the number of dies, yield per wafer, and to maximize throughput while minimizing the HAZ specifically for “power hungry” RF micro devices and low-K wafer substrates.

Fonon DSS System is applicable for dicing of assorted semiconductor materials such as silicon (Si), gallium arsenide (GaAs), germanium (Ge), indium phosphide (InP), silicon carbide (SiC), gallium nitride (GaN), gallium phosphide (GaP), other compound materials, as well as low-k and multi-layer composite materials.
BLACKSTAR™ series of a Wafer Dicing Systems utilizing a basic Zero Width Laser Dicing Technology® (ZWLDT®) invented and patented by Fonon Technology modified to accommodate the requirements of a silicon wafer singulation process without affecting the existent dicing method, processes and procedures.
The possibility of a cut with zero or 20 micron narrow width (application specific) allows wafer layout designers to reduce the width of the spacing between adjacent die on a wafer. The spacing is normally reserved to allow for the width of the saw used to cut the wafer. A reduction of the spacing width will result in an increase of the real estate available for die, which will result in a significant reduction of the cost per die.

The elimination of particles, debris and cutting fluids converts wafer dicing and separation into a “clean” operation. In certain areas of technology, i.e. MEMS, this attribute can almost be considered an enabler, since it will be possible to cut these devices without generating particles, which can damage these micro-mechanisms.

In addition, the elimination of cleaning steps and processing of cutting fluids introduces additional cost savings in the overall component fabrication process.

The elimination of wear items and consumables such as saw blades and scribes and the increased reliability associated with non-contact cutting versus a mechanical process, greatly decreases the cost of ownership of the equipment for the end-user.

Fonon’s Technology enables high-yield dicing and scribing of new materials, complicated layer stacks, and thin wafers including wafers with low-k dielectric and wafers with brittle material layers such as glass or silicon.

Significant Advantages of FTI's Dicing and Separation Technology:

• Dicing thin silicon with high mechanical integrity and no chips.
• Higher yield for thin wafers.
• No Micro-Cracks, fragmentation or chipping even for silicon below 100µm thick.
• Dicing wafers with thick polymer layers such as wafer scale packages and alpha barriers.
  No or minimal material loss means more parts per wafer (210 instead of 120 with mechanical saw).
• High precision allows for smaller street width. Minimized Heat Affected Zone (HAZ).
• BlackStar™ is an alternative to mechanical saws too damaging and costly for cutting of thin silicon, low-K, and complex material wafers.