Absolutely not. Completely taboo. The “D” word is not to be mentioned. “passing away” might be OK, or “moving beyond the veil”. You might also consider “heading for the last roundup” or “gone to a better place” or “joining the choir invisible” but don’t mention dying.
Why do you have to go there to discuss about it? It’s a universal truth which you can discuss with anyone unless they’re paranoid about it. What information you seek from them that’s not known to you?
If you go to a funeral home to “talk about it” for information, they will most likely pressure you into buying a funeral package “so no one has to make decisions in a time of grief”.
They will try to sell you one for yourself or for your mom, or a package deal so that you are “together for eternity”.
Selling death and dying is their business, and it ain’t cheap.
I think they are in the death business, not in the “let’s talk about dying” business. Forgive me if I misunderstand you. I’m sure they will happy to talk to you about someone dying, even yourself, if you are looking to buy what they are selling.
They might call the Good Humor boys in the white coats if you do. Better to just talk about post death and not pre death/dying. Like for your funeral arrangements/pre payment of funeral insurance.
A friend once told me that she was curious and had many questions. She contacted a local funeral home. They allowed her to hang out for a week or so to learn what they do and answer her questions.
In college, I took a course on Death and Dying. It was fascinating.
As people have mentioned above, please don’t do that during a funeral. Otherwise, I think it is a good think to talk to them. I think so because I haven’t interacted with people from that line of work, and I bet their insights and perspectives are interesting. I don’t mean their insights will necessarily blow our minds. I just mean that we may be able learn a thing or two.
I don’t think they would expect to be paid, although I may be wrong.