Cremation Services and Commonly-Asked Questions

What You & Your Family Need to One When Making Funeral Arrangements for Your Loved One

Although cremation services have been performed for thousands of years, many people still have questions about the processes entailed, especially when it involves a loved one. In modern society, crematory services are carried out under very strict guidelines and regulations that are both dignified and respectful to the deceased. Cremation is an option that more and more individuals are choosing, as it is an environmentally-sound method of dispersing of one’s remains. But what exactly do crematorium services involve? In this article, we’ll explore some commonly-asked questions so you will have a better understanding of the process.

What Takes Place During a Cremation?

It is important to note that most states and provinces have a law requiring a waiting period of 24 to 48 between the actual time of mortality and execution of the cremation services.  Many authorities require the local medical examiner to review the death and authorize the cremation.  Some jurisdictions specify payment by the family for this authorization; your local funeral director can provide you with more information regarding your area’s rules and regulations. 

When a cremation is performed, there are several steps that take place beforehand to prepare the body. Typically, jewelry and internal devices (such as pacemakers) are removed, while elements such as artificial limbs and orthopedic items are disposed of after the cremation process.

Next, the deceased is placed into a carefully-monitored cremation chamber at high temperatures where it is incinerated for approximately two hours. Immediately following, the ashes (mostly bone fragments and minerals) are collected and stored within a container so that the remains may be shipped to the deceased’s family. Normally, the human ashes are shipped to the family in a plain receptacle about the size of a one-gallon milk carton.

What Happens to My Loved One’s Remains?

Based on the customs, preferences and predetermined wishes of your family and the deceased, there are a variety of options to be considered when it comes to the final resting place of your loved one’s remains. Your family may choose to transfer the ashes into a more decorative urn and kept at home, or they may be buried in a cemetery, placed in a mausoleum or memorial garden after an appropriate cremation memorial service. Your may also decide to scatter the remains at a location that was significant to the deceased (such as a beach, park, ocean, etc.). However, it’s important to recognize the local laws that govern the scattering of human remains in your area – be sure to research this aspect carefully before dispersing ashes, or better yet, contact a scattering service to ensure the best outcome. Meeting with a local funeral agent may be helpful when your family is faced with making these arrangements.

Because of the permanent and irreversible nature of cremation, the entire procedure should be documented very carefully for liability purposes. Therefore, it is beneficial for your family to choose your funeral agent and crematory services wisely – be sure to research the background of each company carefully so that your loved one’s final wishes and family’s needs are met. When meeting with a funeral service provider, it may be helpful to have a list of questions prepared beforehand so that you will get a breakdown of the services, procedures, financial concerns, documentations and legalities entailed. It is also worth researching online funeral services when weighing your options, as there are many different funeral solutions available when planning your bereaved’s cremation.