Home Funeral or Memorial Services
Caring for a loved one following a death can be one of the mosttouching and wonderful experiences.
There is no need to rush following a loved ones death. That time may be used to sit by the bedside, console one another, recall stories and plan how you will begin your care of the body with love and respect.
The body will often be clammy following the process of death. Warm water and gently bathing will freshen the deceased and relax those who will dress the body. Some families burn lightly scented candles or incense while others have soft music in the background. This creates a respectful, spirit filled, atmosphere for the care you will now provide.
There are many misconceptions regarding caring for the deceased. Many of these are perpetuated by state and local regulations regarding this care. We recommend speaking with local groups who assist families in preparing the deceased as well as for home visitations and funerals. They know what states will and will not accept how to file the death certificate and most importantly, treat family members with respect and understanding and the deceased as if they were family members.
Should you take your care to the next level (no casket or biodegradable casket and no burial vault) you are on your way to an environmentallly friendly burial. Keep in mind that is essential to research "green" or environmentally friendly places for burial in your area. Traditional cemeteries are generally not green burial friendly since they demand a minimum concrete grave liner to stabliize the earth around and over the casket when buried.
Cremation is certainly another option. All too often we have family members tell us that they don't want a family member treated as if they were in a Nazi crematory!! Trust, us, this is NOT the case. The deceased are treated with the utmost respect and in some instances, family members may remain within eyesite of the cremation retort (chamber) though the completion of the cremation.
Cremations do require several documents. One is generally the consent (or release of the body) from the county medical examiner. The second is a disposition permit that is generated when the death certificate is filed. It is most helpful to research how you will obtain these documents prior to a death.
If you do plan on cremation, you might want to visit the crematory that you will use and ask questions regarding handling the body with respect and experience the understanding and compassion that the owners show as you visit.
Oyate Tawicoh'an-Franciscan Funeral Services has worked with the same crematory for six years and would not stop in an instant if families and the deceased were not afforded respect, considertion, affordability, compassion and unerstanding from that firm.
