When a loved one passes away they often have left instructions on what they want to be done with their body. If not, the family must make the decision. In the United States, you have a few options. The body may be donated to science, preserved, cremated, or buried. There are different options within each general option previously mentioned. The two most commonly used options are cremation and burial. As people are becoming more transient with no real roots anywhere, they often choose cremation as it allows them to keep their family members close. Here is some information to help you understand the cremation process.
Arrangements With the Crematorium
One of the first things you need to do is to talk with the people at a crematorium. They will need to have information on the deceased including their identification, date of birth, and social security number. They will also need a document signed by the next-of-kin giving permission for the care of the body and the cremation. This is to just begin the process. They will also need to know where the body is and how it is being maintained. If you are using a funeral home for a viewing and memorial, the crematorium will need that information as well. Many crematoriums can take care of these as well.
Transportation of the Deceased
If the memorial will be held at the crematorium or their facility, they will immediately pick up the body and take it into their care. If the memorial is being held elsewhere, they will make arrangements with the funeral home to pick up the body.
Wait for Paperwork
Once the crematorium has possession of the body they will help you gather all the necessary documentation to proceed with the cremation. They will need a death certificate signed by the medical examiner or the attending doctor, and a permit from the county for the actual cremation. Usually, this waiting time is when the memorial will take place. It is common for a death certificate to take more than a few days to be completed.
The Cremation and Remains
Once all the documents are prepared, the body will be cremated. Any personal belongings will be removed from the body and set aside for the family. After the body has been completely cremated you will be notified to come to get the remains and personal belongings. You may have picked out a container beforehand which will hold the ashes or you may decide on one later.
Choosing cremation is a personal decision. It can be a very sentimental way to remember your loved one after they have passed. The people at the crematorium will do everything possible to help you through this very tough time in your life.
After losing a loved one a few years ago, I could tell that there were some things we needed to do in order to plan for future events. I was really nervous about the idea of being faced with losing a family member who had an income, so we started going through and working on taking care of future plans. We were able to find a great funeral home that offered exactly what we were looking for, and we talked with them about our wishes. After we had all of our arrangements made, I was amazed with how much happier I felt. Read more on this blog to learn about funeral homes.