4 Things You Always Wanted To Know About Cremation Services But Are Afraid To Ask
When a loved one passes, you often have many unanswered questions. One of the first questions needing an answer is whether your loved one will be cremated or have a traditional burial. If you are leaning towards cremation, but have many unanswered questions about the process, here are a few answers that may make your decision easier.
1. What Is The Cremation Process?
If you choose direct cremation, the funeral home or crematory will pick up the deceased from their place of death or the hospital and take them directly to the crematorium. Most then follow the following steps:
- The body is positively identified before the transport and tagged to ensure they are cremating and returning the correct body to you.
- The crematorium professionals obtain proper authorization to perform the cremation.
- They prepare the body for cremation by removing non-combustible items such as pacemakers or prosthetic limbs.
- They place the body in a combustible container.
- They then place the body inside the pre-heated cremation chamber.
- The intense heat of the chamber reduces the body to its constituent elements.
- After a couple of hours, they remove the body from the chamber, and the attendants remove any remaining metals.
- The cremains are ground and placed in a temporary container or purchased urns.
- The cremains or ashes are returned to you.
These steps may vary slightly based on the crematorium.
2. What Comes With Cremation Services?
One of the first questions most people ask is what cremation services will cost and what does this include? The answer varies depending on the provider. Many cremation services only offer direct cremations with no services. In contrast, cremations offered through funeral homes may offer many other options, such as viewings, services, and even burial or interment of the urn.
Ask upfront what the cost includes and if there will be any additional charges. Knowing this information will prepare you for the expenses and keep you from experiencing any unexpected surprises.
3. Are More Than One Person Cremated At A Time?
Most states heavily regulate the funeral industry and crematoriums. The rules and regulations forbid cremating more than one person at a time. The cremation agencies also clean the chamber between cremations, so you do not have to worry about the ashes or cremains mixing with others.
4. Do You Need To Provide Clothes For A Cremation?
While a funeral home may ask you for clothing if you have a viewing, most cremation services will not ask for direct cremation. Most crematories do not cremate clothed bodies. Eliminating clothing eliminates zippers, buttons, and other non-combustible components.
If you have additional questions, do not be afraid to ask your local cremation service — such as the American Cremation Society (Ridgemoor Chapels). They will be glad to answer them and put your mind at ease.
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