Why is there such a shortage of organ donors?
When a death occurs, doctors rely on the wishes expressed by the deceased’s family, whether or not the person wanted to ...
What other types of grief resources are available?
Links to a variety of useful resources can be found at the websites of: The Association for Death Education and Counseling; ...
How can I deal with the death of a loved one?
Bereavement is a powerful, life-changing experience that most people find overwhelming the first time. Although grief is a natural process of ...
How can I help an adult friend or family member deal with the death of a loved one?
Someone you know may be experiencing grief- perhaps the loss of a loved one, perhaps another type of loss – and ...
How can I help a child deal with the death of a loved one?
Children grieve just as adults do. Any child old enough to form a relationship will experience some form of grief when ...
Is embalming a requirement?
It may depend on such factors as whether the family selected a service with a public or private viewing of the ...
Regarding embalming, what are my rights as a consumer?
According to the Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule, all funeral homes are required to get permission to embalm. If you select ...
What really is embalming?
Embalming is a temporary preservation of a dead human person. This process is accomplished by a surgical-like technique of injecting chemical ...
What questions do I need to ask when looking for a place to help me with my pet’s final arrangements?
It’s important that the organization that you use has the same philosophy in how pets are treated as what you believe ...
What’s really the right question to ask?
Many times the question asked when your pet dies is “Do you want the cremains returned to you?” But, is that ...
What decisions will need to be made for my pet’s final arrangements?
The first question that you will have to ask yourself is do I want burial or cremation for my pet. There ...
I’m contemplating cremation for my pet. What do I need to know?
First of all, will you want the ashes returned? If no, then you will want to ask your pet death care ...
Are there other ways that pets are cremated?
Some pet death care providers will do what they call a “segregated” cremation. Others will call this process an individual cremation, ...
What are other services that could help me memorialize my beloved pet?
Many families will also want to have that one last time to visit their pet after death, a visitation or wake, ...
As a family, we celebrated holidays with our pets and always had them as a part of our family rituals. Is it acceptable to do the rituals that are important to us with other deaths in our family for our pets?
Incorporating rituals into honoring your pet’s life is a beautiful way to pay tribute to the life that you shared together. ...
How do I choose the right memorialization product for my pet?
Making a decision on memorialization products is a personal process. This will be reflective of the life shared with your pet, ...
I want to make the personalization, or epitaph, on my pet’s memorialization pieces very special. How do I do this?
The personalization of your memorial pieces will truly make them as unique as your relationship was with your pet. From an ...
How do I choose an urn for my pet?
There are a variety of urns that are available. The type of urn you select will be an individual decision and ...
What size urn do I need for my pet?
The weight of your pet will determine the size of urn that you will need. For purposes of ordering, or choosing ...
Do all religions permit cremation?
Some religions prefer cremation; some do not recommend the practice; most permit you to choose. Should you have any questions or ...
How big of a price difference is there with cremation compared to standard ground burial?
The cost depends on the type of permanent memorial, location of the memorial, urn and placement selected.
Can I take the cremated remains home?
Yes. The remains are normally placed in an urn. Most families select an urn that is suitable for placement on a ...
If I am cremated, can I be buried with my spouse even if he or she was in a casket?
Yes — Depending upon the cemetery’s policy, you may be able to save a grave space by having the cremains buried ...
If I’m going to be cremated, why would I want my remains to be placed in a columbarium, or interred or scattered at the cemetery?
As long as it is permitted by local regulations, your cremated remains can be scattered in a place that is meaningful ...
What is memorialization for a cremation?
You might choose ground burial of the urn. If so, you may usually choose either a bronze memorial or monument. Also ...
Can I scatter the remains on private property?
Yes, with permission of the owner.
What can be done with the cremated remains?
With cremation, your options are numerous. The cremains can be interred in a cemetery plot, i.e., earth burial, retained by a ...
Can we have the service before or after the cremation?
It’s completely a matter of family preference. Many times when a family is split regarding the decision to cremate, a compromise ...
Do I have to make different funeral arrangements if I chose cremation?
It really depends entirely on how you wish to commemorate a life. One of the advantages of cremation is that it ...
Is cremation a substitution for a funeral?
No, cremation is simply a method of preparing human remains for final disposition.
Do all funeral homes and cemeteries have a crematory?
No – actually only a small percentage of cremation service providers have their own cremation units.
Can I watch the cremation?
Arrangements can usually be made through the Cremation Authorization Form for relatives or representatives of the deceased to witness the cremation.
Can I bring my own urn?
Yes — It would be advisable that you discuss this situation with your cremation provider prior to the cremation. The size ...
Can a casket be rented instead of a purchased when choosing cremation?
Many funeral homes offer a hardwood ceremonial casket for viewing or funeral services prior to cremation. The ceremonial (or rental) casket ...
Are there special cremation caskets?
There is a choice of very affordable cremation caskets that are completely combustible. The selection includes options from a plain cardboard ...
Is a casket required for cremation?
No. For sanitary reasons, ease of placement and dignity, many cremations require that the deceased be cremated in a combustible, leak ...
Is embalming necessary for cremation?
No. It is your choice. It may depend on such factors as whether the family selected a service with a public ...
Why is refrigeration of the remains necessary?
Due to the irreversible nature of cremation, most states require a waiting period before the actual process may begin. Refrigeration is ...
Is it true that the bones are crushed after cremation? I’ve heard you don’t get ashes back – what do you get?
A complete cremation is a two-step process. Firstly, the actual exposure of the deceased to several hours of intense heat and ...
Is any other preparation required prior to cremation?
It is essential that pacemakers and other medical devices be removed prior to cremation. They may explode when subjected to high ...
When after death can cremation take place?
Because cremation is an irreversible process and because the process itself will eliminate any ability to determine exact cause of death, ...
Is the body exposed to an open flame during the cremation process?
Yes, the body is exposed to direct heat and flame. Cremation is performed by placing the deceased in a casket or ...
Are cremations done individually?
Yes. Laws require that only one casket or container is cremated at a time.
How long does it take to cremate a body?
Cremating at the optimum temperature (1400 – 1800 degrees), the average weighted remains takes 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Several more ...
How hot does the cremator get?
Although there are several manufacturers of cremation units, the optimum temperature range is 1400 degrees to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.
What happens during the cremation process?
The casket or container is placed in the cremation chamber, where the temperature is raised to approximately 1400 degrees to 1800 ...
Can social services take my pre-arrangements away from me?
Take away? No. Challenge the amount being set aside to pay for an expensive funeral? Yes. Funds set aside to pay ...
Is there a pre-payment penalty for paying off these arrangements in advance?
It’s not uncommon to have a small processing fee associated with an early payment, but it should not be construed as ...
What if your funeral home or cemetery changes ownership?
Prior contractual agreements are not voided simply because a change of ownership occurs. The funeral planning agreement you have with the ...
Can I change any of these prepaid funeral services later?
Changes are generally possible, but be careful. When changes are made, they oftentimes affect the terms of guarantees that were created ...
If I prepay my funeral, what happens to the interest that my money earns?
If you have a prearranged funeral or burial agreement that is comprised of items that are guaranteed to be performed by ...
If I pre-plan and prepay my funeral or burial, how do I know that the money will be there when I die?
If you decide to prepay your funeral or burial prearrangements, there are generally two methods to assure the funeral home’s and/or ...
Why should I prearrange my funeral or burial?
When you plan ahead, you will be able to compare the many options available. You will be able to compare the ...
If I am a Veteran and plan to be buried in a National Cemetery, is my spouse eligible to be buried next to me?
Yes, a space for your spouse or any other minor children can be authorized at the time of your death.
What does the Government give a Veteran in regards to a marker?
The United States government provides headstones and markers for the graves of veterans and eligible dependents anywhere in the world which ...
What is a disinterment? What is the process, and why does it happen?
Disinterment is the removal of the casket containing human remains from a grave. Laws governing disinterment vary by state or province. ...
In a hundred years, will this cemetery still be here?
We think of cemetery lands as being in perpetuity. There are cemeteries throughout the world that have been in existence well ...
Will a cemetery ever be used for something else? Can the bodies be moved and buildings built?
Communities afford respect to cemeteries and to the memorialization which cemeteries provide. In order to protect interment rights holders, strict rules ...
Is a cemetery property tax deductible?
No, the purchase of a grave is not tax-deductible, although the charitable donation of unwanted grave spaces may be deductible as ...
Can I resell my grave?
It really depends on the rules and regulations of the cemetery and the laws of the state or province in which ...
What guarantee do I have that endowment care will take care of the cemetery?
While not guaranteed, endowment care funds are very conservatively managed. Income from the fund can only be spent on care and ...
What is endowment care?
A portion of the purchase price of the grave is contributed to an endowment care fund. Income from the endowment care ...
When I buy a grave do I receive a deed, just like when I purchase other types of real estate?
When you purchase a grave you are in fact purchasing the right to designate who may be interred in the space, ...
What happens if I buy cemetery property here in advance and later move to another area?
Many cemeteries now belong to credit exchange programs which allow for a dollar-for-dollar transfer of services and merchandise between participating cemeteries. ...
What is the difference between Lawn Crypts and Double Depth burial spaces?
Lawn crypts are pre-set. Double depth burial lots are set at the time of death.
What are Lawn Crypts?
Lawn crypts are essentially underground tombs, constructed of reinforced concrete and steel.
How can a mausoleum help eliminate expenses?
When you select a mausoleum, you eliminate the need for expensive vaults and monuments or memorials which almost always are purchased ...
What is a tandem?
A tandem is a mausoleum space designed to accommodate two caskets lengthwise.
How many people will a crypt hold?
Crypts come in several sizes. Although “singles” and “doubles” are the most common, some crypts can accommodate up to four caskets.
Can you actually see the bodies in a mausoleum?
No. When you visit a mausoleum, you see the front of the crypt, which typically is made of granite or marble. ...
How does a Mausoleum protect the body?
Because the casket is placed in a clean, dry, above-ground crypt, the remains are protected from water and the elements of ...
What happens to a mausoleum if there is an earthquake?
Modern mausoleums are steel-reinforced concrete structures, covered with granite or marble. They typically are built to meet all local building specifications, ...
What is a columbarium?
A columbarium, often located within a mausoleum or chapel, sometimes free-standing, either indoor or outdoor, is constructed of numerous small compartments ...
Are there different types of crypts?
Yes. Single crypts are designed for one entombment only. There are three different kinds of double crypts: tandem crypts permit two ...
Isn’t mausoleum entombment only for rich people?
In most cases, the cost of mausoleum entombment is comparable to the costs of interment in a lot with an upright ...
What are the advantages of a mausoleum burial?
Mausoleum crypts are both clean and dry. They offer a viable alternative for those who simply have an aversion to being ...
What is a mausoleum?
Historically, the word mausoleum comes from the large temple-like structure which was erected by Queen Artemisia in the ancient city of ...
What is entombment?
Entombment is the interment of human remains in a tomb or mausoleum. It involves placing a casket or cremation urn in ...
How much do graves cost, and why aren’t they priced the same all over?
Grave prices can really vary. Grave prices are normally set based on their location. Normally, graves in urban centers are more ...
What is double depth?
Many cemeteries either allow for the burial of two caskets in a grave or have specific sections where this type of ...
What happens when a cemetery runs out of land?
When a cemetery runs out of land, it will continue to operate and serve the community. Since more and more individuals ...
Can we dig our own grave to avoid the charge for opening and closing?
The actual opening of the grave and closing of the grave is just one component of the opening and closing fee. ...
What is opening and closing, and why is it so expensive?
Opening and closing fees can include 50 or more separate services provided by the cemetery.
Why is having a place to visit so important?
Because it provides a focal point for memorializing the deceased. To remember, and be remembered, are natural human needs. Throughout human ...
If I’m going to be cremated, why would I want my remains to be placed in a columbarium or interred or scattered at a cemetery?
As long as it is permitted by local regulations, your cremated remains can be scattered in a place that is meaningful ...
What options are available besides ground burial?
Besides ground burial, many cemeteries offer interment in lawn crypts or entombment in mausoleums. In addition, some cemeteries provide choices for ...
How do I choose the right type of grave?
Because it is an important question, many things must be considered. What type of memorial do you prefer? A marker set ...
What are my choices in ground burial?
Most common are single graves and lots composed of two or more graves. Not all types of graves are available at ...
What are the principal types of cemeteries, and how do they differ?
Cemeteries usually are divided into two broad categories: traditional cemeteries and memorial parks or gardens. A traditional cemetery, the type used ...
Does a body have to be embalmed before it is buried?
No, embalming is not required for burial. It is your choice. It may depend on such factors as whether the family ...
What recourse does a consumer have for a poor service or overcharging?
The complaint should first be given to the funeral director that served the family. If the situation is not resolved to ...
Is it possible to have a traditional burial if someone with AIDS dies?
Yes. Death because of AIDS is no different than any other cause of death.
After my death, how can my funeral home send me to my cemetery which is out of state?
In many cemeteries today, there is a funeral home on the grounds. If not, then arrangements would have to be made ...
How long can you wait to have a funeral without embalming?
Most states require that a deceased person either be embalmed or placed in refrigeration after a period of 24 hours from ...
Does the VA pay for Veterans’ funerals?
Although the Veterans Administration does not pay for complete funerals, it does provide certain merchandise, services and reimbursements. Your local VA ...
What happens if someone close to me dies away from home?
After the death has occurred, the most prudent decision would be to call your funeral service provider in your home town. ...
How many pallbearers will be needed?
The traditional format regarding the number of pallbearers is 6, primarily due to the length of the standard casket, so that ...
If I donate my remains to medical science, can there still be a service?
In addition to coordinating the donation, your funeral service provider can arrange for either a Memorial Service or a Gathering of ...
Do Clergy always officiate at a funeral service?
In conjunction with or sometimes in place of a clergy person, family or friends may share personal thoughts, memories and feelings ...
What is a Memory Table and/or a Memory Board
At the funeral home, a memory table may be used to display personal items of the deceased. A memory board would ...
How can I personalize a funeral service?
One way is to bring personal items into the funeral home to be displayed in or near the casket. Example: An ...
Why would I need to purchase certified copies of a Death Certificate?
Certified copies are used as proof of death for the transfer of stocks and bonds, banking transactions and life insurance. You ...
Must a casket be transported to the cemetery in a hearse?
While a hearse or casket coach is most commonly used for this purpose, other options are often appropriate. Families might consider ...
Should a child attend a funeral?
Children grieve just as adults do. Any child old enough to form a relationship will experience some form of grief when ...
Must an obituary be published in a newspaper?
The publication of an obituary notice is a matter of your personal choice. While most newspapers control the editorial format, you ...
Will the funeral home help with Social Security and Veterans death benefits?
Quality service firms will not only assist with securing these death benefits, they will most likely complete all the paperwork for ...
Must I purchase a burial vault?
In most areas of the country, state or local law does not require that you buy a container to surround the ...
What are burial vaults and grave liners?
These are the outside containers into which the casket is placed. Burial vaults are designed to protect the casket, and may ...
Can I build my own casket?
As a matter of fact, you can, although as a matter or practicality, it may present some storage challenges for you. ...
What about these independent discount casket companies? Can’t I buy my casket there and use it when needed?
Yes, It is certainly a financially sound decision to purchase anything at today’s prices which can then be used as a ...
Why are some casket prices more than others?
It depends upon the materials with which the casket is made. Obviously, a casket made of bronze would be priced higher ...
What are the different types of burial caskets?
Most caskets are made of either wood or metal. Metal caskets are made of either bronze, copper, steel or stainless steel. ...
How can I get an idea about the costs of caskets?
All funeral homes are required by the Federal Trade Commission to have casket price lists available to the public at all ...
Will life insurance pay for funerals?
Yes, as a convenient method of payment, most quality funeral homes will allow for an insurance assignment. This assignment transaction is ...
May I make all the necessary arrangements in advance?
Yes, usually all arrangements may be made in advance. When you plan ahead, you will be able to consider the many ...
How can I best shop and compare funeral service providers?
Talking with friends who have used the services of a funeral home or your personal experience from attending funeral services of ...
What if I do not wish to use all the services a funeral home has to offer?
The Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule requires that all funeral homes itemize their charges for professional services, facilities and motor equipment ...
Why are funerals so expensive?
There is a great range in prices for services and merchandise from your local funeral directors, depending on the type of ...
Does a price I receive from the funeral home include everything?
The Funeral Director is responsible for explaining all the charges that specifically pertain to the funeral home’s services offered and merchandise ...
How much does a funeral cost?
A funeral, like any other service, can have a range of prices depending on the provider. It is similar to asking ...
How soon after or long after a death must and individual be buried?
This may vary by state so check with your local funeral director. Considerations include the need to secure all permits and ...
What are the options concerning the time of a service?
While most services are held in the morning or afternoon, some families are now choosing to have services held in the ...
Is it okay to have a viewing and not a service?
Yes, if that is the wish of the family, the funeral director will arrange designated times for calling hours, have the ...
Can a function less formal than a funeral or memorial service be arranged?
A Gathering of Friends is a less formal event. It allows family and friends to share their loss and share treasured ...
Is a funeral or memorial service always held in a funeral home or place of worship?
A service can usually be held at any location that family and friends feel would be comfortable and appropriate. Your funeral ...
Do funeral directors get to take advantage of the bereaved?
The most important quality that enables the funeral director to provide services in the community is his or her reputation for ...
Are the services of a funeral director necessary to bury the dead?
In most states, no. But each state does have different regulations. You should call the local department of health to find ...
What purpose does a funeral serve?
The funeral and the ceremony that accompanies it are indeed very important. For those who are left behind, a funeral provides ...
What do funeral directors do?
Primarily they care and safeguard the deceased person until final disposition, including embalming and restorative work. A growing number of funeral ...
Are deathcare professionals exempt under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”)?
April 23, 2020 Question: Are deathcare professionals (funeral homes, cemeteries and crematories) exempt under the newly created paid sick leave and ...
Am I at risk if I attend a funeral for someone who died of COVID-19?
April 13, 2020 Question: Am I at risk if I go to a funeral or visitation service for someone who died ...
Can a case that died of COVID-19 be open casket for the viewing for family members?
April 13, 2020 Question: Can a case that died of COVID-19 be open casket for the viewing for family members? Answer: ...
Is there a way that death educators can help funeral homes if/when they get inundated with people needing their services?
April 1, 2020 Question: Is there a way that death educators (not a funeral home staff member) can help funeral homes ...
Has the deadline for pre-need renewal been extended?
April 1, 2020 Question: Has the deadline for pre-need renewal been extended? My report is not done and my account is ...
How can deathcare workers get N95 masks and other PPE?
Updated March 26, 2020 Question: We have zero N95 masks and there are none available. Do deathcare providers have a way ...
How should we handle the removal of a quarantined death?
March 24, 2020 Question: Are personnel subject to quarantine if they conduct a removal from a contaminated environment such as a ...
Does aspiration of a deceased create aerosolization of COVID-19?
March 24, 2020 Question: Does aspiration of a deceased create aerosolization of the COVID-19 virus and should this be handled in ...
Are pet crematories considered Essential Businesses?
March 24, 2020 Question: We are a pet crematory and wondering how do we handle business if things go into a ...
Graveside Equipment
March 23, 2020 Question: Are cemeteries setting up tents and chairs during this time? Answer: Cemeteries are beginning to limit not ...
Contingency plans if a staff member is diagnosed with Covid-19
March 23, 2020 Question: Are there any ideas for contingency plans for a funeral home/cemetery/crematory – should a staff member test ...
