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Aerial Missions would like to thank Cremation.com
for supplying this wonderful information about cremation. We feel that
the more we know about cremation, the more informed we will be, and
the more able we will be to make educated choices about the dying of
our loved ones. We thank them very much for supplying this
information to all of us. On this page you will find a huge
amount of relevant information about the cremation process which we
gathered from them. Please go to their web-site to view all of
their content, as you will be so much better informed.
Thank you
all, Jim & Wendy Howard.
www.cremation.com
The Cremation Process
When a death occurs and cremation has been chosen,
the cremation provider is called by a family member,
caregiver, minister, or anyone the family chooses.
Once the call is received, the deceased will be removed as
specified in their pre-filed
instructions. If no instructions are on file, a funeral
director will assist the next of kin in making all necessary
decisions. Removal may be immediate, or as much as 18 hours
after death. The time-frame is decided by the family.
Upon removal, the deceased is taken to the crematory and
placed in storage for the period required by law before
cremation can occur. The actual process of cremation itself
normally takes two to three hours. Ashes typically weigh
several pounds, and take up a space of approximately 150 to
200 cubic inches.
Afterwards, the ashes are placed in a temporary container
unless a permanent one has been selected, and are returned to
the family or transported to another specified location. Our
firm also assists with the memorial or graveside services, or
the scattering service as allowed by state law. If you bury or
place the cremated remains in a niche or columbarium, a
permanent container is often used. The funeral director can
assist the family in scheduling any viewing or ceremonies of
remembrance that are to occur before cremation, or any
post-cremation memorial services, or scattering ceremonies.
The cremation provider usually handles the death
certificate filing and notification to Social Security (and
the Veterans' Administration if the deceased was a veteran).
Cremation Growth Trends
Cremation is being chosen for one (1) out of every four (4)
deaths occurring today. The most accurate and current figures
on cremation rates are collected by the Cremation
Association of North America (CANA) which covers the
United States and Canada. These figures project that by the
year 2010 the U.S. level of cremation will be two (2) out of
every five (5) deaths, with urban areas higher than rural.
CANA reports the following major factors as influences
leading to the increasing growth in cremation.
- Life Expectancy is Increasing
- Migration to Retirement Locations is Increasing
- Regional Differences are Diminishing
- Origins of Immigrants are Changing
- Educational Levels are Rising
- Cremation is Becoming More Acceptable as a Normal Form
of Disposition
- Family Ties to Tradition are Lessening
- Environmental Considerations are Becoming More Important
Concerns and Considerations
Religious and Spiritual Concerns
Religious
and Spiritual issues can be a concern for some people.
Cremation is accepted among almost all religions. Reform
Judaism accepts cremation, but Orthodox and Conservative
Judaism are opposed. If you are uncertain whether cremation is
compatible with your religious faith, a discussion with a
member of the clergy or other religious authority is
recommended. Different cultures and religions have differing
practices and restrictions regarding ceremonies and the
disposition of cremated remains. Your
cremation provider is careful to honor these practices.
Financial and Practical Considerations
Cremation is usually much more economical than a body burial.
A traditional burial can cost about twice as much as a
cremation with similar ceremonies. However, burial costs can
vary widely. Use the Shopping
Guide as a method of comparing costs and services.
In addition to cost, you must consider today's mobile
society. Family members are no longer buried in a nearby
cemetery which is visited frequently by relatives. Many old
cemeteries have fallen into disuse and disrepair because
families are not nearby. Even the choice of a "perpetual
or endowed care" cemetery is questionable when there are
no relatives likely to visit.
Environmental Considerations
Cremation saves land for the living and offers an immediate
return to nature. Some choose cremation because they believe
that body burial uses precious natural resources in order to
preserve the remains in the ground.
Personal Preferences
Some people are very uncomfortable with the full service
funeral and body burial. Others are equally uncomfortable with
the idea of cremation without any accompanying services. Part
of the feeling comes from the tradition in which people have
been raised. Many families are now establishing their own
traditions. If discussing the topic of death and the
alternative methods available is difficult for you or your
family, Your
cremation provider can provide a staff member to meet with
you. Sometimes discussions are less "emotionally
bound" and made easier if an impartial party is present.
Memorial Options
Families need to decide if the cremated remains are going to
be divided (such as among the decedent's loved ones, or for
placement in different locations).
Placement and memorials can be at a cemetery (regular grave
or a cremation grave), in a columbarium niche located at a
church, cemetery, university, or Arlington National Cemetery
(if a veteran), or at home. The cremation provider usually
handles the death certificate filing and notification to
Social Security (and the Veterans'
Administration if the deceased was a veteran).
Cremation Questions and Answers
Q: I understand that more and more people are
choosing cremation. Is this because the cost is lower?
A: While it is true that the cost of cremation is about 20%
that of body burial, surveys indicate many people are choosing
and planning cremation because of other factors. These include
the simplicity and dignity of cremation services,
environmental concerns, and the flexibility cremation offers
in ceremony planning and in the disposition of the remains.
Q: Exactly what happens at the
crematory?
A: The deceased is placed in a combustible box, which is
used during refrigerated storage, and then placed intact in
the cremation chamber. After cremation the remains are
processed further by pulverization and then placed in the
desired container. Family or clergy can choose to receive the
cremated remains at the crematory or some other designated
place.
Q: If cremation is chosen, must a
funeral home be called at the time of death?
A: No. It is not necessary in most states to engage the
services of a separate funeral home.
Q: What happens to medical devices
such as hip implants and pacemakers?
A: Large fragments of metal that can readily be separated
from the ashes are removed prior to pulverization. Pacemakers
and implanted measured dose dispensing devices have an
explosive risk, and are removed prior to cremation. Donated
organs are removed according with the guidelines established
by the medical facility.
Q: Is the deceased person cremated
unclothed?
A: The deceased may be clothed as desired by the family. A
military uniform, scholastic robe, or other special garment
may be cremated. Often the special clothing is neatly folded
and cremated with the deceased.
Q: Does a body have to be embalmed
before cremation?
A: Embalming is a practical necessity only if there is a
public viewing or a funeral with the body present. Most states
do not require embalming.
Q: What do cremated remains that
are returned to the family look like?
A: The quantity of cremated remains of an adult is
comparable to the size of a 6 inch x 6 inch x 6 inch box or a
large dictionary. The appearance resembles crushed seashells.
Unless otherwise specified by the family the remains are
returned in a plain temporary container. This container should
not be used for permanent disposition of the cremated remains.
Q: If my family knows I want
cremation, is that all I need to do in advance?
A: No. Just stating your wishes will not necessarily assure
their being honored. To assure your wishes will be honored and
to prevent your survivors from having to make decisions and
arrangements at the time of your death, you can choose a cremation
provider and prearrange your cremation. The cremation
provider can also keep the personal
data and authorizations which will be required for your
death certificate, so that your survivors will not have to be
asked for this information during an emotional time. You may
also prepay the expenses of your cremation if allowed by state
law.
Q: What advantage would there be
in prepaying my cremation cost?
A: There are two major advantages of prepayment. First, you
may be offered a discounted price and an inflation proof
contract. This means that no further money will be due at any
time. This financial advantage also will prevent your
survivors from having to pay for your last expenses at a time
when circumstances, such as a catastrophic illness, might have
reduced their ability to pay without hardship. The second
advantage is not related to cost. It has to do with the desire
that many people feel the necessity to be independent and to
take care of their own needs without placing the burden on
others who will be grieving the loss of a loved one. This
consideration also applies to people who feel it is likely
that at the time of death, they will have no family members to
take care of their final arrangements.
Q: My family may be willing to
accept my plans for cremation, but they would like me to have
a funeral service with the body present. Is this possible?
A: Yes, if such a funeral is desired, the deceased can be
embalmed and placed in a ceremonial casket. With cremation the
full funeral can be held without the expense of purchasing a
casket or vault.
Q: If I don't have a funeral with
the body present, I would still like to have some sort of
ceremony so that family, friends, and associates can gather to
commemorate the event. What are my choices?
A: Cremation offers a wide array of ceremonies to choose
from. A private or public visitation can be held before
cremation is done. A memorial service can be held in a place
of worship or at the cremation provider's facility, with or
without the cremated remains. This can be delayed as long as
necessary after the death to allow family and friends to
gather from distant locations. Some churches and retirement
communities routinely handle these memorial services
themselves, without the involvement of the cremation provider.
Other possibilities include graveside services a the cemetery
or columbarium. A scattering ceremony offers a personal touch
only cremation can provide.
Cremation: Legal Steps
- Pre-purchase your arrangements and file the contract with
your will.
- If cremation is chosen, sign an Authorization for
Cremation form and file a copy with your will.
- Inform others of whom your arrangements are with.
- Make a will stating your directive for cremation, or
burial.
- Choose and appoint a willing executor to handle your
will.
- Make your executor aware of the location of your will
and cremation or burial contract.
- Tell your family or other responsible person about your
directive(s).
- Inform them that your direction is in your will.
- Have a Power of Attorney signed and ready in case it is
needed.
- Have a living will signed and ready if needed. Give
copies to family members and physician.
- Have a Health Care Power of Attorney signed and ready if
needed.
- Include advance directives in your Health Care Power of
Attorney, including "Do not Resuscitate" orders
and other medical directives dealing with nutrition,
hydration, medication, etc.
Other Legal Considerations
In families where there are conflicting views regarding
final arrangements, your funeral director introduces the
family to two stages of planning. First, materials are
provided to the decedent-to-be so he or she can be
knowledgeable in discussions with family members. Secondly, if
the conflict cannot be resolved and further discussions are
considered futile, the person for whom arrangements are being
made is advised to proceed with their wishes under the careful
guidance of their funeral director. When conflicts continue or
arise after death has occurred and there are no documents left
by the decedent which meet state requirements, courts are the
last resort.
Each state establishes the parties who can authorize a
cremation. The area where conflict may arise is among children
and other relatives. Clear and firm documentation of a
decedent's wishes for final arrangements is the best way to
avoid family conflicts.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has enacted a Funeral
Practices Trade Regulation Rule (Rule) which requires funeral
providers to disclose general itemized price information about
services and merchandise provided. The Rule specifically
requires a funeral provider to indicate its prices for Direct
Cremation Services where the purchaser provides the cremation
container; or where the purchaser selects a casket from the
funeral provider. You may request this information at any time
from a funeral provider and it must be given to you. However,
if it is not offered at the time you are engaging the services
of a funeral provider, it could be a violation of the Rule.
Laws vary from state to state. You may obtain information
pertaining specifically to your state by contacting the
Attorney General.
Legal Questions and Answers
Q: What happens if I want to be cremated when I
die, but a family member is opposed to this choice?
A: It is always best if an agreement can be reached that
the family will respect regarding the cremation decision.
Discussion with a cremation counselor, funeral director,
clergyman, chaplain, or other adviser may help with this
decision. If agreement cannot be reached, then before death
occurs, the person choosing cremation should prearrange their
plans and file them with their chosen cremation provider, in
addition to stating these wishes in their will.
Q: I'm not sure what should be
done with my cremated remains. What are my choices?
A: Cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery plot or
placed in a mausoleum or columbarium
niche. If the cemetery is far from the place of death, the
cremation provider can send the remains by registered mail.
Some churches have a columbarium or memorial garden where
cremated remains can be placed; this is usually limited to
church members and their families. Family members can also
bury cremated remains on their own property, depending on
local ordinances and state statutes. Scattering
of cremated remains is an increasingly popular choice. The
scattering can be done by the cremation provider, by the
family or by clergy, either privately or as part of a
ceremony. Cremated remains can be scattered on uninhabited
public land or public waterways, if local laws and regulations
permit. It can also be done on private property in most
states, with the written permission of the property owner.
Careful thought should be given to the matter before choosing
scattering in a location which will be frequented by family
members; depending on their personal philosophies, they may be
either comforted or distressed by knowing that this has been
done. Another possibility is to request that cremated remains
be returned to the nearest of kin, so that a decision about
their disposition can be made later.
Religious and Spiritual Cremation Concerns
Cremation is accepted among almost all religions. If you
are uncertain whether cremation is compatible with your
religious faith first review our Religious Issues section
(make this click go to the Religious Issues section)for
information about your individual faith. If you still have
questions, we recommend that you contact a member of the
clergy or other religious authority within your faith. Your
Cremation provider is careful to honor these practices.
You may also find the following websites helpful:
Creating
Ceremony: Adapting Burial Rites to Cremation
Religion
and Philosophy Resources on the Internet: Boston University
School of Theology
Religions
and Death: About.com
Cremation: "My Answer" by Billy Graham
When a Christian dies is it all right to
cremate the body?
The Bible does not give specific directions for the
disposal of the body following death. Bible-era practices are
described in Unger's Bible Dictionary as follows:
"Interment in Bible times followed soon after death, as
is evident in the narratives of the burial of Sarah (Genesis
23:1-20), Rachel (Genesis 35:19-20), and Rebekah's nurse
(Genesis 35:8). The Hebrews did not normally cremate, except
in most unusual cases of emergency, as in the case of Saul and
his sons (1 Samuel 31:11-13). Later Babylonians burned their
dead and deposited their ashes in ornate funerary urns, as did
Greeks and Romans. Hebrews in later time, indicated by the
numerous ossuaries found in New Testament Palestine, also
practiced cremation."
Christians will want to show respect for the body. Even
though the essential person or spirit has moved on to an
eternal destiny, the body is the tangible reminder of all that
person meant to us. In addition, the body is destined for
resurrection, transformation, and reunion with the spirit at
Christ's return. Whether burial or cremation best expresses
that appropriate respect is a very personal decision. The
wishes of other close family members and friends should also
be considered in any decision because they are the ones who
will live with the decision and with the memories.
At the resurrection it will not make any difference whether
a person's body has been buried or cremated. God knows how to
raise the body, either in the resurrection of life or the
resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28-29). The new body of a
Christian will be a radically changed and glorified body like
the body of the exalted Christ. It will be an eternal,
spiritual body never again to experience weakness, disease,
suffering or death (1 Corinthians 15:35-54 and Philippians
3:20-21)
"My
Answer" is a nationally syndicated article by Dr.
Graham appearing in many newspapers. Reprinted with permission
of Tribune
Media Services. © Tribune Media Services, Inc. All Rights
Reserved. Reprinted with permission.
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