Cremation

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.

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.

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