Resources | Peaceful Decisions

Embalming – Is it Necessary?

What is it?
In today’s society, embalming can be easily defined as a chemical process that temporarily preserves human remains.

Is it the law?
Per the Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule: Routine embalming on every death is not required. The time between death and burial or cremation can require embalming or refrigeration of the deceased. If a direct cremation or immediate burial is selected, then embalming is not required. Funeral homes may have a policy that embalming is required if a public viewing is scheduled. It is important to check with your state’s laws for confirmation. Link to state resources.

Permission to embalm is required in most states. The funeral professional should ask the family to authorize the embalming either verbally or in writing prior to the embalming process.

What are the costs involved?
The care of the deceased is an important task performed by the funeral professional. Care can range from cleansing, embalming, dressing, applying cosmetics. The fees for these tasks must be listed on the funeral home’s General Price List.

Below is a link to the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0300-ftc-funeral-rule

The Peaceful Decision Advisors will provide guidance on the care of the deceased based on your individual needs.

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Creating a Service

Posted in Resources.

Your Options for a Type of Service

The following descriptions of service types are meant as a primer, not a comprehensive tool. The most familiar service types are: funeral, memorial, or graveside..

Funeral Service is defined by the deceased’s body being present for the ceremony.
Graveside Service is held at the place of final disposition (cemetery, mausoleum).
Memorial Service is the most flexible because the deceased’s body is not present. This type of service offers the most significant options for venue and timing.

Peaceful Decision Advisors can help guide you to make the appropriate service selection for you and your family.

Venue Ideas for a Service

People who choose a funeral service, traditionally hold the service in a church or a funeral home, others may have the service at a graveside or mausoleum chapel.

Those who choose a memorial service, the option on location is limitless. The idea of a celebration rather than a funeral is becoming more popular. A gathering of family and friends, formal or informal, is a contemporary way to pay tribute.

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Creating Your Service: What to consider

Disposition
Type of service
Celebrant/Officiant
Eulogy
Readings, Bible verses, Poems, Letters
Music
Tributes
Reception

Contact a Peaceful Decisions Advisor to assist you in creating your personalized and unique service.

advance directives, Baby boomers, creating a service, Death planning, durable power of attorney, End-of-life planning, Estate planning, Funeral planning, hospice, Legacy planning, living will, palliative care

Anatomical or Organ Donation

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The Peaceful Decisions Advisors want to help you understand the difference in donation.

The decision to leave your body to science or AKA anatomical donation is an option that many people choose as their final wish. If you would like to know more about this option contact Peaceful Decisions.

Today, more Americans are aware of the important decision that one can make to impact others by registering to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor. To help save and heal a life is an amazing gift and legacy. To learn more about organ, eye, and tissue donation, visit www.donatelife.net

advance directives, anatomical, Baby boomers, Death planning, durable power of attorney, End-of-life planning, Estate planning, Funeral planning, hospice, Legacy planning, living will, organ donation, palliative care

Advanced Planning

Posted in Resources.

Advance planning, pre-need, or pre-arrangements are funeral industry terms. They define the task of planning, and the option of paying for your service and disposition before a death occurs. Most funeral homes offer this service to help you plan ahead of the need. Advance planning and funding can be complicated due to variations in the laws for each state.

The Peaceful Decisions Advisors are available to assist with your first steps in planning or reviewing your existing plans.

advance directives, advanced planning, Baby boomers, Death planning, durable power of attorney, End-of-life planning, Estate planning, Funeral planning, hospice, Legacy planning, living will, palliative care

A Death Has Occurred

Posted in Resources.

When a death occurs, the emotional shock can impact your behavior. The following information is meant to offer guidance on what to do in a variety of situations. If the funeral home is known, contact them as they will be a resource for you. The selected funeral home will coordinate with all involved parties to transport your loved one from the place of death to their facility.

Death in a medical facility
The majority of deaths occur in a medical facility (hospital, nursing home, hospice). At the time, the staff will need to know the family’s selected funeral home; you will either be directed to contact the funeral home or the staff will call them on your behalf. The funeral director should speak to a family member to obtain permission to transport the deceased to their facility.

Death at home
If a patient dies at home and is under hospice care, the first step is to contact the hospice team to inform them of the death. The hospice staff will initiate the process to pronounce the death and make arrangements with your selected funeral home to take your loved one into their care.

When a patient dies at home (not under the care of hospice), first call 911 for assistance. The dispatcher will send first responders to provide guidance during this acute situation.

There are times when the Medical Examiner or Coroner may be alerted to the death. In most cases, the ME/Coroner will communicate with the family and update the selected funeral home when the examination is completed.

advance directives, Baby boomers, death, Death planning, durable power of attorney, End-of-life planning, Estate planning, Funeral planning, hospice, Legacy planning, living will, palliative care