Most funeral homes are prepared to handle all of the details related to disposition of human remains. These include: (1) Collecting ("removing") the body from the place of death. This is most commonly a hospital bed or morgue, nursing home, or at home when a person has died with hospice care. (2) Storing the body until it can be buried, cremated or donated (a funeral director is a legal custodian, and as such, is held to a higher standard of care for this storage). (3) Making funeral arrangements with the legal next of kin, or their agent, and contacting the cemetery (crematory or facility for donation) for final disposition. (4) Preparing the body for disposition (this may include embalming, dressing and cosmetizing, or a combination, in preparation for a visitation, shipping and a funeral). (5) Transporting the remains for burial (cremation, or donation). (6) Securing, executing, and filing of the Death Certificate and Burial / Transit Permit. (7) Filling and filing of any benefits and payments on behalf of the deceased and beneficiaries. This is just a short list of what a funeral director may be responsible for, and remember this is accomplished in a relatively short period of time. However, if you find this confusing, call a funeral director; they will be happy to make an appointment and explain these processes in detail. If you wish, arrangements can be made and even paid for in advance, relieving you of confusion and possibly saving you money at future need.
