What Happens at a Cremation?

Having the correct information can help make the difference in all your decisions, which is no different when choosing cremation services in Charleston, IL. Knowing what happens with all the extra steps can help put your mind at ease, particularly if you are laying your loved one to rest. It will also be helpful because you will better know your budget to help ease the burden of stress that comes with planning these events. If you are curious about the cremation process, here is more information.

What Happens? 

Cremation has been around for thousands of years and has been utilized by many different cultures and religions as a way to lay a loved one to rest. When the individual passes away, their body is taken to the selected facility. After a family member or friend has identified the remains of the deceased, identification markers are placed on the body until the process is complete.

The individual will need to fill out specific paperwork that authorizes the crematory to move forward with the process, including the particular type of vessel the remains will be placed in.

They prepare the body, which can involve cleaning or dressing. Embalming is generally avoided in this situation. If the individual had any jewelry or other trinkets, these would be returned to the family unless otherwise advised. If the individual had any medical devices, these would be removed before the burial.

The body is then placed into a casket especially designated for cremations and taken to the chamber. The incineration process can reach temperatures of up to 1800 degrees and leave behind only fragments. Once the remains have cooled there will be ground down into fine ash, placed into the earn or container chosen by the family, and returned to the loved ones.

Other Considerations

There are two kinds of cremation processes; one is the traditional incineration and can take anywhere from two to three hours, or the liquid-based, which can take upwards of 16 hours. The crematory will have its own set of policies, and it can take up to 10 days to get the remains back.

There’s also an alternative that is considered more of a green option for eco-friendly using alkaline hydrolysis. This process works by applying a solution after the bone fragments are removed, then the individual is recycled through the water.

One thing to consider is that after the process is complete, there are usually between three and nine pounds of ash, so make sure that you pick out a vessel or earned that is the appropriate size for your loved one’s remains.

A Community-Focused Company

Understanding the process of cremation services in Charleston, IL, is a crucial part of making a decision that is appropriate for your loved one. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home Ltd has been serving our local community since 1934, focusing on the highest quality customer care on the market. We want to help ease some of your stress with your planning, so give us a call today and help you get started with the process.