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Understanding Cremation
In the past , I have written articles that directly address cremation and people often ask me why I write them “ since most people get buried .” The answer is simple : more and more families are choosing cremation over other forms of disposition . The National Funeral Directors Association recently released statistics showing that , for the first time in American history , the percentage of people who chose cremation exceeded those who chose to be buried , 48-45 % in 2015 . I believe that this number has grown because people are more educated about the choices they have . They choose cremation for monetary , environmental , religious and personal preferences .
Old-timers in the funeral industry would say cremation used to be the only option for families with limited funds — it was immediate and less expensive . Also in those days , many churches prohibited members from being cremated . So the overall stigma was that those who were cremated were people who couldn ’ t afford a funeral . Over the last 50 to 60 years , however , many people ( including in the industry ) began to rethink the practice , and most churches have reversed the decision and now allow members to be cremated . This trend has been slow but steady , and has brought us to 2016 , when more people choose cremation .
So what do we see people wanting for services surrounding cremation ? Most people who choose cremation still want to have a service , a chance to remember or say goodbye to a life well lived . That service can include a viewing or gathering of friends and family — a church service , funeral mass , memorial service or a celebration-of-life service . The options are plentiful and many times more diverse than a traditional burial . Of course families also still choose a simple cremation void of any services .
Continually , I find that people are not educated when it comes to cremation . I also know that some funeral homes still view cremation as a nuisance . They would rather deal with families who choose burial . It really doesn ’ t make much sense , but sometimes it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks . So here is a simple breakdown of how we care for a loved one who will be cremated . The first thing to understand is that no cremation can take place in Pennsylvania until 24 hours has passed from the time of
death . Second , a death certificate must be issued by a physician , medical examiner or coroner . Then the cremation is authorized by the county medical examiner or coroner . Finally the death certificate and disposition permit are filed with a vital records register . Oftentimes , a simple cremation can take a few days to occur .
It is also crucial for families to understand that during this time we hold the deceased at our facility in a simple cremation container and can provide refrigeration services if necessary . When the cremation is authorized and ready to take place , we as a funeral home make an appointment at the crematory and personally witness the process . To some this may sound uncomfortable , but to our family , it is providing peace of mind that everything is done correctly and assurances to families that we are treating their loved one with the same care and respect we would want to be treated with . For those families who have a viewing or church service and cremation is to occur after that , we again make an appointment and go through the same procedure and witnessing . Typically the cremains are available the following day . It is standard that they are returned in a simple plastic urn .
Concerning pricing for a simple or direct cremation , it really varies in our area . You can get the service for under $ 1,000 or over $ 3,000 . Every funeral home must provide you with pricing via phone or in person for services . If you are thinking of a simple cremation , I highly recommend you not only compare prices , but ask about how your loved one will be cared for and held during the time the paperwork is completed . Will staff witness the beginning of the cremation process , and does custody paperwork exist that outlines when all of this occurs ? Pricing for cremations that include viewings and services also varies greatly . In Pennsylvania , only a licensed funeral director can provide you with these services . Take the time to talk to a funeral director and ask what is included in the pricing . As with any purchase in life , sometimes you get what you pay for . At Sperling Funeral Home , our family meticulously cares for each loved one we are honored to serve . We work under the Golden Rule : “ Treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves .” For our family , it is serving you , as if you are a part of our own family .
If you have questions about us or our services please feel free to call or email us . You can also learn more about our family and services by visiting www . sperlingfuneral . com
Sperling Funeral Home , Inc .
700 Blazier Dr . • Wexford , PA 15090 Jarett D . Sperling , Supervisor 724.933.9200
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