If you have a family member who is preplanning his or her own funeral arrangements and has asked for a direct cremation, there are a number of things that you'll need to do in advance. Direct cremation is an approach that many families favor — it's cost effective to deal directly with the crematorium, rather than use a middleman. However, this also means that you'll need to do some legwork yourself. Here are a few things that you'll want to do in advance.
Find Out Which Crematoriums Can Offer Direct Cremation
When you're relying on help from funeral home staff to have a loved one cremated, you don't need to know which crematorium is used. However, if your loved one has asked for direct cremation, you'll need to scout out the crematorium yourself. Do an online search of the crematoriums in your community and find out which can offer direct cremations. This information will customarily be displayed on each business's website, but you may need to call some crematoriums if the information isn't evident.
Visit Some Local Crematoriums
While you'll want to find out how much direct cremation costs through each crematorium, price isn't the only factor to consider. It's also a good idea to visit each crematorium on your list to evaluate which one will best suit your needs. There are a number of different things that you can evaluate during your visits, including the respectful manner in which you're treated, the on-site amenities for families (such as a proper viewing room), and the overall cleanliness of the facility. You may not simply be able to drop in to conduct your evaluation, as the crematorium may be in use and there may be a family visiting; instead, it's helpful to schedule a visit.
Figure Out What You Need To Do After Death
When you're going through a funeral home and a loved one dies, you simply need to call the funeral home. However, when you're opting for direct cremation, you'll need to call the crematorium directly. Once you've selected what business you'll use, make sure that you're clear about your duties after the person's death. Some crematoriums will give you a list of things to do, while others will simply ask you to call them so that they can assist you. Generally, you'll need to call promptly, even during the night, to arrange the transportation of your loved one's body to the crematorium.
For more information, contact a company like Cremation Services By The Sea.