Most adults have seen a depiction of a mortuary in movies and television. They are refrigerated drawer-like compartments where the body of a recently deceased person is stored until identification and an autopsy.
Funeral homes and mortuaries offer similar services, but there are subtle differences that can make a difference to survivors. The main differences are scope of services and customer interaction.
Definition
A mortuary is a place where bodies are kept before burial or cremation. It is commonly found in hospitals or funeral homes. The word derives from the prefix’mort-‘ which means ‘death’ and is therefore closely associated with death.
Mortuaries are regulated by federal and state laws to ensure the respectful handling of deceased individuals. This includes ensuring the accuracy of information, providing transparency to consumers, and avoiding exploitative practices. Ethical considerations also play a role, as funeral service providers must balance their business interests with the ethical duty to serve families with compassion and integrity.
A morgue is a facility where the bodies of the deceased are held for viewing or transport. These are usually located within the hospital and staffed by medical professionals such as pathologists. It is also where autopsies are performed. A mortuary is similar to a morgue but it is primarily used for preparation of the body for funerals and burial.
Location
The morgue is usually located in hospitals and medical centers. This is where bodies are stored temporarily until they can be retrieved by the funeral home or coroner’s office. It is where autopsies are performed. In a mortuary, there are refrigerated drawer-like compartments where the bodies are stored.
Most people have seen a depiction of the inside of a mortuary in movies or TV shows. However, the depictions are not always accurate. In reality, the morgue is much more clinical in nature and not as warm or comforting as shown in the movies.
A mortuary also does not offer the same range of services that a funeral home would. In general, a funeral home is more adept at planning a memorial service, providing grief counseling, and helping families with burial arrangements. They may even have a chapel on-site where funeral or memorial services can take place. They are also more likely to offer cremation services.
Services
A mortuary offers a wide range of services, including embalming and cremation. Some mortuaries also offer a funeral home-style viewing and memorial services. However, most are more streamlined and direct in their approach to the process. This means they typically provide fewer amenities than a funeral home and may be more expensive.
Another difference is that a mortuary usually only offers on-site cremation, while a funeral home may be able to arrange for off-site cremation. This is important for families who want to keep their loved ones close to them after death.
The term “mortuary” is often misunderstood, but it’s a vital part of the funeral industry. By understanding what a mortuary does and doesn’t do, you can make better decisions for yourself and your family. Green Cremation Texas is happy to answer any questions you have about burials and cremation. We’re available 365 days a year to help you with all of your needs.
Cost
When you’re planning a funeral, it’s important to know the costs involved. A mortuary can help you understand what services are available and what they cost. They also follow regulations to ensure dignified treatment and health and safety standards are met.
There are many factors that determine the cost of a funeral, including casket and service fees. You may also need to pay for transporting the body or burial plot, a memorial service, and a gravesite fee. Additionally, you’ll need to pay for obituary notices and other legal or administrative fees.
Cremation services can be less expensive than funerals. However, they don’t offer as many options for viewing or memorial services. Additionally, the price of a cremation service depends on your location. For example, New York City has lower cremation prices than rural areas. Cremation is more affordable than a burial service, but you’ll still need to pay for the plot, grave marker and other services.