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Mortuary is a place where bodies are stored temporarily. It is normally located within or adjacent to a hospital or medical center. A morgue is equipped with refrigerated drawer-like compartments where the bodies are stored until they can be identified and autopsied.

Many people use the term undertaker to describe a mortician, but this is a misleading euphemism. Morticians are experts in funeral science and are usually involved in preparing the body for burial or on-site cremation.

Services

Mortuaries offer a range of services, including embalming. This process is a necessary step in preparing the body for burial, and it can preserve the look of the deceased person for funerals or wakes. This service can also help families prepare a casket for burial. The process varies by tradition, but it typically involves dressing the body and adding items to the casket that the deceased person requested.

A mortuary can be located in a medical center or hospital, and it can be a separate facility from a funeral home. In addition to storing bodies, a mortuary may perform autopsies and embalming. Some mortuaries will also offer cremation services.

Some mortuaries will also provide funeral services, but they are usually less extensive than those offered by a traditional funeral home. In addition, a mortuary may also provide assistance with obtaining death certificates and other documentation. Other services offered by a mortuary include crime scene cleanup, casket transportation, and escorting the body to a destination.

Facilities

A mortuary is a controlled place that is refrigeration equipped and used to store human corpses until they can be positively identified, removed for autopsy, respectful burial or cremation. It is usually operated by a local government or the medical examiner and sometimes by funeral homes.

A modern mortuary has stainless-steel tables and refrigerators and is staffed with morticians. It may also have a viewing room, which is used for family members to mourn in privacy. A mortuary can also provide temporary or cosmetic embalming, which improves the appearance of a body and allows it to be viewed for a memorial service. However, this service is not available in all cultures.

In the event of a disaster, mortuary facilities can be supplemented by Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams (DMORTs), who work to recover, decontaminate, examine and identify bodies in a dignified and respectful manner. This can help families, friends and communities find closure after a tragic loss.

Staff

Depending on the funeral home, the mortuary staff can include funeral directors, embalmers, and pathologists. They are responsible for preparing and storing the bodies of deceased persons. They also perform autopsies and arrange funeral services. Some mortuaries are open 24 hours a day to provide services for people who cannot wait until the next morning.

In addition to their hands-on training, students in mortician and funeral service programs receive classroom instruction in subjects like grief counseling, business law, and funeral service etiquette. Some mortuary schools even offer a bachelor’s degree in funeral service or mortuary science.

Upon graduation, most funeral service workers participate in an apprenticeship. This internship can last up to two years and provides hands-on experience working in a funeral home. Typically, the apprentice works under the supervision of a licensed funeral director. Some of these apprenticeships are conducted at local mortuaries, which can be a convenient option for many families. Other apprenticeships are arranged through mortuary schools.

Costs

Although some people believe mortuaries are more expensive than funeral homes, the truth is that they are not. The reason why mortuaries cost less is because they offer only the necessary services like identifying, embalming, and transporting a body. Funeral homes, on the other hand, offer additional services, like preparing the body for burial or cremation.

Most adults have seen depictions of morgues in movies and TV, but these images don’t represent the true purpose of a mortuary. Most morgues are refrigerated drawer-like compartments where bodies are kept temporarily until they can be buried or cremated. These facilities are often located in hospitals, medical centers, and retirement care or hospice care facilities.

In addition to storing the remains, most mortuaries also embalm them to slow down decomposition and prepare them for viewings or visitations. This is especially important if the family wants to hold a memorial service or a wake. While a morgue can provide viewing spaces, they are usually small and compact, which makes them unsuitable for families and large groups.

A graveyard is a place where people are buried. It is usually a churchyard, and it may be owned by a church or an independent site. It also contains headstones and tombs.

In the past, people were buried close to the church where they were members. This area was called the churchyard. Eventually, this area became too full, and new burial grounds appeared, called cemeteries.

It is a place where people are buried

In the past, people were often buried close to their place of worship. The wealthy and noble were buried in crypts within the church itself, while less-wealthy congregants were buried in the churchyard. As the population increased, these churchyards began to fill up, so new burial sites, called cemeteries, were established.

The word graveyard is also used to refer to the area of land where people are buried, as well as to the gravestones and monuments that surround them. Sailors often call the shift from midnight to 4:00 AM the graveyard watch because it’s a long, dark, silent night.

Many people are hesitant to use the term cemetery, but it is the more appropriate word for a large burial ground. In fact, the word cemetery is an older one than graveyard. Its origins are rooted in the Greek word koimeterion, meaning “dormitory, resting place.” Cemeteries are usually located away from the city, which allows more space for burials.

It is a cemetery

Despite the fact that people often use the words graveyard and cemetery interchangeably, they are different. While both are sites where people are buried, a graveyard is generally attached to a church and a cemetery may not be. A cemetery is also usually much larger than a graveyard, as it is not restricted to a single section of land.

During the Middle Ages, wealthy or influential Christians were generally interred inside the church, often in a crypt, while less well-off congregants were buried outside in the churchyard. As the population grew and church-affiliated graveyards became full, completely new places for burying people appeared, independent of graveyards. These new locations were called cemeteries.

The etymology of these two terms is interesting. The word ‘graveyard’ comes from the French cimetiere, which in turn derives from the Greek koimeterion. This shows that the two words have a very similar origin. Nevertheless, it is important to distinguish between the two.

It is owned by a church

The word graveyard and cemetery have similar meanings, but the difference lies in their association with a church. A graveyard is run by a church and located on its grounds or campus, while a cemetery is not associated with any particular church. The distinction is important because it’s common to see homes decorated with fake tombstones and ghosts for Halloween. This is a form of respect for the dead.

During the Middle Ages, only the most wealthy or influential Christians were interred inside churches, in a crypt beneath the floor. Less wealthy congregants were buried in a section of the churchyard, which came to be called the graveyard.

As populations grew, church graveyards began to fill up. This prompted the creation of new burial sites, independent of churches, which became known as cemeteries. The word ‘cemetery’ comes from the Greek koimeterion, or “sleeping place.” Early Christians believed that the body was just a sleeping place for the soul until the resurrection.

Cemeteries should be beautiful, thoughtfully designed landscapes that connect with communities. The LA Group has a proven track record of bringing intuitive and dignified design to national and state veterans cemeteries.

Space efficient columbarium walls provide burial capacity and fit seamlessly into historic cemetery landscapes.

Upfront improvements save money in the long run, from transitioning asphalt roadways to permeable surfaces to planting native grasses that require less mowing.

Master Plan

A cemetery master plan is the foundation for a long term strategy. It allows for the identification of short and long term needs for a cemetery(s), maps out an overall strategy and goals, and provides a logical and realistic implementation plan for a variety of projects based on need. The master plan also helps to optimize land utilization and improve the overall aesthetic of a cemetery.

Cemetery needs identified in the report were combined with a site inventory to formulate a high level concept plan that included a pavilion, a scattering garden for cremains, a mausoleum expansion and viewpoints. These additional burial options increase interment opportunities and provide new choices for families.

The primary entry to the cemetery is a paved drive lined by stone walls on both sides. Overgrown ‘Burning Bush’ shrubs block visibility and inhibit vehicular and pedestrian circulation. These areas were redesigned with a combination of horticulture, walls and paving to create a more welcoming entryway for visitors.

Landscape and Architecture

A cemetery is a delicate space where one bids their loved ones farewell. The landscape and architecture of a cemetery should be designed to be aesthetically pleasing and sensitive. This way, people can visit the cemetery without feeling sad or anxious.

To do this, the cemetery must have scenic vistas, water features, and natural or artificial ponds. This creates a serene atmosphere and attracts wildlife. It also improves the overall aesthetic of the cemetery and increases its marketability.

A cemetery is not only a place for burial, but also for remembrance and healing. The new design of a cemetery is more than just a graveyard; it celebrates life, family, heritage, and individuality, all within a shared community. This requires a different kind of know-how. This is where a good architect and designer come in. During the planning stage, they perform analysis and programming to understand the cemetery’s needs. This helps them to develop a master plan that is based on long term goals.

Accessibility

The ability to walk and move around is vital for people’s experience with a cemetery. With sensitivity to the primarily sacred nature of cemeteries, paths must be designed to accommodate a variety of personal mobility needs while minimizing barriers in areas of common travel.

With the popularity of cremation, many cemeteries now provide columbarium walls, where urns can be stored within a wall of niches. These are typically much more space efficient than burial plots. They are also a way to make the cemetery more attractive, and they allow families to purchase and reserve a place for their loved ones’ cremated remains.

Mourners often leave flowers on the columbarium walls. Some of the newer designs take this into consideration and include a clip beside each plaque for a single or small posy. These clips are designed to quickly and easily detach so the flowers can be taken down and disposed of at a later time, without causing any maintenance problems.

Signage

Providing appropriate and effective signage is a key element of cemetery design. Signs help visitors understand the rules of a burial ground and encourage respect. They also set the tone of the place and provide a sense of order and calm.

Directional road signs directing drivers to heritage sites are an important part of the overall wayfinding system, helping people decide where to go and what route to take. Moreover, they may be the only indication of the presence of a site for many travelers, who may not have heard of or read about it beforehand.

Cemetery and memorial park entrance signs need to be clear and simple for visitors to use, and to meet high quality standards for fabrication, assembly and installation. They must also be robust and vandal-proof. Similarly, directional pedestrian signs are required at Jewish cemeteries and mass grave sites in western Ukraine. These typically follow the national standard for sign size, corner radii and arrow shape, but replace the standard blue coloring with a symbol that represents Jewish heritage (such as rounded headstone silhouette or the common Hebrew epitaph abbreviation “Here Lies”). Other types of informational signs also need to be developed and incorporated into projects.

A cemetery is a manmade landscape that contains the burial grounds of deceased people. It may contain graves, memorials or plaques.

A graveyard can tell us much about the past including a region’s ethnicities, lifestyles and historical events. Acute observation and careful detective work can reveal clues such as names, dates, designs and inscriptions on grave markers.

Definition

A cemetery (also known as a graveyard or burial ground) is land set aside for the interment of dead people. A cemetery may be designed to reflect the religion, culture, beliefs and habits of the buried individuals.

The term graveyard tends to evoke images of old churchyards with older tombstones scattered about in a disorganized manner, while cemetery suggests something much larger and more modern. This is because cemetery became a common name when the need for new burial grounds outside of churches was needed due to church graveyards filling up.

Modern cemeteries typically provide for the sale of physical burial rights (plots, crypts or niches), the opening and closing of graves and the ongoing maintenance of the cemetery property. They also offer a variety of services for the memorialization of the deceased through monuments, headstones and markers. Many also have a columbaria wall which provides for the inurnment of cremated remains. Depending on the cemetery, these can be quite elaborate in design and expensive.

History

As population growth accelerated church graveyards filled up. New independent sites called cemeteries were established a bit away from town or city centers to allow for more burials.

The emergence of the rural cemetery movement in America around 1831 also contributed to changes at many cemeteries. This was a time when the concept of state- rather than church- controlled cemeteries took hold.

Graves were marked more and more with permanent memorialization, which included the name of the deceased as well as a symbol or phrase of remembrance. This was often in the form of a rose, for example.

Historically, cemetery grounds have been considered holy ground. This may have had to do with religious beliefs or the idea that a soul was leaving the body for the afterlife. Many people also believed that the spirits of the dead hung out in the cemetery, and they could be seen at night time roaming the grounds. Superstition and legend also surrounded graveyards as being places where sorcerers and witches went to get skulls and bones for their spells.

Locations

The location of a cemetery tells you a lot about the culture that built it. For example, in the early American colonies, people often bought land specifically to have it be their family’s cemetery. This was based on the widespread belief that ties of kinship continue beyond death.

The shape and design of tombstones are also clues to the history of a cemetery. Many tombstones have inscriptions that reveal the names and dates of those interred in a particular graveyard.

To physically manage the space used by burial plots, and to record their locations in the burial register, most cemeteries have a systematic layout of grave sites in rows or sections. This information is usually displayed on a cemetery burial plot map, which helps both the cemetery staff and those trying to locate a specific grave within the cemetery.

Types

When a person dies, they can be interred in one of the 4 main types of cemetery. These include public cemeteries, private cemeteries, family cemeteries and mass graves. Public cemeteries are typically owned by a municipality and have plots that are available to the general public for purchase. They also offer more services than private cemeteries.

Family cemetery: This type of cemetery has small areas for families to be buried together. These may have a single headstone with the family name engraved on it to mark the area and then smaller headstones for each individual member of the family that is buried there.

Churchyard cemetery: This type of cemetery is associated with a church and was historically reserved for members of the congregation. These are generally not as large as the garden cemetery. The term cemetery is the modern word used to describe this type of burial ground, but the older word is still sometimes used, especially in Europe where churchyards are often very full.

The aptly named Memorial Park is the site of a collection of monuments dedicated to all men and women from Douglas County who served in the armed forces. It is framed by an open green hill designed for relaxation and play.

Cultural landscape research revealed an original ovoid formal path on the east side of the park. This inspired the design of a high loose canopy, grass for passive recreation and woodland walks framed by concentric elliptical paths.

What is a Memorial Park?

Memorial parks are a more recent type of cemetery that focuses on preserving the natural beauty of its surroundings. They use dignified flat flush monuments lying on landscaped plots and are surrounded by man made water fountains, gardens and flowering beds. Unlike traditional cemeteries, which often have upright monuments, memorial parks make it easy for people to walk around and enjoy the beauty of the place.

These facilities allow for a more open and uplifting setting where families can come together and celebrate life rather than mourn death. This helps the grieving process and provides a more serene environment for reflection.

A memorial park is also a great choice for those who want to be buried in a beautiful natural setting. This is a much more peaceful option than a traditional cemetery, and it can also help to prevent the degradation of the surrounding environment. This is particularly important in areas where the graveyard is surrounded by buildings or other forms of pollution.

Memorial Parks are a type of cemetery.

A memorial park is a type of cemetery that provides a more natural setting in which to honor loved ones who have passed away. They offer a more extensive range of options for families than traditional cemeteries, including the choice of graves and niches as well as urn burials. They are also more likely to be designed and operated by private institutions or companies.

The grounds of a memorial park are generally more beautifully landscaped and open than traditional cemeteries. Dignified flat engraved markers are laid out in carefully planned plots in an environment that is both serene and welcoming to family members and visitors.

The park-like atmosphere of a memorial park is a welcome change from the more clinical feel of traditional cemeteries. It sets the tone for services that are less about mourning and more about celebrating a life well lived. The parks often feature a variety of landscape features such as man-made water fountains, shade trees and flowering gardens.

Memorial Parks are a place to remember.

Memorial parks are an attractive and relaxing setting where people can gather to remember the lives of those who have passed. These parks are designed to be aesthetically pleasing, with a variety of features including man made water fountains, various types of trees that provide shade and beauty, and gardens that are adorned with colorful flowering plants.

Many memorial parks also incorporate technology into their design. Using advanced software, memorial parks can allow families to set up a page where they can upload their loved one’s obituary, memories, and life story. This information can then be shared with family and friends.

The Alliance Memorial Park Project Committee is working to place monuments at the cemetery in honor of veterans from each conflict America has been involved with. The campaign is being spearheaded by Alliance Mayor Alan Andreani and Sid Zufall, a member of the city’s Hometown Heroes Committee. Donations by check can be sent to the Greater Alliance Foundation with “Memorial Parks Monument” written on the memo line.

Memorial Parks are a place to celebrate.

Memorial parks have open, beautifully landscaped settings that create a backdrop for services that are less about mourning and more about life celebration. These expansive and inviting spaces set people at ease, making it easy for families to form new traditions of life-long gatherings. The design and layout of these sites are carefully planned with variations in elegant mausoleum designs and a wide range of trees, shrubs, flowers and other plantings.

The Village of Mineola’s Memorial Park honors all those who served our nation and was the site of one of Long Island’s most beautiful September 11th memorials. It also houses a Veterans Memorial, as well as a Memorial Park Pool and Complex.

It’s also a great place to bring your tuchos for some Tappan Zee gazing, or just hang out with the fam for an afternoon. The best part is that it almost always seems open, and the lights stay on even after sundown.

The funeral industry is tightly regulated and is subject to numerous rules and regulations. Many of these are aimed at promoting consumer protection and safety.

The Rule requires you to give consumers your General Price List (GPL) and other important disclosures. You also must offer a non-declinable basic services fee that covers the principal professional services of your staff and funeral directors.

Licensing requirements

The Division establishes qualifications for professions and occupations in the death care industry, oversees licensed funeral directors and embalmers, regulates preneed sales and other death care-related activities, and conducts investigations of consumer/provider complaints. It also provides licensure and registration to funeral firms, licenses cemeteries and their grounds, and inspects mortuary schools and their facilities.

Licensing requirements vary from state to state, and can also differ for funeral directors and embalmers. These requirements include education, training, and experience. Some states also require specific courses, and some may even require an apprenticeship to be a funeral director or embalmer.

Funeral providers are defined as any person who markets both funeral goods and services. The Rule requires that all funeral providers give out a General Price List to any consumer who requests it. This is required whether you discuss prices and arrangements face-to-face or over the telephone or through mail. Some funeral providers enter into agreements with government agencies to offer special package funeral arrangements to indigent persons (or other persons entitled to a government benefit). You must still follow the Rule and provide a GPL to these qualifying consumers, however.

Education requirements

In order to become a funeral director, an individual must complete a mortuary college course. This requires two years of academic work and a one-year internship with a funeral home. A person must also pass a state exam to become licensed.

In addition to mortuary science courses, many programs require general education classes that help prepare students for the responsibilities of running a business and communicating with the bereaved. Some colleges also offer scholarships to high school students who are interested in becoming morticians.

The requirements for obtaining a license as a mortician vary from state to state, but the minimum requirement is an associate degree in mortuary science or funeral service. A program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education is a good option, and the organization offers scholarships to students in its programs. Other sources of financial assistance include local, state and national funeral director associations. In addition, a student can apply for the federally funded Pell Grant to help cover tuition costs.

Experience requirements

The funeral service profession is not for everyone. However, it can be a rewarding career for those who enjoy helping people through difficult times. High school students who are interested in a career as morticians or funeral directors should consider gaining experience by working at a local mortuary or completing an apprenticeship. These opportunities can help prepare them for the National Board Examination and give them the hands-on training they need to succeed in their careers.

A funeral director must have business acumen and be able to handle multiple tasks at once. They also must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to handle stressful situations with grace. In addition, they must be able to provide their clients with a variety of options and answer questions about costs and funeral planning.

In order to become a licensed funeral director in New Jersey, you must meet the following requirements: Complete an American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) accredited mortuary college program and pass a state and national board exam. You must also complete an apprenticeship and have a minimum of one year of experience in a licensed funeral establishment.

Fees

A funeral is a stressful time for families, and the costs associated with a funeral can add up quickly. By understanding the fees associated with funerals, you can make informed decisions that align with your budget and wishes.

The Funeral Rule requires that you offer a General Price List to consumers who request it, whether they are making pre-need or at-need arrangements. This includes people who call or write to inquire about your services or visit your facility.

This fee should cover services that are common to virtually all forms of disposition or arrangement that you offer, such as conducting an arrangements conference, acquiring necessary permits and death certificates, preparing notices, sheltering the remains, and coordinating the funeral ceremony with a cemetery or crematory. It does not include charges for optional goods or services such as a casket, outer burial container, or memorial service.

The Rule requires that you inform consumers of the cost of a casket or other containers and whether embalming is required. You must also disclose if cash advance items are refundable, discounted, or rebated by the supplier.

When a loved one dies, families are often confronted with dozens of decisions under great emotional duress. These decisions include whether the deceased will be buried or cremated, and the type of funeral service to be held.

The Board licenses and regulates funeral establishments, funeral directors, embalmers and apprentice embalmers; funeral service interns; cemetery brokers, salespersons and managers; and crematory establishments. The Board also investigates complaints against these professionals.

Licensing

The Board regulates the licensing of Funeral Directors, funeral establishments and cremation establishments and investigates complaints against them. The Board also provides educational opportunities and promotes professional standards through its rules and regulations. For more information, select Laws & Regulations from the menu on the left.

If you have a question or need assistance, please contact the Board office. It is recommended that you call before you visit, so that we may be able to assist you at the time of your arrival.

Beware of impersonators claiming to represent the Board. These individuals often communicate via phone and demand personal information or payment of fines. The Board has issued a warning about these individuals and their actions. Access the warning here. The Board has updated its license lookup feature and now offers it in real time. This service is free to the public and is available 24/7. You can check a funeral director or embalmer’s license by visiting our License Lookup page.

Education

Those interested in entering the funeral service profession must have a strong desire to help people at one of the most emotional times of their lives. They must also feel comfortable interacting with grieving families, understand the meaning of death and be willing to work an unpredictable schedule including nights, weekends and holidays.

Education programs are available at colleges and universities across the nation. Students in these programs learn the technical skills required in the funeral profession such as embalming, restorative art, funeral directing and the psychology of grief. They must pass national and state licensure exams before they can work in a funeral establishment.

The ABFSE is the only nationally recognized accrediting agency for college and university programs in mortuary science and funeral service education. Students who graduate from an accredited program can apply to take the National Board Examination sponsored by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. The Examination is composed of two sections: the arts and sciences.

Training

The funeral industry is highly regulated and requires specialized training and certification. Students seeking to become funeral directors, embalmers or undertakers should contact their state licensing boards for education and licensing requirements.

The Board establishes qualifications for professions and occupations involved in death care, licenses establishments, funeral homes, embalming services and reduction facilities, and oversees the sale of preneed funeral arrangements and cemetery improvements and grounds. It also regulates funeral directors, embalmers, apprentices, and mortuary students and ensures consumer protection through proactive education and consistent interpretation and enforcement of the laws governing the industry.

Consumers shopping for a funeral have many decisions to make, particularly when choosing a casket. To assist consumers, the FTC has issued new guidance to help them make informed choices.

Experience

The funeral industry requires people with strong business acumen, because funeral homes often manage their own operations in addition to coordinating wakes and funerals. They must also be capable of handling large volumes of customers under stressful circumstances, including those who are grieving and often time-constrained.

In addition, they must provide information to help consumers choose the products and services they want for their deceased loved ones. This includes describing any product or service that is required by state law (such as embalming under specified conditions) and listing the price of any cash advance items such as flowers, obituary notices, pallbearer or clergy honoraria.

Many funeral service workers have interests in the Helping, Persuading and Organizing interest areas of the Holland Code framework. These characteristics help them to work well with the grieving public, which is one reason why funeral homes often offer grief support for survivors. Additionally, they must have the critical thinking skills necessary to assess a family’s wishes and make appropriate recommendations.

The death of a loved one can be a difficult thing to deal with. The body will need to be retrieved, transported and prepared for burial or cremation.

A mortuary is a department within a hospital that specializes in storing the bodies of those who have died. It also performs autopsies and embalming services.

Types

Mortuary equipment is essential for preserving the bodies of the deceased until they can be transported to funeral homes or cemeteries. It is also used in hospitals for autopsies and embalming purposes. The equipment can be classified into several types according to its function. These include trolleys, refrigeration units, cadaver lifting trolleys, autopsy platforms and equipment, dissection tables, and embalming workstations.

The global market for mortuary equipment is growing rapidly due to the high mortality rate from coronavirus, increasing hospital morgues and private morgues, and technological advancements. Many of the top players in this industry are based in North America and offer a variety of products to meet the needs of different hospitals and morgues.

The largest segment in the mortuary equipment market is refrigeration units. These units can be purchased in a range of sizes, from small units for infant cadavers to larger ones for adults. These units are also available in a number of finishes, from stainless steel to brushed brass.

Functions

A mortuary is where a dead body can be kept while awaiting identification, post-mortem examination or interment. It also houses a cold chamber where the deceased can be stored until family or funeral homes take them for burial.

Pathologists staff hospital morgues and perform autopsies to confirm the cause of death. They may also examine the organs for signs of disease progression. They can also replace natural bodily fluids with embalming liquid and add makeup, style hair and polish fingernails.

A mortician is a person who works in a mortuary and prepares bodies for memorial services and burial. They wash the body, massage it to relax the muscles and disinfect it with a solution that removes any potential germs. They can then close the eyes and mouth using a cap or with a specific type of glue. They can even use plastic ‘formers’ that go inside the mouth to give a more natural expression. They might also use a sharps container for any medical equipment that offers a piercing hazard.

Equipment

Mortuary cabinets are used to store cadavers at hospitals that are waiting for removal for burial or autopsy. They are made of stainless steel and have insulated panels to prevent the cadaver from decomposition. They also have a door that opens and closes automatically. They are available in different sizes and designs to meet the needs of hospitals.

Another piece of equipment found at a mortuary is the embalming unit. This is where the corpses are embalmed and prepared for funerals. The process involves washing the body, massaging it and closing its eyes with plastic ‘formers’ or by using special glue. Some morticians may also reconstruct the face of the deceased to give it a more natural appearance.

The equipment at a mortuary may include sharps containers, which are used to dispose of any medical items that pose a piercing risk to staff. These containers can be taken away by medical waste contractors. Depending on the facility, they may also have a geiger counter to monitor radiation levels.

Staff

Usually employed at funeral homes, morticians prepare a deceased person for his or her final resting place by embalming and cosmetically enhancing it. They also take samples of skin and fluids from the body for further analysis by the coroner or pathologist, clean up the autopsy area, and prepare reports on each case.

They arrange funeral or cremation services, meet with clients to explain pricing and options, and assist in transporting the body. They must be stoic and empathetic, as they often work with families in a very sensitive time.

A high school diploma is typically required for this position and some people choose to enroll in a funeral service or mortuary science program to learn the basics of this career and prepare for a job as an embalmer or funeral director. Those who choose this profession find it very rewarding, as they know that they can make a difference in the lives of grieving family members during this difficult time.

A graveyard is a section of land where people are buried. It’s often associated with churches, and it may be a public cemetery.

Graveyards usually have a system of organization so that graves can be found easily by friends and family members. They also usually employ skilled personnel to dig graves.

Churchyards

Churchyard is a patch of land adjoining a church, usually used as a graveyard. Not all churches have a churchyard, but most do. Churchyards are fenced areas where people can be buried when they die.

Often, they are used for the burial of people who can’t afford to be buried in a cemetery or whose religion doesn’t allow them to be buried outside the church. They can also be used for outdoor religious services such as funerals, processions and stations of the cross.

They can also be used as a space for nature and for people to explore history and heritage. For example, churchyards can be home to a rich variety of trees and plants, including some that are classed as sites of special scientific interest. Many of these have survived because churchyards generally have been managed in a different way to the rest of the countryside and are protected from chemicals that would harm them elsewhere.

Cemeteries

Unlike churchyards, cemeteries are not affiliated with any particular religion. They are typically located outside of the city or town center and may be large sprawling landscapes or smaller, more modern family plots. They are also usually independent of any church or religious organization and can therefore accommodate people from a variety of beliefs.

In many places, burial grounds have been pushed out of the urban centers to make way for housing and other development. This is often a practical necessity because traditional burials use up space and can lead to groundwater contamination from decaying matter.

Some families visit their loved ones’ graves regularly, bringing picnic blankets and bourbon bottles to share a few quiet hours. Others celebrate their deceased relatives’ lives at reunions, holiday parties, or community events. And some take vacations to see their loved ones’ final resting places, according to author Loren Rhoads. She has written a book called “199 Cemeteries to See Before You Die.” Visits to cemeteries are a growing trend, she says.

Gravestones

A gravestone, tombstone, or headstone is a stele that memorializes the deceased and may have the person’s name, birth and death dates, and other information carved into it. It can also contain funerary art, such as stone relief or sculptural figures. It is often placed over the grave of a dead person and is one of the most common forms of funerary art.

Upright stone markers are less common these days, as they tend to deteriorate and fall over with time. Many modern tombstones are flat and ground level, made from granite or bronze. Painted lettering and designs have a very limited life span on these markers.

Geologically, gravestones are a great place to study the way different rock types weather over time. Granites in particular offer a chance to examine a wide range of minerals, including crystal structure and zoning in feldspars, flow structures, and xenoliths. The fact that gneisses and migmatites split easily into thin slabs offers further clues to the rock’s origins.

Columbariums

While the terms mausoleum and columbarium may sound similar, they serve different purposes. A mausoleum is a tomb or vault designed to house casketed remains while a columbarium is built specifically to store cremated urns. Typically, the two structures are not used together in the same location.

Like many other cemetery memorials, columbarium niches can be engraved with names, dates and other personalized inscriptions. They may also have vases for flower tributes and personal mementos. The interior of the structure is often made from stone, bronze or glass. Bronze and granite are the most common materials because they offer durability and a classic appearance.

Families looking for a unique way to store their loved one’s ashes may want to consider a columbarium. While it is not a traditional resting place, many people choose this option because of its convenience and beauty. In addition, it can be more affordable than a casket burial. It is also a good choice for families who plan to visit their loved ones regularly.

Cemeteries need to make a good impression from the outset, which starts with thoughtful planning and design. A cemetery’s landscape and architecture can communicate your message through color, shape and other design elements.

Harboring lands to avoid water runoff, planting trees for their beauty and the shade they provide and transitioning asphalt roads to permeable materials can save on costly maintenance.

Master Plan

Having a well-crafted master plan will help you to navigate the future of your cemetery. It will serve as a roadmap for your entire property and ensure that you are following best practices and taking into account any potential issues.

Hilton Landmarks is widely recognized for its design and consulting expertise with cemetery projects for municipal, religious, not-for-profit and private cemeteries across the United States and Canada. Our cemetery designers are skilled in balancing a sense of place and identity with site functionality, ultimately resulting in creative built results that respect on-going maintenance costs.

We work to develop modern burial sections that incorporate high end options like family mausoleums and private estate gardens, bench estates, scatter gardens and cremation niches. We take advantage of natural features such as streams, woodlands, hills, boulder outcrops and scenic vistas. Good design adds value and can increase revenues. For example, converting asphalt roads to permeable materials saves on costly repairs, and native grasses reduce chemical runoff and eliminate the need for fertilizers.

Landscape and Architecture

Cemetery landscapes must be beautiful and calming while still meeting the needs of visitors. This may include sidewalks and wheelchair-accessible paths throughout the property. It may also include a variety of plants and trees that are suited for the climate and site conditions. Proper drainage is another consideration. Drainage systems should be designed by a professional to ensure that water is redirected away from gravesites and buildings.

Cemetery architecture has evolved over the years to meet changing lifestyles and attitudes toward death. Modern cemeteries offer options such as multi-story columbariums, which provide niches for urns at half the price of a traditional stone grave. They may also offer scatter gardens to spread ashes in a natural setting.

The LA Group can help revitalize and expand community or historic cemeteries with master planning and implementation services. This can include consulting on financial options, opportunities for funding and volunteer development. This may also include community outreach efforts to generate interest and support for a project.

Lighting

Cemeteries are unique environments that require thoughtful consideration when designing. An Architect needs to be sensitive to the delicate space and provide a design that will ensure long term sustainability and stability of the environment.

The lighting of a cemetery is an important aspect in its design and must be carefully considered to ensure that the entire site is well lit. This will help to improve safety and security and make it easier for visitors to find their way around the cemetery.

Solar lights for graves are a great alternative to candles and can be used in a variety of ways. They are also much more durable and can last a lot longer than candles. They are made of high-quality materials that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. They can be mounted to a tombstone or other flat surface with a special adhesive. They also have a protective coating to avoid dust accumulation.

Signage

A cemetery’s signage communicates its mission and identity through directional signs, monument/headstone signage, informational maps, and other outdoor amenities. The right design shows the world what you stand for, makes people remember your brand, and helps potential customers understand if your product is right for them.

It’s also important that the Cemetery maintain its appearance by grading and ensuring proper drainage to avoid flooding and other site issues. Proper grading also helps ensure that a cemetery’s graves and monuments have enough space for expansion in the future.

The next step in the cemetery design process is to identify the types of memorialization and headstones that will be allowed on the grounds. Most cemeteries have a set of rules that govern the size, construction, and placement of memorials on their property. These restrictions may be cemetery wide or specific to a burial site. Depending on the cemetery, trained professionals like memorial counselors can assist with the memorial selection process to make sure personal expectations and specifications are met.