Mortuary science is a field of study that prepares individuals to become morticians and funeral directors. Students learn how to respectfully preserve and handle deceased bodies and how to support grieving families.
Many people assume that a mortuary is similar to a funeral home. However, this theory is flawed.
Preparing the Deceased for Farewell
Mortuaries serve as a physical and emotional space for grieving families to say their final farewells. They are staffed by compassionate individuals who take their work seriously and have an unwavering sense of responsibility. They are committed to respecting the wishes of those who have made pre-need arrangements and ensuring that religious or cultural traditions are observed if requested.
To prepare the deceased for viewing, the funeral director washes their face and hair, sutures any incisions and dries them. They then apply cosmetics to make their appearance look natural. They may use specialized mortuary makeup or regular makeup found in stores.
To embalm the body, they begin by making an incision on the deceased’s right side of the neck to access their carotid artery and jugular vein. They remove blood and replace it with a formaldehyde-based fluid.
Keeping Accurate Records
Whether they’re holding a body for viewing or performing cremation, funeral homes and mortuaries must keep accurate records for every body in their care. This is important for meeting legal requirements and providing transparency to customers during a difficult time. It also helps ensure that families receive services they can trust.
While mortuary law has some similarities to other legal fields like health and property, it is unique in its focus on the treatment and final disposition of human remains. This is an area of law that requires special expertise to navigate, including the ability to stay current on changing regulations and empathetically support grieving families.
Using a digital document management system can help funeral home and cemetery staff streamline record-keeping processes, reduce errors, and make documents easily accessible for their clients.
Supporting Families in Grief
Mortuary and funeral home staff members support grieving families by providing a safe and compassionate environment. They also offer education about grief, helping individuals understand and accept the loss of their loved one. They may also provide literature and host group support sessions.
Mortuaries and funeral homes must comply with state laws that govern their handling of deceased individuals. These laws cover everything from embalming to burial and cremation. They also address consumer protections like requirements for transparent pricing and written contracts.
Some states require that funeral directors and embalmers be licensed. Additionally, they must adhere to ethical standards that promote honesty and professionalism. They must also respect the wishes of deceased individuals and their families and avoid exploitative practices. This requires a careful balance of legal and moral obligations.
Meeting Legal Requirements
Mortuary law is a unique area of legal practice that involves the regulations and practices surrounding the handling, burial, cremation, and disposal of human remains. This specialized field of law focuses on the rights of families and their loved ones while also considering the health concerns and public safety issues.
This includes laws that address embalming, funeral homes, cemeteries, and crematories. It is crucial for mortuary professionals to understand and comply with these laws in order to serve their clients and the community well.
For example, the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule requires funeral providers to give consumers a General Price List (GPL) that they can keep. This GPL must include a basic services fee that covers overhead costs. It must be offered to anyone who asks about funeral goods and services or prices, including those making pre-need arrangements.
Engaging with the Community
Mortuaries serve a vital role in assisting families who are dealing with grief. They also provide education and support to the community on end-of-life issues, funeral arrangements and more. They also offer a variety of services that allow people to remember loved ones in their own unique way.
The terms morgue, mortuary and crematorium are often used interchangeably, which might explain why there’s some confusion around what these locations do. In addition to their core functions, many mortuaries offer viewing and funeral services and have on-site cremation facilities.
To help connect with local communities, mortuaries can host cemetery tours and other events at their facilities. They can also get involved with community outreach activities such as sponsoring a local charity run or participating in a cultural celebration.