Many people assume that mortuary and funeral home are synonymous, but a little bit of light research will reveal some important distinctions. For example, funeral homes offer more extensive services than mortuaries, including visitations, funerals and burials.
Regulations govern the handling, transportation and storage of bodies within a mortuary. The regulations ensure dignified treatment and compliance with health and safety standards.
Care of the Deceased
A patient’s death is a very emotional event, but nurses must be able to provide sensitive assistance and guidance. Nurses also play an important role in the care of a patient’s body after he or she has passed away.
For example, they might close the mouth and eyes gently to create a more peaceful appearance for family members who wish to spend time with their loved one. They might pad the chin with a clean sheet to prevent soiling of the face and neck area.
If a death occurs out of hours, they might contact the coroner or funeral director. They might verify that the person is dead and complete any necessary paperwork, such as a medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD). They may also arrange for transportation of the body.
Preparing the Deceased for Farewell
Many people may assume that funeral homes are the first point-of-contact for family members after a death, but mortuaries have their own important role to play. Both offer essential services, but mortuaries typically specialize in caring for the body until it is ready to be transferred to a funeral home for final arrangements.
This may include a viewing, casket selection and memorialization options like urns. It could also include arranging for transportation of the body to its final resting place.
A funeral director can help ensure that a loved one’s stated wishes are followed. They can make recommendations and explain options during this difficult time. They should also remain sensitive to the emotional needs of their clients. In addition, they should stay informed of new legal issues as they arise.
Keeping Accurate Records
Precise record-keeping is essential for numerous reasons. It promotes accountability, facilitates collaboration, supports strategic planning, and enables accurate financial management.
While the majority of LinkedIn poll takers voted that mortuary and funeral home are synonymous, there is a difference in their operations. Mortuaries are more bare-bones, often only offering a viewing space and cremation without full-scale memorialization services.
As a result, they are more focused on mortuary science and care for the body temporarily until it can be moved to a funeral home or buried in a cemetery. They also focus on reducing costs and keeping records up to date. Using software that is linked to your case management system and accounting can minimize the time between tracking expenses and reporting on them, saving you valuable resources.
Meeting Legal Requirements
Mortuary services are highly regulated, and each state sets its own standards for the handling of bodies and funerals. This includes rules about how long a body can be held, and who has the right to decide burial or cremation arrangements.
In addition, funeral homes must comply with contracts and legal agreements that they make with families when they arrange services. These contracts set out fees and responsibilities, including financial requirements for services and any memorialization items purchased.
Many people think that a mortuary and a crematorium are the same thing, but this isn’t true. In fact, some mortuaries like Green Cremation Texas offer full funeral services along with a crematorium, so it’s important to understand the difference between these types of facilities.
Engaging with the Community
Mortuary professionals are responsible for caring for the deceased and arranging end-of-life services. This is a challenging, but rewarding career for those who are ready for the work.
One of the best ways to recruit high-quality morticians and funeral directors is to get involved with your local community. Participate in events like fairs, parades and celebrations to promote your business and connect with potential clients.
You can also host educational sessions on end-of-life planning to provide support and knowledge to the community. By doing so, you can help people make informed decisions and ease the process of mourning. This can help reduce stress for both the deceased and their loved ones.