Mortuaries and cremation centers can be in the same physical location, but they function very differently. Mortuaries are less expensive than funeral homes and offer a more direct approach to dealing with the body after death, including a brief viewing for immediate family members and onsite cremation services.
This is because mortuaries focus on mortuary science rather than comfort or opulence.
Preparation of the Body
Preparing the body for a funeral is a process that carries significant cultural and religious significance. It is also an important step in the grieving process, helping individuals say their final farewells and gain closure. The role of morticians in this process is integral and requires a deep understanding of the physiological, anatomical, and emotional aspects involved.
In general, body preparation starts with washing and sanitizing the deceased. From there, the mortician may embalm the body (if requested), dress the body in a casket or shroud (in accordance with family requests or traditional funeral practices) and apply cosmetics to enhance appearance.
Many of these steps are based on the individual’s wishes, religious beliefs and culture. Morticians approach each task with sensitivity and compassion, ensuring that the body is prepared according to the individual’s final wishes. This is often a comforting and healing experience for families. Other steps in the process include arranging services, transporting the body and storing the remains for burial or cremation.
Autopsy
Autopsies are thorough surgical examinations of the body, inside and out. They document injuries, examine organs for signs of disease and determine the cause of death. An autopsy may be complete or limited depending on the circumstances. Most states allow people to opt out of an autopsy on religious grounds. However, most medical examiners still require an examination when it is needed to investigate a homicide or public health threat. The legal next-of-kin can request copies of the pathologist’s report from the hospital, for a fee.
In the course of an autopsy, special studies might be performed such as tissue culture for infectious diseases or chemical analysis to identify drug levels. Small samples of organs are often preserved in formalin for future examination, microscopy and archiving. The incisions made to perform the autopsy are sewn up by a forensic pathologist or diener, and they are not visible during an open casket funeral service. The cadaver’s clothes are replaced before the body is returned to the mortuary.
Burial or Cremation
When a loved one’s body is going to be interred or cremated, a mortuary helps with the final arrangements. This includes cooling the remains and keeping them refrigerated until they are retrieved by the funeral home.
The mortuary staff also ensures that the person’s identity is correctly confirmed through various checks and documentation. The body is then embalmed if it’s to be displayed for a viewing or other services, and this sanitizes and preserves the appearance of the body and restores a natural, peaceful look.
Burial is a more traditional option, and it’s favored by many Christians who believe in the resurrection of the body. It’s also the preferred option for some Jewish and Islamic families.
A funeral home typically offers a full range of services, including embalming, a meaningful funeral service and on-site burial or cremation. It can also help you with memorial products and a beautiful space for a memorable ceremony. Standalone morgues and mortuaries tend to only focus on autopsy, preparation and basic burial or cremation.
Memorial Services
Some people may have a negative perception of morticians because of the stigma attached to their profession, but that’s changing. This is due to an increased awareness and understanding of how important funeral directors are in the grieving process.
Generally, standalone morgues won’t have a funeral director and will only focus on cooling and preserving the body until it can be retrieved by family or transported to a funeral home. A mortuary that’s attached to a funeral home can provide full services, including embalming and a meaningful funeral or onsite burial and cremation.
In addition to funerals, memorial services are a popular way for families and friends to celebrate and honor the life of their loved one. A graveside service, which can be a standalone event or can follow a traditional funeral, is another option. With this type of memorial, the urn is present, and guests can pay their respects before the casket is lowered into the ground or into an urn niche within a columbarium.