Elkhart Cremation Services

What is Cremation, and How Does it Work?

Cremation is a dignified and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial. The process involves exposing the body to high temperatures, typically between 1400°C to 1800°C, to reduce it to its basic elements. This leaves behind a few pounds of cremated remains, which can be returned to the family in an urn.

The cremation process typically takes a few hours, and it's often performed in a crematory or a funeral home with a cremation facility. The entire process is carefully monitored to ensure that the highest standards of dignity and respect are maintained.

The Benefits of Cremation

Cremation offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for many families. Here are a few:

• Environmental Benefits: Cremation is a more eco-friendly option than traditional burial, as it doesn't require the use of land, embalming fluids, or resources like wood and metal.
• Cost-Effective: Cremation can be a more affordable option than traditional burial, with costs ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the services chosen.
• Flexibility: Cremation allows families to plan a memorial service or celebration of life at a later date, giving them time to grieve and reflect on their loss.
• Personalization: Cremation offers a range of options for personalizing the service, from customized urns to unique memorialization ideas.

Cremation Options: What's Right for You?

When it comes to cremation, there are several options to consider. Here are a few:

Direct Cremation

Direct cremation is the simplest and most affordable option, where the body is cremated without a viewing or funeral service.

Cremation with a Memorial Service

This option includes a memorial service, where the family can say goodbye and celebrate the life of their loved one.

Cremation with a Funeral Service

This option includes a traditional funeral service, followed by cremation.

Green Cremation

Green cremation is an eco-friendly option that uses a water-based process to reduce the body to its basic elements.

What to Do with Cremated Remains

Once the cremation process is complete, the family is left with the cremated remains. Here are a few options to consider:

• Urn Burial: Bury the urn in a cemetery or a designated burial ground.
• Scattering: Scatter the cremated remains in a special location, such as a park, beach, or mountain.
• Keeping the Urn: Keep the urn at home, in a special place, or with a family member.
• Memorialization: Use the cremated remains to create a memorial, such as a tree, bench, or piece of jewelry.

Planning Ahead: Pre-Arrangement Options

Planning ahead can help alleviate the emotional and financial burden on your loved ones. Here are a few pre-arrangement options to consider:

• Pre-Paid Cremation: Pay for the cremation services in advance, ensuring that your wishes are respected and your family is protected from rising costs.
• Cremation Insurance: Purchase a life insurance policy that covers the cost of cremation services.
• Pre-Planning: Discuss your wishes with a funeral home or cremation provider, and make arrangements in advance, without pre-paying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cremation

Here are some frequently asked questions about cremation:

1. Is cremation a safe process?

Yes, cremation is a safe and controlled process that's regulated by state and federal laws.

2. Can I still have a funeral or memorial service with cremation?

Yes, you can still have a funeral or memorial service with cremation. In fact, many families choose to have a service before or after the cremation process.

3. How do I know that I'm getting the right ashes back?

Crematories have strict procedures in place to ensure that the right ashes are returned to the family. This includes using identification tags and carefully tracking the cremation process.

4. Can I scatter the ashes in a special location?

Yes, you can scatter the ashes in a special location, but be sure to check local laws and regulations first.

Resources and Community Support: Your Next Steps

If you're considering cremation or have recently lost a loved one, here are some resources and community support options to consider:

• Cremation Associations: Organizations like the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) and the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) provide valuable resources and guidance on cremation.
• Grief Support Groups: Local grief support groups and online forums can provide a safe space to share your feelings and connect with others who have experienced a similar loss.
• Funeral Homes and Cremation Providers: Reach out to local funeral homes and cremation providers for guidance and support on the cremation process.