Harwood Home for Funerals & Cremation Services

What is Cremation, and Why is it Becoming the New Normal?

Cremation is a dignified and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional burial. It's a process that reduces the body to its basic elements, leaving behind a small amount of ashes that can be memorialized in a variety of ways. With cremation rates on the rise, it's clear that people are seeking a more modern, flexible, and eco-friendly approach to saying goodbye.

By choosing cremation, you're not only reducing your carbon footprint but also opening up a world of possibilities for memorialization. From scattering gardens to personalized urns, the options are endless. At Harwood Home, we're dedicated to guiding you through the cremation process, ensuring that every step is tailored to your unique needs and preferences.

The Benefits of Cremation: Why it's the Perfect Choice for Modern Families

Cremation offers a multitude of benefits that make it an attractive option for families seeking a more contemporary approach to funeral services. Here are just a few reasons why cremation is becoming the new normal:

• Environmental Sustainability: Cremation reduces the environmental impact of traditional burials, which can contribute to land degradation, resource depletion, and pollution.
• Cost-Effective: Cremation services are often more affordable than traditional burials, making it a budget-friendly option for families.
• Flexibility and Versatility: Cremation allows for a wide range of memorialization options, from traditional urns to scattering gardens, and even jewelry made from ashes.
• Personalization: Cremation enables families to create a truly personalized farewell, tailored to their loved one's personality, interests, and values.

At Harwood Home, we're committed to providing cremation services that not only honor your loved one but also respect the planet and your family's unique needs.

The Cremation Process: What to Expect

We understand that the cremation process can be unfamiliar, which is why we're dedicated to walking you through every step. Here's what you can expect:

1. Initial Arrangements: Our compassionate team will guide you through the initial arrangements, including paperwork, permits, and logistics.
2. Preparation and Care: We'll prepare your loved one with dignity and respect, ensuring they're treated with the utmost care throughout the process.
3. Cremation: Our state-of-the-art cremation equipment ensures a safe, efficient, and respectful process.
4. Return of Ashes: We'll return the ashes to you in an urn of your choice, along with a certificate of cremation.
5. Memorialization: Our team will help you explore the many options for memorializing your loved one, from traditional urns to unique keepsakes.

At Harwood Home, we're dedicated to making the cremation process as smooth and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on celebrating your loved one's life.

Our Eco-Friendly Approach to Cremation

At Harwood Home, we're committed to reducing our environmental footprint, while still providing exceptional cremation services. Here are some ways we're making a difference:

• Energy Efficiency: Our cremation equipment is designed to minimize energy consumption, reducing our carbon footprint.
• Sustainable Practices: We've implemented sustainable practices throughout our facility, from recycling to reducing waste.
• Eco-Friendly Urns: We offer a range of eco-friendly urns made from biodegradable materials, ensuring that even the smallest details are sustainable.

By choosing Harwood Home, you're not only honoring your loved one but also supporting a more environmentally conscious approach to funeral services.

Resources and Community Support: Your Next Steps

Losing a loved one can be overwhelming, which is why we're dedicated to providing resources and community support to help you navigate the grieving process. Here are some ways we can help:

• Grief Counseling: Our team offers complimentary grief counseling sessions to help you cope with your loss.
• Support Groups: We host regular support groups, providing a safe space to connect with others who have experienced a similar loss.
• Online Resources: Our website features a range of online resources, from grief blogs to memorialization tips, to help you navigate the healing process.

At Harwood Home, we're committed to supporting you every step of the way, from the initial arrangements to the grieving process and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions: Your Cremation Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about cremation, answered by our expert team:

1. What happens to the ashes after cremation?

The ashes are returned to you in an urn of your choice, along with a certificate of cremation. You can then choose to scatter, bury, or keep the ashes in a memorialization vessel.

2. Is cremation a religiously acceptable option?

Cremation is widely accepted by most religions, although some may have specific guidelines or restrictions. Our team can help you navigate any religious requirements or preferences.

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

Absolutely! Cremation doesn't mean you can't have a funeral or memorial service. We can help you plan a personalized service that honors your loved one's life.

4. How long does the cremation process take?

The cremation process typically takes 2-3 hours, although this may vary depending on the individual's size and the type of cremation equipment used.

5. Can I witness the cremation process?

Yes, we offer a private viewing area where you can witness the cremation process, if desired. Please note that this is a private and dignified experience, and we ask that you respect the process.