Mid Ohio Valley Cremation

What is Cremation, and How Does it Work?

Cremation is a dignified and environmentally friendly way to lay your loved one to rest. The process involves exposing the body to high temperatures, typically between 1400°F to 1800°F, to reduce it to its basic elements. This leaves behind a few pounds of cremated remains, often referred to as ashes or cremains.

There are two primary types of cremation: traditional cremation and alkaline hydrolysis. Traditional cremation uses flame and heat, while alkaline hydrolysis uses a water-based solution to break down the body. Both methods result in a similar outcome, but alkaline hydrolysis is considered a more eco-friendly option.

The Benefits of Choosing Cremation

Cremation offers numerous advantages over traditional burial, including:

• Environmental Benefits: Cremation reduces the need for land, minimizes the use of resources, and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional burial.
• Cost-Effective: Cremation can be a more affordable option, with costs typically ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the services chosen.
• Flexibility: Cremation provides the flexibility to hold a memorial service, scattering ceremony, or other celebration of life at a later date, allowing you to take your time to plan and grieve.
• Personalization: Cremation offers a wide range of urn options, memorialization choices, and unique ways to honor your loved one, making it easier to create a personalized farewell.

Understanding the Cremation Process

The cremation process typically involves the following steps:

1. Authorization: The legal next of kin or authorized representative signs a cremation authorization form, giving permission for the cremation to take place.
2. Preparation: The body is prepared for cremation, which may include washing, dressing, and placing it in a cremation container or casket.
3. Cremation: The body is placed in the cremation chamber, where it is exposed to high temperatures, reducing it to its basic elements.
4. Processing: The cremated remains are processed into a fine powder, often referred to as ashes or cremains.
5. Return of Remains: The cremated remains are returned to the family, typically in an urn or container.

Cremation Services and Options

Mid Ohio Valley cremation services offer a range of options to accommodate your unique needs and preferences:

• Traditional Cremation Service: A traditional funeral service followed by cremation.
• Memorial Service: A service held without the presence of the body, often with an urn or memorialization.
• Direct Cremation: A simple, low-cost option that includes transportation, cremation, and return of remains.
• Witness Cremation: A private, family-only service where the cremation process is witnessed.

Urns and Memorialization Options

Choosing the right urn or memorialization option is a personal decision that honors your loved one's memory:

• Urn Selection: A wide range of urns are available, including biodegradable, wooden, metal, and ceramic options.
• Scattering: A meaningful way to return your loved one to nature, with options including sea scattering, aerial scattering, or scattering in a designated area.
• Burial: Burying the urn in a cemetery, often with a headstone or marker.
• Memorialization: Creating a lasting tribute, such as a bench, tree, or plaque, to honor your loved one's memory.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cremation

Here are some common questions about cremation:

1. Is cremation a popular choice?

Yes, cremation is becoming increasingly popular, with over 50% of Americans choosing cremation over traditional burial.

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

Absolutely. Cremation offers flexibility in planning a service or celebration of life that honors your loved one.

3. How do I know the cremated remains are my loved one's?

Crematories follow strict procedures to ensure the identification and integrity of the cremated remains, including using identification tags and documenting each step of the process.

4. Can I divide the cremated remains among family members?

Yes, it's possible to divide the cremated remains among family members or friends, often referred to as "sharing" or "splitting" the ashes.

Resources and Community Support: Your Next Steps

Losing a loved one can be overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate the process alone. Here are some valuable resources and community support options to help you cope with your loss:

• Grief Counseling: Professional counseling services to help you process your emotions and find support.
• Support Groups: Join a community of individuals who have experienced a similar loss, providing a safe space to share your feelings and connect with others.
• Online Resources: Access a wealth of information, articles, and webinars on grief, loss, and cremation.
• Memorialization Options: Explore ways to honor your loved one's memory, including memorial services, scattering ceremonies, and memorialization products.