New Albany Funeral and Cremation

What Is Cremation, and How Does It Work?

Cremation is a time-honored practice that involves the reduction of a deceased person's body to its basic elements through high-temperature burning. This process, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, breaks down the body into a few pounds of ashes, which can then be memorialized in various ways.

The cremation process typically involves several steps:

• Preparation: The body is prepared for cremation, which may include washing, dressing, and cosmetic preparation.
• Cremation Chamber: The body is placed in a cremation chamber, where it is exposed to high temperatures (typically between 1400°C to 1800°C) for 1-2 hours.
• Processing: The remaining ashes are processed into a fine powder, known as cremated remains or ashes.

At New Albany Funeral and Cremation, we're committed to ensuring that every step of the cremation process is carried out with dignity and respect.

Why Choose Cremation?

Cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for many families, and for good reason. Here are just a few benefits of cremation:

• Environmental Sustainability: Cremation is a more eco-friendly option than traditional burial, as it doesn't require the use of land, embalming fluids, or resources for casket production.
• Cost-Effective: Cremation can be a more affordable option than traditional burial, with costs often ranging from 30% to 50% less.
• Flexibility: Cremation provides families with more flexibility in terms of memorialization options, from scattering ashes in a special location to creating a personalized urn or memorial.
• Personalization: Cremation allows for a more personalized and meaningful way to celebrate a loved one's life, as families can choose from a variety of memorialization options.

At New Albany Funeral and Cremation, we're dedicated to helping you understand the benefits of cremation and guiding you through the process with compassion and expertise.

Cremation Options: Finding the Right Fit for Your Family

At New Albany Funeral and Cremation, we understand that every family is unique, and that's why we offer a range of cremation options to suit your needs and preferences.

• Traditional Cremation: A traditional cremation service, complete with a funeral ceremony, viewing, and cremation.
• Direct Cremation: A simple, cost-effective option that involves cremation without a funeral ceremony or viewing.
• Cremation with Memorial Service: A memorial service is held after cremation, allowing family and friends to gather and celebrate the life of their loved one.
• Green Cremation: An eco-friendly cremation option that uses a biodegradable casket and minimizes environmental impact.

Our experienced team will work with you to create a personalized cremation plan that honors your loved one and respects your family's wishes.

What to Expect During the Cremation Process

We understand that the cremation process can be unfamiliar, which is why we're committed to transparency and open communication throughout every step.

Here's what you can expect during the cremation process:

• Initial Consultation: We'll meet with you to discuss your wishes, answer questions, and outline the cremation process.
• Preparation and Cremation: We'll prepare the body for cremation, and the cremation process will take place in our state-of-the-art facility.
• Return of Ashes: We'll return the ashes to you in an urn or container of your choice, along with a certificate of cremation.
• Memorialization: We'll work with you to create a personalized memorialization plan, whether that involves a funeral ceremony, scattering ashes, or creating a memorial.

At New Albany Funeral and Cremation, we're dedicated to making the cremation process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cremation

We understand that you may have questions about cremation, and we're here to provide answers.

1. What happens to the ashes after cremation?

The ashes are returned to the family in an urn or container of their choice, and can be memorialized in a variety of ways, such as scattering, burial, or creating a memorial.

2. Can I still have a funeral ceremony if I choose cremation?

Yes, you can still have a funeral ceremony with cremation. In fact, many families choose to hold a memorial service or celebration of life after cremation.

3. Is cremation a more environmentally friendly option?

Yes, cremation is generally considered a more eco-friendly option than traditional burial, as it doesn't require the use of land, embalming fluids, or resources for casket production.

4. Can I witness the cremation process?

Yes, we offer the option for families to witness the cremation process, although this is not a requirement.

5. How do I know that I'll receive the correct ashes?

We take great care to ensure that the ashes are correctly identified and returned to the family. We use a unique identification system to track the ashes throughout the cremation process.

Resources and Community Support: Your Next Steps

At New Albany Funeral and Cremation, we're committed to supporting you every step of the way. Here are some resources to help you navigate the cremation process:

• Grief Support: We offer grief support groups and counseling services to help you cope with your loss.
• Memorialization Options: We'll work with you to create a personalized memorialization plan, whether that involves a funeral ceremony, scattering ashes, or creating a memorial.
• Community Resources: We'll connect you with local community resources, such as support groups and counseling services, to help you navigate the grieving process.

We're here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our cremation services and how we can help you celebrate the life of your loved one.