Planning Your Own Funeral

3 Key Roles of a Crematorium Funeral Director

The death of a loved one is something that anybody will struggle to cope with. Even those who are emotionally and physically strong need some support. Funeral homes offer support to help families navigate the difficult grieving process. Thus, if a deceased person's last wish was to be cremated, you need to approach a crematorium funeral director. Most people think that a crematorium director is in charge of all operations in a funeral home. However, what specific role does the director play in supporting a grieving family?  

Organise Authorisation Paperwork -- Before embarking on a cremation, you must understand that a funeral director cannot allow anyone to authorise the process. The reason is that the law is unambiguous on who can approve the procedure. Close family members, beneficiaries, and legally designated persons chosen by a deceased can give authorisation. However, one must prove their authority to the funeral director before signing an authorisation form. For instance, if a dead person's spouse is the authority figure, they should produce a marriage certificate to prove that they have the right to give authorisation for the cremation. Once a funeral director is satisfied that the authorising figure is legally permitted to okay a cremation exercise, they will issue an authorisation form. A copy of the documents remains with the funeral director, and the deceased person's family keeps the original.

Reflect the Deceased's Wishes at the Funeral -- Today, individuals can decide how they want their funeral service conducted. For example, some people may wish that their remains be scattered in the ocean during a funeral service, while others want a themed ceremony. Whatever the wishes, a crematorium funeral director must ensure that the directives are reflected in the funeral arrangements and services. Therefore, the family must regularly communicate with the funeral director and supply relevant information to help with funeral arrangements.

Arrange for and Deliver Ashes -- Most people expect to receive their loved one's remains immediately after cremation. However, it takes approximately a week (7-10 days) for the crematorium to return a deceased person's ashes to the family. The period between cremation and delivery of ashes is sensitive because the remains of the loved one are left in the custody of the funeral director. Therefore, the cremation director must assure the family that they will take care of the remains until the delivery of ashes. Additionally, the funeral director helps to organise the best means to deliver the deceased person's ashes, regardless of destination.


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