September 27, 2021

After your loved one has passed away, they may be sent to a funeral home in Canton Township, MI, until the service happens. The individual who's organizing the function will ensure that the loved one’s wishes are implemented in the process. This can mean any event or celebration that reflects the religious preferences or customs specific to the culture of the deceased. There are laws in each state regarding things like viewing or visitation preparations, cremations, and embalming that also must be considered. 

What are the Processes? 

Waiting Area 

Once the deceased body has arrived, they will be taken into a holding area with refrigeration units to preserve them. The only time that this might vary is if the individual needs an autopsy or other unusual circumstances. Once the body arrives, there is an option to wash the deceased by family and friends depending on their culture. 

Embalming Procedure 

Embalming has been around since the 19th century, and its function is to aspirate the organs via removing air and gases. Then the bodily fluids are replaced with chemicals that can prolong the individual's remains to make them presentable to be viewed. This slows down the decay and gives the family extra time to organize the event between the death and the funeral. It is not a requirement, but there are some religions where it is not allowed. 

Viewing Preparation 

The next step is preparing the deceased for viewing, and the mortician does this. This involves clothing, makeup, hair, and any other wishes requested by the family for the individual to be adorned with. 

Visitations or Viewings 

A standard procedure is a visitation or viewing before the service, and these are generally held at the funeral home. The viewing is usually a more private function, whereas the visitation is open to the public and in addition; there is typically a specific area dedicated to viewings. 

Cremations 

In this situation, cremation is based on religious or cultural practices. In most homes, they transport the body to the crematory, but some facilities have on-site options. The common practice is to have the viewing or visitation and then have the body cremated. In some cases, the Funeral Home will store the remains until the loved ones decide what they will do with the ashes.