All cremation services in North Versailles, PA place the body inside a cremation container before being put inside the cremation chamber. Cremation containers are large and sturdy boxes that hold the body during transportation to the chamber and during the cremation itself. Cremation containers can vary from simple cardboard boxes to more traditional caskets. There are a few different kinds of cremation containers, each with different intentions and needs.

The main thing that they all have in common is that they are fully combustible, meaning they don’t have any parts that won’t melt or break down under extreme heat like decorations or metal handles. Because they are required by law, you will have to choose a cremation container. But how do you choose the right kind of container for you?

The kind of container that is chose depends on a few key factors including the family’s wishes, the size of the person, whether or not there will be a viewing with the body present, the crematory’s standards and budget. You can also choose by what you need. The most common kind of cremation container is a rigid cardboard box that is large enough to hold an average body. The purpose of the container is to provide a dignified means of storing the body prior to cremation and to literally contain the body while it is being prepared for cremation and when entering the retort.

These common containers are simple and unadorned, making them budget friendly for those looking for an inexpensive option. Families can also choose to rent caskets for the funeral service and then use a common cremation container for the cremation itself. This is a good way to save money while also honoring the deceased with a more decorated casket. Rental caskets are kept sanitary with removable linings, shells and overlays that are used to hold the body in the rental as well as the cremation container.

There are a few other kinds of cremation containers and caskets such as green caskets that are made from natural materials or Jewish caskets, called arons, that are specially made for Jewish funerals. In some instances, the family wishes to spend a bit more money on a decorated cremation casket. This usually happens when there is going to be a viewing or service with the body present before the cremation. These cremation caskets are decorated with combustible or removable hardware and are often made from wood and natural materials like bamboo or wicker. Or, in some cases, the common cremation container isn’t an option, such as when the body is larger than average and requires a sturdier box.

With so many choices, how do you choose the right container for your lost loved one? The first step is being informed and knowing your options. Then you should take the deceased’s wishes into account, as well as what kind of cremation and service you are going to have. At the end of the day there is no wrong choice.

Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. is here to help if you want to learn more about North Versailles, PA cremation services.

How are you supposed to get through your daily activities, much less plan a cremation service in North Versailles, PA after losing your child?

Losing a child leads to unimaginable pain and grief. These tips are practical suggestions that can help you through your time of loss after the passing of your child.

1. Take Your Time with Big Decisions – Take your time making any big decisions or choices as your grief might lead to you make choices you normally wouldn’t or might cause additional confusion and stress. If you have to make some big choices, like planning a cremation or dealing with something at work, try and talk over your options and decision with a trusted friend, family member or your spouse.
2. Gather Keepsakes – Physical keepsakes are some of the best ways to remember a child after he or she passes. Gather keepsakes like blankets, toys, clothing, footprint or handprint sets, and hospital bracelets. You don’t have to hold them or display them if it’s too painful right away but do put them away in a box so you can have them later on when the pain of loss isn’t as fresh.
3. Seeing and Holding Your Child – Many parents that lose a child via miscarriage or stillbirth are given the option to see and hold their baby before he or she is prepared for burial or cremation. This is completely up to you. Many people find it a good way to say goodbye and have a bit of closure, while others find it simply too painful. If you decide to see and hold your baby, spend as much time as you need with your baby. If you decide not to see your child, that’s perfectly OK.
4. Rituals Help – Rituals like cremations, memorials and funerals go a long way toward helping you say goodbye in a healthy way. They also help you express your grief in a healthy way. Don’t shy away from planning and hosting a service for your lost child, but also don’t feel rushed into planning one right away. You can always hold a memorial after some time has passed and you’re more settled.
5. Allow Mourning – No matter what the circumstances of your child’s death, you will need to share in your grief with someone else. Whether you share with a spouse, family member or friend, you need to take time to mourn and grieve in your own way with the help of a loved one.
6. Expect the Unexpected – Any loss can have a large effect on your mind and body alike, so be prepared for a wide range of physical and emotional responses after the loss of a child. You might feel confused, afraid, guilty, disorganized, and angry, even all at the same time. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly experience surges of grief, even at the most unexpected times. This is all normal and healthy after a loss.

Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc is here to help if you want to learn more about North Versailles, PA cremation services.

Traditionally, it is the next of kin that makes any arrangements for cremation services in Monroeville, PA. However, sometimes people wish to designate other people besides their next of kin to be in charge of their cremation planning after they’re gone even though.

As its your cremation service, it’s up to you to choose who will make the arrangements. According to state law, all instructions for last wishes must meet certain requirements in order for them to considered legal and binding. These requirements include:

• Signature of the decedent
• Acknowledgement of the decedent signature, meaning getting the document notarized
• Signature of the agent or successor agreeing to act as the decedent’s agent after death

Any modifications to a document must be in writing and notarized in to make them valid. While these requirements seem like a lot, it’s easier than you think to meet them as many states have specific forms for people to leave final instructions and to designate someone other than their next of kind to make final arrangements. However, it’s important to remember that these forms do not trump or replace a Power of Attorney or a legal will, as they are only there to provide end of life instructions. Again, any and all written instructions, from a Power of Attorney to an end-of-life form, must be signed by both parties before the death.

Whether you want to designate a close friend, an estate executor, or even one of your children, it is possible to choose who arranges your cremation service, but there are some things to keep in mind. First, be sure to make and distribute copies. Don’t just fill out the forms and forget about them. Make and give out copies to important people like those named in the document or caregivers. Also, be specific in your end-of-life instructions. Include information such as the type of disposition you want as clearly as possible.

It’s also important to keep in mind that nontraditional relationships, like common law marriages, same sex relationships, or even families with lots of children often require additional steps and paperwork. Do research if you think this applies to your situation to make sure you’re covered. It’s always a good idea to consult an attorney before making any official plans as they can best advise you on how to proceed. Understanding how your state handles end of life arrangements and associated legal matters is very important. Do some research of your own to make sure you understand.

You have every right to designate whomever you want to take care of them for you but be sure to do it correctly to make sure your wishes are followed. Your end-of-life arrangements are just that, yours. Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. is here to help if you want more information on Monroeville, PA cremation services. You can stop by and visit us or give us a call to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss or of preplanning,