How does a funeral home look after a person's body?
A guide to how funeral homes look after a person who has died – from collection to care, through to viewing and the funeral.
When a person dies, a very normal question to ask is, "What happens next?"
Understanding how a funeral home looks after the person who has died can help you feel more informed and reassured. From the moment they are brought into the care of a funeral home, the focus is on dignity, respect and careful attention at every step.
Every funeral home works slightly differently. However, the overall process is designed to treat the person with care throughout their journey, from the place of death to the funeral itself.
Bringing the person's body into care
After a person dies, their body is brought into the care of a funeral home.
This may be from a private residence, a hospital, a hospice or a care home.
The transfer is carried out by trained professionals. It is done calmly and respectfully, at a pace that allows time for any immediate wishes or cultural practices.
Some families prefer to spend time with the person before they leave. Others may choose not to be present. There is no right or wrong approach to this. It's about what feels manageable for you.
At the funeral home
Once the person arrives at the funeral home, they are looked after in a dedicated, private space.
At this stage, the priorities are:
- To keep the person's body clean and cared for
- To maintain a calm and respectful environment around them at all times
Funeral teams will also keep clear records so that everything is organised properly. This can help to give families peace of mind that the person in their care is always treated respectfully and in accordance with their wishes.
H3: Washing and preparing the person's body
In many cases, the person who has died is gently washed and prepared.
This is a simple but important part of care. It helps maintain dignity and allows the person to be presented in a peaceful way if there is to be a viewing.
Different cultures and faiths have their own traditions around washing and preparation. Sometimes, specific rituals will be carried out by members of the family or community. Others may have guidelines about who can be involved, while some prefer to keep any handling to a minimum.
A good funeral home will talk these options through with you and support your wishes wherever possible.
Dressing and personal touches
If you would like the person to be dressed, you can usually choose their clothing.
This might be:
- Their everyday clothes
- A more formal outfit
- Cultural or religious dress
- A favourite outfit that reflects their personality
You can also include small personal items, if appropriate. This could be something meaningful, such as a letter, a photograph or keepsake, or a cultural or religious item.
These choices are entirely up to you. Some people prefer a simple and minimal approach, while others want something more personal.
Viewing the person who has died
Some families choose to spend time with the person at the funeral home before the funeral. This is sometimes called a "viewing" or "visitation".
The room will be set up to feel calm and private and will be presented in a way that looks peaceful and natural.
For some people, this can be an important moment. It can help to make the death feel more real or give space to say goodbye.
For others, this may feel less appropriate, or too difficult, and they choose not to view the person at all.
Again, there is no right or wrong decision here. You can take your time and decide what feels right for you.
What is embalming?
Embalming is a process that can form part of how a funeral home looks after the person who has died.
It involves gently treating the body to slow the natural changes that begin after death. This can help with preservation and presentation, especially if there will be a viewing or there is a delay before the funeral.
Embalming is not always necessary, and it is always a choice.
Some people prefer not to have embalming for personal, cultural, or religious reasons. Others find that it brings reassurance, particularly if they would like to see the person again before the funeral.
A funeral director can explain what's involved and help you decide if embalming is right for your situation.
Leading up to the funeral
In the days before the funeral, the person remains in the care of the funeral home.
During this time, they are kept in appropriate conditions and are handled as little as possible while any arrangements for the funeral are being prepared.
The funeral team will coordinate everything behind the scenes so the day itself runs smoothly.
This includes making sure the person is ready to be taken to the funeral venue, whether a place of worship, a crematorium or another setting.
The day of the funeral
On the day of the funeral service, the person is transported with care to the chosen location.
This part of the journey is often one that families see, and it is handled with particular attention. From the vehicle used to the way the coffin is carried, every detail is considered and the choices of the family are the priority.
The aim is to create a respectful and calm atmosphere that reflects the tone of the service you have chosen.
A process built around care and choice
Every step in this process is designed to look after the person who died with the same dignity and respect they should have in life.
At the same time, it is also about supporting you in making the choices that feel right. Some people want a simple approach. Others want more involvement, or specific traditions or customs to be followed.
A good funeral home will be there to guide and support you as you make those decisions.
At Akshardham Funeral Directors, our role is to support you and make sure everything is handled with respect. That starts when we bring the person into our care and continues through to the day of the funeral.
Working with people from all backgrounds and faiths, we understand that every situation is different. If you have any questions at all about any part of the process, we will be here to talk you through your options at your own pace.
Akshardham Funeral Directors is an independent Harrow funeral home. Do you need our support? Please call us whenever you're ready on 020 8355 7876 – our lines are always open.
