Beard Mortuary provides this information to assist you and
your family with understanding the benefits of embalming, restorative
procedures, and visitation time with viewing for your loved one. Please rest
assured that the funeral directors and staff of Beard Mortuary fully support
the choices you make regarding final disposition of your loved one. We will be
glad to discuss all options available to you and your family. We are here to
serve you.
The Benefits of Embalming and Restorative
Procedures
· Provides comfort for family and friends by allowing them to
see and spend time with their loved one.
· Delays the natural process of decomposition and sanitizes
the body.
· Allows time for friends and family members to travel to the
service.
· In the case of traumatic injuries, embalming allows time
for reconstructive procedures to restore the body to a more acceptable and
identifiable appearance.
· Allows for delayed final disposition, if necessary.
About Embalming
Embalming is defined as the process of chemically treating
the dead human body to reduce the presence and growth of microorganisms, to
temporarily inhibit organic decomposition, and to aid in restoring an
acceptable physical appearance.
Embalming is not required by law except under certain
circumstances but it is generally considered to be the most desirable method
for preparation of the body in order to achieve an opportunity for family and
friends to have a visitation and funeral service with the body present.
Contrary to what some may believe, embalming is not a
gruesome or archaic process. There are variables in the embalming and
restoration process that are predicated upon the presence of disease and
trauma, but the basic procedure remains the same:
· The body is bathed, the hair washed and combed, and the
eyes and mouth are closed.
· Small incisions are made to gain access to an artery or
arteries and a small tube is inserted.
· The accompanying vein is opened to provide drainage of the
blood volume.
· Preservative chemical is then injected into the artery
under pressure, similar to living blood pressure, to reach all tissues of the
body with the disinfecting and preserving chemical mixture.
· After the arterial injection is complete, the artery and
vein are ligated and the incision is closed.
· Following the arterial injection, the embalmer will treat
the body cavities by making a small
incision in the abdomen and inserting a hollow tube to which suction is
attached. This allows removal of body fluids in the internal organs.
Preservative solution is then injected into the trunk via the same hollow tube.
The incision is then closed and sealed.
· Final procedures such as the application of cosmetics, hair
styling, dressing the body in the clothing provided by the family, and
casketing are then performed to make the deceased ready for viewing.
Restorative or Reconstructive Procedures
When death occurs from disfiguring trauma it may be
necessary for the embalmer to perform additional procedures, similar to plastic
surgery, in order to achieve an acceptable and identifiable condition.
Traumatic injuries can occur from different types of fatal
incidents. When deaths are investigated by the appropriate officials, the
family may be told that, due to the condition of the body, the deceased is not
viewable. Typically, physicians, coroners, and law enforcement personnel are
not qualified to make such a determination. Beard Mortuary has on staff a
reconstructive specialist who has advanced training in post-mortem
reconstructive surgery. This specialist can reconstruct some of the most severe
traumatic injuries and make the deceased’s appearance acceptable and
recognizable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. If I am going to have my loved one cremated, is there any
need for embalming or restorative procedures?
A. Regardless of the method of final disposition, we believe that everyone
should consider the benefits of embalming, restorative procedures, viewing, and
ceremonies. Many people who have opted for direct disposition with no viewing
have regretted that decision later.
Q. Why is it important to have a final viewing of my loved one
following death?
A. Psychologists agree that confronting death via a viewing of the body
confirms in the mind that the death has actually occurred and is the best way
to start the path toward healing the loss.
B. Viewing allows family and friends time to say goodbye in their own way.
C. Having the body present and the casket open at the viewing and service is
the most personalized way to honor your loved one.
D. Viewing allows time for family and friends to gather and share their
grief. It is said that grief shared is grief diminished. This time of
fellowship also provides a supportive and safe place for loved ones to begin to
transition from life with the loved one to life without the loved one.
E. Since infancy we have been taught that it is right and proper to say
hello and goodbye. A viewing is a public recognition of the significance of the
life of your loved one.
Q. Can’t my loved one’s body just be refrigerated before the
viewing?
A. Cooling the body to approximately 35—38 degrees will slow down the
natural decomposition process for a time. The effectiveness of cooling will
vary dependent on a number of factors. Cooling does not allow for
reconstructive procedures to be performed and does not address cosmetic issues
that may render the body un-viewable. Embalming is always the preferred method
of body preparation.
