Embalming options
The decision on whether to request embalming is a personal choice; some people hold strong beliefs about embalming and whether this is necessary. As professional funeral directors it is important that we ensure you are aware of possible consequences of any choice you make.
The options we provide are listed here, but should you have further questions do not hesitate to discuss with your funeral director.
No Embalming
If the person who has died will not be viewed, then embalming is not necessary. The body will be bathed, and the hair washed in an eco-friendly solution. The mouth and eyes will be cleaned and closed, and the hair is dried. The person is then dressed in clothes supplied by the family.
When no embalming is carried out, you need to consider that the body will naturally decompose. This process can only be slowed down by refrigeration, and this needs to occur as soon as possible after death. Refrigeration requires the use of electricity, and the fridge will be on from the time someone is put into to it, until the day of the funeral.
Some people are of the opinion that embalming is unnecessary but still want to take the body home. Although this is possible you need to be aware of the risk of odour, discolouration and fluids discharging. Closing the casket will not stop this process and some eco caskets will not offer complete water-proofing.
Light Embalming
There will be no arterial embalming, but a low index solution will be placed in the abdominal cavity region to slow down bacterial growth. The body will be bathed, and the hair washed in an eco-friendly solution. The mouth and eyes will be cleaned and closed, and the hair is dried. The person is then dressed in clothes supplied by the family.
The light embalming option may allow a deceased to be at home for a limited amount of time. However, each body is different and therefore no guarantees may be made as to how long the body will remain in a satisfactory condition.
With this level of embalming there is the possibility of odour, discolouration and bodily fluid discharge occurring, although this is partially minimised by treating the abdomen.
Low Index Embalming
The low index option will mean that the body is arterially embalmed with a formaldehyde free fluid. The abdominal region will also be treated with a formaldehyde free chemical. The body will be bathed, and the hair washed in an eco-friendly solution. The mouth and eyes will be cleaned and closed, and the hair is dried. The person is then dressed in clothes supplied by the family.
The body will be in a suitable condition for it to be returned home without fear of unacceptable odour, or body fluid discharges. While each body is different, the low index embalming option will generally allow approximately three days of viewing before the casket should be closed.
The funeral homes listed on this website recognise their responsibility to actively participate in contributing to the protection of the environment and offer low index embalming to support environmental protection.
Full Index Embalming
The full index option will mean that the body is arterially embalmed with an embalming solution that is chosen considering the medical conditions the person had prior to their death, how they died, environmental factors, and with knowledge that the deceased will need to be able to be viewed by family and friends for some time prior to the funeral service.
The body will be bathed, and the hair washed in an eco-friendly solution. The mouth and eyes will be cleaned and closed, and the hair is dried. The person is then dressed in clothes supplied by the family.
The body will be in a suitable condition for it to be returned home without fear of unacceptable odour, discolouration, or body fluid discharges.
A full index embalming is likely to include formaldehyde in the chemicals used but bear in mind that modern embalming substances are much kinder to the environment than those used in previous years.
Formaldehyde is currently widely used in many products such as antiseptics and disinfectants. It is also used as a topical treatment in medicine, as a component of drug testing and in the process for developing colour negative films. Formaldehyde builds up in the environment but breaks down due to natural processes in the soil and water or when exposed to sunlight.
If you have any questions, or would like more information, please call your funeral-link funeral director from our directory page.
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