Planning For Cremation Services or Burial

At Elemental, we know that dealing with the loss of a loved one is an emotionally challenging experience, and the added responsibility of making funeral arrangements can be overwhelming.  Our main goal is to help lessen the burden during this challenging time.

Planning Ahead

Planning ahead can alleviate some of the burden and stress on family members during an already difficult time. Preferences for cremation or burial, the type of service, and any specific requests should be considered. Pre-paying for funeral arrangements can help lock in current prices. It is essential to document instructions in a letter or a formal document, such as a will or a funeral directive, and make sure that family members know where to find this information. 

When a Death Occurs

When a death has occurred you can call us at any time for assistance, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your loved one is under hospice care or is in a care facility (hospital, nursing home, etc.) they will have likely already taken the steps necessary to process the paperwork. Let the facility know that you would like to use Elemental at the time of passing and provide our phone number: 206-357-1141.  It is also a good idea to call us yourself so that you are certain that the information has been communicated.

Choosing Between Cremation & Burial With or Without Embalming

Deciding between cremation and burial is a personal choice that may be influenced by religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and financial considerations. Cremation has become increasingly popular due to it being a fraction of the cost of a traditional burial. It also offers flexibility in terms of memorial services and the final disposition of the remains. However, some religions prohibit cremation, and some individuals may prefer the traditional aspect of a burial.

If desired, you can also arrange for a final viewing before the cremation takes place.  This is called a Witness or Visitation Cremation and is a simple, short service provided in a modest setting at the cremation facility. This allows loved ones a final opportunity to say goodbye without having to arrange for a more elaborate and expensive service.

Burial is far more expensive than cremation due to costs associated with caskets, cemetery plots, and maintenance fees. Our Simple Burial Service allows you to choose a cemetery of your choice and fits well for those wanting burial services on a tight budget. We will help you choose a casket and arrange for the body’s preparation and transportation to the cemetery.

Embalming is a process that temporarily preserves the body and is often recommended if there will be a viewing or if the burial will be delayed. However, embalming is not always necessary, especially for immediate burials. Discuss your options with the funeral director to determine the best course of action.

The Typical Process for a Cremation Service

Upon notification of a death we will coordinate with you to have your loved one transported. The transportation service will consult with those present on arrival to ensure the process goes smoothly.  Before the removal you should consider if there is anything such as jewelry, that should be removed before transport. If you forget, do not worry as we can arrange to have anything of importance, such as jewelry, returned to you at a later time. Everything will be documented at time of removal.

You will need to sign various documents, including a cremation authorization form. This can be done online or in-person. We will guide you through the necessary paperwork. After the cremation, you will receive the cremated remains, typically in either the urn of your choice or a temporary container, along with copies of the death certificate. These can be picked up, delivered to you, or mailed.  The cremated remains can be apportioned and distributed to multiple family members.

Other Considerations

• Notify the deceased’s employer, banks, and other relevant institutions.
• Cancel subscriptions, memberships, and credit cards in the deceased’s name.
• Obtain multiple copies of the death certificate, as they will be required for legal and financial matters.
• Consider grief counseling or support groups for yourself and family members.