Is Cremation in Albany the Right Choice?

When it comes to making end of life decisions, whether a person wants to be cremated or buried is often a serious consideration. Some people feel that burial is the only acceptable option, while others believe that cremation makes the most sense or is the right decision for them. Ideally, any person would make their own decision about whether they want cremation, but sometimes people pass away without leaving explicit instructions. At that point, it becomes the choice of the family that is left behind. For those family members making the decision, cremation Albany may be one of the options considered.

There are several issues that can make cremation the right choice. Certainly, if that is what the deceased wanted than that is what should be done. In some cases, though, family may not be sure if cremation would have been the choice of the deceased, or whether there would have been other considerations such as a burial or even a donation of the body for scientific study. In order to decide whether cremation is the best choice, cost will likely be a consideration. Traditionally, it is much less expensive to be cremated than it is to be buried, so many people who are trying to save money choose that option.

Other facets of losing a loved one or planning for their own demise are important to people, as well. They may not have considered cremation before, or they may not be aware of how inexpensive it can be when compared to other options for burial. However, there are other aspects that can raise the price of the final expenses, regardless of what a person wants done with their remains. A wake, a funeral, or a viewing can all add to those final expenses.

Money is not the only consideration for cremation in Albany, though. Some people have religious reasons to avoid cremation, and some just find the idea of that particular process uncomfortable. 

However, more and more people are choosing cremation today, so they can have their ashes scattered in a place that is meaningful to them, or so they can be kept by loved ones who do not want to part with their earthly remains. Having a conversation with loved ones about what is desired for a final resting place and final expenses can help ensure that a deceased person's wishes are honored.

Choosing the Right Creamation Service

End-of-life planning can be challenging. Determining the right direction for a loved one’s memorial depends on both his or her wishes and budget. For many people, a traditional burial and funeral are the right choice. For others, using an affordable cremation service is the best answer. Affordable cremation services allow those who wish to keep things simple the same dignity as those who choose a more traditional route.

Affordable cremation companies offer many options when it comes to end-of-life planning. Choosing to prepay for cremation services is an allowable expense for Medicaid planning purposes and can provide peace-of-mind to family members or other caregivers. The process is relatively simple and the signing of required documents can be done in a short amount of time.

Quality cremation Albany include the transfer of the deceased to the cremation facility as well as an appropriate container for the remains in their package price. Loved ones also have the options of purchasing additional containers or providing a vessel in keeping with their family traditions. Arrangements can also be made with the cremation service for dividing the ashes amongst multiple containers for more than one family member. Many cremation services also notify social security as well as assistance with placing an obituary with the newspaper of choice. Many cremation services have packages that include funeral home services and arrangements with a minister to read the eulogy.  

Cremation services can save a family thousands of dollars in end-of-life expenses. Families choosing cremation have the flexibility they desire for the planning of memorial services, as well as using the money that would normally be spent on other things such as donations to causes near to the deceased heart. The deceased may have chosen to put his or her wishes into the will or trust, and affordable cremation services can make honoring those wished simple and easy.  

Cremation service is a loving way to honor the deceased when money is an issue, or for those wanting their funds to go towards meeting the needs of their loved ones or another organization. When end-of-life planning is at hand, affordable cremation services offer appropriate options.   

Consider Anatomical Gifts as an Alternative to Funerals or Cremations

There are lots of reasons to make an anatomical gift of a body. This is usually an alternative to a burial or a cremation Albany. Both for-profit and non-profit organizations exist to accept bodies that are donated to science or medicine. Also, many of these organizations will return the cremated remains to a family member after a certain amount of time has passed. One reason to consider this option is that it usually doesn't cost anything for the family. The other reason is that this gift of a body can help train doctors and advance science.

How Does an Anatomical Gift Work?

These organizations will accept bodies and transport bodies for use by scientists, medical schools, and other similar organizations. There is usually no charge to families for either transporting bodies or accepting bodies. At the end of some period of time, several months to a couple of years, the organizations may even return cremated remains to family members for final disposition.

There are two ways to find organizations that accept bodies for science:

• Some organizations act as body brokers, and they send remains to appropriate facilities.

• Local medical schools may also accept bodies directly from people who live in the area.

What happens to these bodies after they have been used by scientists or doctors? 

They are used either for scientific research or for educational purposes. For example, medical schools use cadavers to help students learn about organs and surgery. Depending upon the organization, donors might have to sign a form that they wish to have the remains back. However, most organizations that accept bodies also have a procedure to return remains after they have been cremated.

Donating a body to science is a worthy act. There really shouldn't be a reason to be embarrassed about choosing this option instead of opting for a traditional burial and funeral. Families can still hold a nice memorial service for their loved one. After the cremated remains get returned, the family can choose to bury them, scatter the ashes, or even keep the ashes in an urn. Of course, it's helpful if this option gets discussed in advance with the loved one before he or she passes away.

Cremation and Burial Options for Poor People

Even though a cremation Albany usually costs a lot less than a burial, some families struggle to pay for that too. Families who belong to a house of worship may be able to ask their pastor about assistance from the congregation or local charitable foundations. However, it's important to realize that there isn't any automatic government that pays for funerals for most people. On the other hand, there are ways to get help paying for burials and cremations.

Ask State or County Social Services for Help With Burials and Cremations

If a church or local foundation isn't an option, a call to a state or county department of social services is in order. In most cases, there is some budget for helping families with a direct burial or cremation. Typically, these programs will not pay for any sort of funeral service. If they do, it will be very minimal. They might also not allow families to contribute towards that on their own. They may assume that if the family has money, it should be used for disposition of the body.

This doesn't prevent families from holding some sort of service later. This could be a private memorial service or church service. This can be a good way to honor a deceased loved one, but it probably just won't be held exactly at the time of burial or cremation.

Non-Charity Options to Help Pay for Cremations

Families who don't care to ask for charity have another good option. Many medical schools and other organizations accept bodies for research and educational uses. In this case, the organization will usually pay to take the body and transport it where it needs to go. Many of these schools and other types of medical organizations will even offer to cremate and return the remains after they have been used for their medical or scientific purpose.

The good part of this plan is that the loved one's body can actually help train a new generation of doctors or help advance science. It also doesn't rely on charity because the donation of the body is very valuable to scientific and medical schools and research bodies.

What is cremation jewelry?

One of the latest trends in cremation services in Albany is the creation of cremation jewelry. Cremation jewelry is also referred to as funeral jewelry, memorial jewelry and remembrance jewelry. Once popular in the 17th century, this trend is making a strong comeback. Cremation Albany jewelry is just another way to memorialize a loved one. There are a variety of options available when selecting a piece of cremation jewelry.

What is it?

Cremation jewelry is a piece of jewelry that is designed to hold a small amount of the remains from a cremated loved one. This piece of jewelry can either be worn, put on display in a home or secured in a jewelry box.

Forms

Cremation jewelry is available in a variety of different forms. Some jewelry items available include pendants, rings, necklaces, lockets and bracelets. These are just a few of the options available. With a little creativity, just about any type of cremation jewelry can be designed.

Materials

Cremation jewelry can be made from a variety of different materials. Popular materials used include crystal, pewter, gold, silver, sterling silver, platinum, oak and walnut. These are just a few of the many material options available when designing cremation jewelry.

Diamonds

Though it is an expensive option, some are opting to have their loved one’s ashes turned into diamonds. Instead of storing small amounts of ashes in the jewelry, the ashes are turned into the jewelry. This is another unique option when designing cremation jewelry.

Engraving

Most cremation jewelry has some sort of engraving or charm with an inscription. Most of these engravings have details about the loved one, such as their name, date of death and something memorable about him or her. Other engravings may include an excerpt from a poem or other passage to honor the memory of the loved one.

Options

Cremation jewelry can hold more than just the cremated remains of a loved one. These pieces of jewelry can also hold a lock of hair, a piece of clothing or dried flowers from the funeral. This is an option available to those who have family members who want to be buried instead of being cremated.

Having cremation jewelry made is a growing trend. Many are wanting to keep a piece of their loved one with them everywhere they go. This option is a discreet way to ensure the loved one is never forgotten and taken everywhere the surviving family members go.

Deciding between cremation and burial

The decision to be buried or cremated is a personal decision. This decision is not always an easy one. Sometimes religious beliefs affect the decision of what to do after death. Other times it is a matter of money that can determine if someone is buried or cremated. Those who have specific wishes need to make their decisions known by letting loved ones know what they want in the event of their death.

Money

If finances are a concern, the option to be cremated is the more cost effective option of the two. Cremation does not have the added costs of visitation, wakes and funeral services. It also costs less money because it takes up less land space.

Reduction in remains

With cremation, the remains are reduced within a matter of hours. A traditional burial can take many years for the body to slowly decompose naturally. Having the remains decompose in the land is a concern for some naturalists who believe this process can contaminate the land. Others believe cremation hurries along the natural process of decomposition in an unnatural way.

Memorialization

With a traditional burial, a cemetery plot and headstone is about the only option. Being entombed in a family mausoleum is another traditional burial option. With cremation, the family has many more memorial options available. Cremated remains can be displayed on a shelf, scattered, put in a columbarium or entombed in a crypt. Those are just a few of the many options available.

Services

Though there is no body to place in a casket after cremation Albany, the family should still have a service for their loved one. The services between a traditional funeral and a cremation may be different, they serve the same purpose. They offer time for the family to mourn their loss and celebrate the life of their lost loved one. If desired before cremation, a service with the body in a casket is available for families to have one last moment with their loved one.

Knowing the differences between being cremated and being buried will help make the final decision on what someone wants. In addition to personal and religious beliefs, there are many factors that may help determine which method is the best option. Making the decision before dying will save the family from wondering what the loved one’s wishes are.

Cremation Services Vary Based On A Person's Passing

Many people request for cremation Albany when it comes time for their passing. Yet the way a person passes on can dictate the process that has to be taken by the funeral home to prepare the body for cremation. People should always be prepared for unforeseen circumstances concerning cremation for a loved one. They should also learn the specific ways the funeral home will prepare the body so they can select the right funeral arrangements.

Transporting Via Air or Rail

Sometimes a person may die in another state or country as the body has to be transported to the funeral home. Such a long transportation time will require for the body to be embalmed so it doesn't decay while enroute.

People who do not want to have such embalming chemicals placed into their body should look into cremation services that allow for refrigeration.

Dual Cremation Services

Each state will have different regulations in regards to cremating two people, such as spouses, together if they happen to die at the same time. Normally, each person will be cremated separately. Yet there are situations where the next-of-kin can give their permission to have family members cremated at the same time. Speaking with the funeral home prior to the passing of the family members can ensure that the next-of-kin can make the final arrangements that the family members desire.

Burying Arrangements For Two People Who Pass At Different Times

Some funeral homes will provide cremation services in Albany where a person can be cremated and have their remains placed with a family member who has already passed away. Even if one person had a traditional casket funeral, the funeral home will often allow the cremated remains to be placed on top of the casket or beside the casket in one interred grave space.

Take Into Account Religious Considerations

A person should talk with their clergy in regards to having their body cremated after their passing. Different religions will have varying outlooks in regards to this service. Some religions allow for cremation while others do not. There may be additional considerations or ceremonies that have to be made.

Research Further About Cremation Services

Learning all about cremation services beforehand, setting up a will, and making pre-arrangments can often remove the guesswork for a funeral. This tactic can also make things easier for family members so they can observe a person's final wishes.

Identifying and Reducing the Costs of Cremation Services

Cremation is generally far more affordable than burial, but some families may still find an unexpectedly high funeral cost difficult to manage. A cremation service is made up of multiple components, some of which are required and some of which can be avoided. Those who are looking to reduce the cost of their cremation Albany may want to consider alternatives to some of the nonessential costs.

Embalming and Other Preparation

It is commonly assumed that embalming is required following a family member's death, but this isn't true. In fact, there are some religions that require that embalming not be performed. For a cremation, embalming does not need to be done as long as the cremation service is to be performed soon enough.

Hiring a Funeral Director

A funeral director is not necessary for cremation services in most states. A funeral director simply arranges for the loved one to be transported and cremated as necessary. This can be done by a family member instead, by calling the crematorium directly. Naturally, some families would prefer that a funeral director handle the arrangements for them.

Renting a Casket

Loved ones are generally not cremated within traditional caskets. Instead, an inner cremation-approved casket is usually placed inside of a "display casket," and is removed from the outer shell and slid into the crematorium. A display casket can be very expensive if purchased, but it can instead be rented for a one-time use.

A display casket is entirely unnecessary if funeral services are done without an open casket and instead the loved one is sent directly to the crematorium.

Purchasing an Urn

Urns can become quite expensive depending on the materials used and the personalization involved. An urn does not need to be purchased right away, but can be instead purchased later on when funds become available. A very simple container is usually included in the purchase of the cremation service, which can serve as a temporary resting place. For those who will be scattering the ashes of their loved one, the purchase of an urn may be entirely unnecessary.

A cremation parlor will usually be willing to work with family members to reduce costs or to arrange financing for the cremation. Individuals seeking to arrange their own final services may be able to get them at a discounted, affordable price by arranging their services in advance.

Cremation Services at Affordable Prices

The high cost of conventional funerals is causing many individuals to look at what cremation services in Albany have to offer. Although cremation services are less expensive than traditional funerals, they can still be expensive for people living on a budget, especially if a loved one dies unexpectedly without leaving plans for burial costs. The following tips can help relatives find cremation services at affordable costs.

Compare Prices Online

The cost of cremation services may vary from one funeral home to another. By comparing prices online, consumers can get a better idea of prices in their area. “Direct cremation” is one of the most affordable options as it involves no embalming, viewing or memorial service. The essentials of direct cremation Albany involves picking up the decease's body, completing legal paperwork, the actual cremation and ensuring the ashes are turned over to the decease's family. 

Have Memorial Service at Home

Families who desire a memorial service can always arrange for a private ceremony in their home or at a favorite public location such as a local beach or park. Arranging a private ceremony enables families to commemorate the life of their loved one in a meaningful way without accruing large funeral costs. The responsibilities of the services can be divided equally among family members to include setting up the décor, food, drinks, mementos, etc. In this way, everyone shares in the work and financial cost. The urn with their loved one’s ashes can be present at the memorial for people to pay their last respects.

Purchase a Low-Cost Urn

Family members have various options for dealing with a loved one’s ashes once the body is cremated. If ashes are to be scattered, there’s no need to invest in an urn. Families can simply request that the ashes be placed in a plastic container that the funeral home provides to be scattered later on. If the ashes are to be kept, relatives should consider purchasing a proper urn to store the remains.

Purchasing an urn from the funeral home may add $50 or more to the funeral cost. Less expensive urns can be found in many local department stores as well as online. An attractive urn is more appropriate for storing or displaying the ashes in a relative’s home. 

By choosing cremation services, family members make sure their loved one receives a proper funeral at an affordable cost.   

4 Advantages of Cremation Over a Traditional Burial

Dealing with the death of a loved one is never easy, and family members may feel overwhelmed with everything involved afterward. One of the biggest decisions is choosing between cremation Albany or a traditional burial in a casket. For many families, opting for cremation makes much more sense for a variety of reasons. Here are four distinct benefits of going this route.  

1) Affordability

First and foremost, cremation is much more cost-effective than a burial. When adding up all of the costs involved with a burial such as a casket, headstone, cemetery fee and grave site, the costs can really add up in a hurry. At the very least, it's going to be a minimum of $3,200. On the other hand, cremation in Albany can cost as little as $895. For families that don't have thousands of dollars to spend, cremation is by far the better choice.  

2) Simplicity

With a burial, there are a lot of extra steps involved with the process including embalming, a formal funeral, choosing flower arrangements, etc. When a family is already grieving, this can make things even more stressful and contribute to added complications. Opting for cremation still allows family and friends to hold a remembrance ceremony, but without all of the other distractions.

3) Portability of Moving Remains

One advantage that isn't so obvious involves the ease with which an urn can be transported. If a family chooses to move, it would be a major hassle to visit a grave site of a deceased loved one. However, cremated remains can be moved with ease so family members can pay respect whenever they need. 

4) Environmentally-Friendly 

Finally, this choice is beneficial from an environmental standpoint as well. Not only does it save land, but it reduces the number of trees that have to be cut down to accommodate grave sites. Besides this, research shows that traditional burials hurt the environment in several ways. For example, the metals from a casket are bad for soil, and the chemicals found in embalming fluid can adversely affect the environment as well. Cremation is significantly better in this respect. 

When weighing all of the advantages of cremation in Albany, it's easy to see why many families choose it over a traditional casket burial. Not only does it make sense from a financial perspective, but it makes it easier on family members and reduces the impact on the environment.

Is Cremation the Best Choice for Everyone?

While cremation Albany is a sound choice for anyone who wants to take that path, it definitely isn't perfect for everyone. Thankfully for people who aren't sure if cremation is right for them, there are different choices to explore. People who pre-plan their funeral arrangements can explore all the possible options and decide what is best for them. With pre-planning, they really can find out what is right for them instead of asking their remaining family members to make a choice that — whether they know it or not — isn't their ideal last wish for their remains.

What Are Some of the Most Common and Best Reasons People Choose Cremation Over Traditional Burial and Funeral Services?

Sometimes it helps people make the best choice for themselves when they have anecdotal experience from which to draw inspiration, so it makes sense that they might want to know some of the most common and best reasons people choose cremation. Below are some of those reasons: • The Cost is Low. Many people have a practical attitude about death, noting that their spirit is gone, which is the important part for them. While they might worry that family members will miss out on some sort of goodbye, many family members remind their remaining loved ones that they can plan a memorial service at a time that is most convenient for everyone. With the added savings of choosing cremation, it will make it easier for the family members to create the memorial, pay off the deceased final debts or do something else, according to the deceased person's wishes. The cost of a traditional funeral and burial includes buying a casket, a burial vault, a cemetery plot and a grave marker. Cremation only involves the cremation itself and buying an urn for the remains, bringing the total to a fraction of the cost of a traditional funeral and burial service.

• Cremation Allows for Flexibility. The person planning their funeral might look at the logistics of having the family gather for services and see several complications. With cremation, families can plan a memorial service at a more optimum time and location to allow for the largest number of people to comfortably and affordably attend.

Cremation also gives the person the choice of where to scatter their ashes. They might have more than one spot in mind, which works well with cremation.

Do Families Still Have a Funeral If Their Loved One Chooses Cremation?

A misconception that people sometimes make about cremation Albany is that if someone chooses cremation for their post-death arrangements that the family does not have a traditional funeral. That is not necessarily the case. Just because the family no longer has an actual body does not mean that they can't, since there is no reason not to, share their memories with family, loved ones, friends and co-workers.

Is It a Funeral Service or a Memorial Service?

The point asking the question as to whether someone cremated receives a funeral service or a memorial service might serve as the reason for the confusion. It makes sense, so maybe it is a matter of semantics that cause people to think that those cremated never receive a service in their honor, or at least they don't receive this funeral right away. It might help to break down both types of services to see what each entails and how they benefit the deceased person.

Some Details About the Traditional Funeral Service

The more traditional and universally familiar type of ceremony to honor someone who has passed away, a funeral service often features a casket — open or closed, depending on the deceased's and family's wishes, as well as the condition of the person who has died — as the focal point. As prelude to a funeral, the family accepts friends, family members and co-workers the day or two before the official funeral ceremony. This time, also called "the wake," gives people who can't make it to the funeral a choice to pay their last respects. It also serves as a way for people to talk about the deceased person since they won't have as much of a chance to do so, casually at least, before, during or after the funeral ceremony, which is often more rigid since it will feature a minister or other member of clergy and other speakers and presenters who give eulogies. After everyone gives their eulogies, sings hymns and says their goodbyes, there is usually an automotive processional to the cemetery for graveside service and burial. 

What Is a Memorial Service?

Also celebrating the life of the deceased, like the funeral, a memorial service happens with no body present at the services, which either means that the person chose cremation or that the Memorial Service is taking place at a later date or site than the time and place the person passed away. This type of service usually takes place at a location that the deceased loved, so it is often an even more fitting tribute to the person's spirit than a funeral.