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DISPOSITION ALTERNATIVES
“Disposition” refers to the final handling of the deceased’s remains. There are four basic choices:
Earth Burial – Most people choose earth burial as the final location for their remains – including cremated remains. This form of interment requires the purchase of a cemetery lot. Other expenses usually include a fee for opening the grave and perpetual care of the grave site. Monuments or markers are customarily placed at the grave as a permanent memorial. They may vary considerably in cost and quality. Our funeral directors can help you in making an appropriate selection. FREE Veterans Burial Entitlements
Above-Ground Burial – Entombment in a mausoleum is one alternative to traditional earth burial. You may choose to purchase a crypt within this building specially designed for that purpose.
Cremation – This method involves reduction of the body to its basic elements through exposure to intense heat. These elements are then placed in an urn. If above ground burial is preferred, the urn may be placed in a niche within a columbarium – a building designed specifically for this purpose. If earth burial is desired, the urn may be buried within a cemetery. Our funeral directors are aware of other alternatives available in your area and will assist in making arrangements.
Cremation should not be generally regarded as an end in itself. All of the other customary funeral services can be involved as you desire, and our funeral directors will make helpful suggestions. Arlington Mortuary even offers rental caskets for temporary use prior to cremation, during the visitation period and funeral service. This is just one of the several contemporary options for cremation services.
Simple Disposition – If, after careful consideration, you choose simply to have the body removed to its site for burial or cremation without ceremony, our funeral directors can still be of assistance to you. You are assured the courtesy and dignity to which you are naturally entitled.
Anatomical Gifts – Many people feel that donating parts of their bodies for transplant is a significant way of helping others. In recent years, medical advancements have allowed for the transplantation of many organs and tissues. Transplantation procedures do not interfere with the preparation of the body for the funeral service, regardless of the type and extent of transplantation. The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act permits individuals over the age of 18 to donate organs (heart, kidney, liver, etc.) and tissue (skin, bone, cornea, etc.) to be used for transplant or research purposes without complicated legal procedures.
Our funeral directors can provide you with more information on anatomical gifts. In addition, the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) has been established as a national source for both information and immediate assistance in actual donation. You may contact UNOS in the United States and Canada at 1-800-24-DONOR.
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