Lesser-Known Questions You Should Ask When Selecting A Cremation Provider

If your loved one has passed away, you may be looking for a cremation provider to cremate your loved one. As you look for a cremation provider, there are many important questions you should ask, including how much the cremation costs and when you can get the cremated remains back. However, there are many lesser-known questions that you should also be asking. Here are three of those lesser-known questions to ask as you go about selecting a cremation provider.  

Who Owns the Cremation Facility? 

Any time you are looking to hire a cremation provider for cremation services, you should ask where the body will be cremated and who actually owns the cremation facilities. Many funeral homes contract the cremation service to a cremation facility. They do not always have their own facility on-site. You want to know where your loved one will be taken and the reputation of the facility performing the cremation, so this is an important question to ask. 

Does the Crematory Have a Body Refrigerator? 

Another important question that you should ask when you are selecting a cremation provider is whether the crematory has a body refrigerator. If you are not having a viewing for your loved one, they may not need to be embalmed if you can find a crematory with a body refrigerator. This can help you to keep expenses low. In addition to asking if a crematory has a refrigerator, you should ask how long they typically store a body before it can be cremated. 

Can the Family Witness the Cremation? 

The final question you may wish to ask when you are looking to hire a cremation service is whether the family can witness the cremation. Some crematories offer cremation viewing. During this process, the body is placed on the retort, which ultimately leads the body into the cremation chamber. While the family does not witness the actual body in the cremation chamber, watching the body be placed on the retort gives families peace of mind that their loved one was cremated. 

While cremation facilities do need to be licensed, the way they operate is not uniform. There can be some differences in the way they operate, including whether they have a refrigerator or if they allow the family to witness the cremation. Asking the right questions helps to ensure that you find the best cremation provider based on the wants and needs of the family of the deceased. 

Contact a local cremation service to learn more.