Beyond Cremation: Making a Plan for Your Final Resting Place - All About Seniors

By Summer SchmidtAs more people are turning to cremation, it begs the question of what to do with the ashes.Have you and your family discussed what will happen after cremation? For some families, there may be multiple family members wishes to take into consideration, such as children or siblings.One family member may want to keep the ashes at home, one may want to scatter the remains, while another may wish to have a permanent place they can visit.With cremation, all these options are possible and more.

You wouldnt want your cremains to be passed around or stored in a closet for years to come, end up in the trash or become lost, which is an unfortunate reality when a plan has not been made.For smaller portions of ashes, there is cremation jewelry, mini keepsake urns, memory glass orbs, diamonds, stones, and more.Scattering options can include private property scattering, scattering at sea, memorial reef scattering, and cemetery ossuaries.Permanent placement can include ground burial, above-ground gardens, glass niches, benches, bird baths, pedestals, boulders, private estates, or other custom memorials.

Many of these options can also include the ability to inurn multiple sets of ashes so loved ones can be placed together.If your family wishes to divide your ashes, there is one thing you may need to consider.Certain religious groups, national cemeteries, or private organizations may have specific rules about dividing ashes.If you or your loved one is a part of one of these organizations, it may be best to consult with them first.Many people know they can preplan and prepay for their funeral arrangements, but they can also preplan and prepay for any cremation permanent placement options.

A major benefit is that you can receive a price guarantee that protects you from rising costs.This means you can be locked in at todays rate.Affordable monthly payment plans are available, making it easier to budget and granting peace of mind to your loved ones by making your wishes known ahead of time.Although it can be difficult to discuss preparing all aspects of end-of-life care, having an open and honest conversation with loved ones about what comes next leaves your family with more answers instead of questions and can help alleviate family strife during a time of grief.