A Natural Undertaking is a service that empowers families to be in attendance at the passing of a loved one and afterwards in the setting of their own home. The goal is to allow family members to participate as much or as little as they want, making use of some funeral home services if they choose, while avoiding unnatural, unnecessary, expensive and harmful practices such as embalming.
A home funeral is one that is held in a private home after the deceased has been cared for and surrounded by loved ones for a period of 1 to 3 days. Caring for loved ones is legal in most states. Family and friends may want to look into practices for a vigil or wake in their own spiritual traditions.
After death a powerfully intimate and precious relationship exists between the physical body and the spirit while the life forces of the deceased disengage. Appropriate surroundings and presence of friends can support and deepen this process. Also, this time allows loved ones to experience the transition in a way that is less sudden and traumatic, in a setting that is private and familiar. Natural emotions and quiet remembering can take place without the complex interruptions of an unfamiliar ceremony.
Consulting services are offered either on an hourly basis or on a fee basis when guiding families and friends through the entire process including various levels of participation including but not limited to:
* Preparing the way : planning for an anticipated death
* Caring for and preparation of the body
* Guiding family members to care for their loved one’s body
* Obtaining and preparing the casket
* Helping the family set up a vigil
* Providing and managing dry ice
* Guiding family and friends how to continue to care for the body for up to three days