Funeral Services Information (USA)

All beings exist in an invisible state and then come to a state of visibility. Change occurs only on the surface, for the self-existent glory remains unchanged; changing form does not affect the self-existent Reality. (Atman) Soul or the Self, dwells in all that is perishable, yet it remains imperishable.

Non-Resident Indians, no matter how closely they are associated with India, especially in situations like deaths/accidents etc. understands the agony and being completely alien to the process has to go through several steps to dispose the body off or send it to India for cremation purposes. Local jurisdiction laws in US may not be receptive to Indian way of handling funeral services. Family members might be in a disturbed mindset grieving the loss and might panic when making the final arrangements. Funeral homes might take advantage of this situation. Unfortunately, unlike in India, Funeral homes in most states would not let the deceased person be taken home if the death happens at a place other than home. Deceased will be transported directly to the funeral home. All funeral homes might not have Cremation/burial capabilities but might still offer the services as they have arrangements with other/nearby facilities. Family members have the right to choose the facility they want. Some funeral homes might provide Ash catering Services and would allow a priest on premise to perform the final rights. You might have to work with your own priest, and this might fall under Special Services offered by the funeral home.

SEVA Steps to follow in case of Funeral Services in US

1. Gather the incident details as requested in the Incident form Gather as much info as possible.
2. Gather the biographic information of the Primary contact like Driver’s license (mandatory), mobile # & at least a photo of the deceased.
3. Collect an authorization letter from legal kin/Spouse/Relatives/Friends.
4. Contact Local Funeral Service homes, provide them the basic information of the incident and find out their charges.
5. Establish contact with the local Medical Examiner’s office where deceased body is present. Provide local funeral homes info & fee details to the legal kin/contact and request the kin to work out directly with the funeral homes.
6. Legal kin/Friends of the affected should work with Medical Examiner's office and local funeral home to release the body.
   Info : Local Funeral home staff will contact Medical Examiner to obtain medical reports and County officials to get death certificates, permits etc. Medical Examiner will provide a letter or report regarding non communicable disease.
7. Local funeral home will work on body Embalming, body reconstruction (if needed), dressing, cosmetology services and visitation services prior to the final rites.