Instead of preparing the body with chemicals, morticians will store it in a fridge that keeps the body at two degrees Celsius. However, like embalming, it's important to remember that this merely slows the decomposition process – it doesn't stop it. A refrigerated body will last three to four weeks.
This should be organised as soon as you have decided you would like to keep the body at home as bodies can usually last up to 4-5 days before noticeable physical changes. This means that with proper management, you can care for your loved one at home until their funeral or farewell service.
In Texas, embalming is not required. Texas does, however, require a body to be refrigerated, embalmed, or placed in an approved, sealed container if final disposition (burial or cremation) will not occur within 24 hours. (25 Texas Admin. Code § 181.4 (2024).)
A Funeral Assignment is an agreement that is signed by a beneficiary of a life insurance policy. The beneficiary assigns all or a portion of the life insurance benefits at the Funeral Home which allows payment for funeral expenses to be made directly to the funeral home. Yes, NYL GBS does accept Funeral Assignments.
Texas does not require embalming (which is using chemicals to slow the decomposition of the body). However, Texas law states that bodies that are held for over 24 hours must be refrigerated, embalmed, or encased in a special container.
Among the funeral documents needed are various basic and fundamental papers like the birth and death certificates of your loved one, their social security card and the cremation or burial forms. You may also need the cremation deed, the military discharge documents and the insurance details, if applicable.
A funeral service, whether traditional or more modern (memorial service or celebration-of-life), has two functions: to acknowledge the death and lifetime achievements of an individual and to bring grieving family members and friends together in support of one another during this difficult time.
Most commonly, an end-of-life ceremony will be called a “funeral,” a “memorial service,” or a “celebration of life.” All of these terms refer to the ritual of gathering family and friends together after a loved one has died.