Learn more about Cremation Care Rhode Island with our Frequently Asked Questions section.
What are some questions I should ask when considering cremation providers?
1. Does the price you are quoting include everything, or are there add on fees that I need to be aware of?
2. Where is my loved one going to be taken and held prior to the cremation?
2. Where is my loved one going to be taken and held prior to the cremation?
At Cremation Care Rhode Island we offer a No-Hidden Fee Guarantee, the price we quote is the price, no surprises.
Prior to the cremation, your loved one will held in our climate controlled holding area.
Where is the cremation being performed?
The cremation takes place at a licensed crematory in Rhode Island or Massachusetts.
Where is body being held?
Your loved one will be sheltered in a climate controlled environment at our facility at 417 Plainfield St. Providence, RI.
Can I witness the cremation?
Witnessing a cremation may occur if the Green Cremation or Honor and Remember Packages is selected. The cremation witnessing will take place at the Swan Point Cemetery’s viewing room.
Do we own our own crematory?
No. The cremation takes place at a licensed crematory in Rhode Island or Massachusetts. This ensures that a third party checks the identification, cremation authorizations, and permits before the cremation is performed. For this reason, many states do not allow funeral homes to own a crematory or cemetery.
Is embalming necessary for cremation?
No, embalming is not required. However if you choose to have a public viewing or funeral service prior to the cremation… embalming may be required.
Do I have to come to your facility to finalize the paperwork?
No, we have found that many families prefer to make arrangements in the comfort of their own homes. The arrangements can be handled online, by email, fax, or mail.
Do all funeral homes and cemeteries have a crematory?
No. While almost every funeral home offers cremation, only a small percentage of cremation service providers have their own cremation units.
What can I do with cremated remains?
Ask your Funeral Director about suitable options and traditions of different faiths, cultures and nationalities. Can we view a body prior to cremation?
A deceased may be identified at the funeral home facility before the cremation is performed.
How does the entire process work?
To arrange for a cremation, the authorization must be signed by the next-of-kin. Our staff will prepare the death certificate to be signed by the primary care physician. In all cremations, the State Medical Examiner must review the certificate and issue a cremation certificate to the funeral home before the cremation can take place. The certificate, once reviewed by the Examiner will be filed in the City or Town where the death occurred. Once the necessary forms and authorizations are complete, the cremation takes place.
How long does it take to complete the cremation and get the cremated remains back?
Our goal is to complete the cremation as quickly as possible; however, the process is dependent on several different agencies and the doctor who is responsible for signing the death certificate. For 90% of the families we serve the average turnaround is 3 to 5 business days.
Can I place an obituary in the newspaper?
Yes. We will be happy to assist you with placing an obituary in the newspaper of your choice. In addition, we will place the obituary on our website, where friends and family can leave condolences online.
Can I come in to your office to make these arrangements instead of completing them online?
Yes. You are always welcome at our arrangement office, please just make an appointment prior to your visit. We are also available to come to your home, or meet you at your convenience.
How long does the actual cremation take place?
The cremation process takes three to four hours with an additional cool down period of a few hours.
Is there anything else I will be required to buy?
No! We do offer other services; however, there are no hidden fees in our packages.
What is a memory table and/or a memory board?
At the funeral home, a memory table may be used to display personal items of the deceased. A memory board would have a collection of family photographs attached and can be displayed on an easel at the funeral home for visitors to reminisce about their life experiences with the deceased.
Must an obituary be published in a newspaper?
We publish the obituary notice on our website free of charge and there is no limit to the length of the online obituary. The publication of an obituary notice in a newspaper is a matter of your personal choice. While most newspapers control the editorial format, you have the right to limit the amount of information, if any, provided to them.
Is a funeral or memorial service always held in a funeral home or place of worship?
A service can usually be held at any location that family and friends feel would be comfortable and appropriate. We can assist with arranging a meaningful service wherever you feel it would be appropriate.
What do funeral directors do?
Primarily they care and safeguard the deceased person until final disposition, including embalming and restorative work. A growing number of funeral directors are trained as grief counselors to help families through the bereavement process. They also arrange and provide an orderly series of events that finalize the funeral, the final disposition, and legal paperwork so the family can proceed forward. They also provide the physical establishment in which all of this can be accomplished.
Is cremation a substitution for a funeral?
No, cremation is simply a method of preparing human remains for final disposition.
Are there special cremation caskets?
There is a choice of very affordable cremation caskets that are completely combustible. The selection includes options from a plain cardboard container to a hardwood casket.
Can I take the cremated remains home?
Yes. The remains are normally placed in an urn. Most families select an urn that is suitable for placement on a mantle or shelf. Urns are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials.
Is embalming necessary for cremation?
No. It is your choice. It may depend on if the family selected a service with a public viewing of the body with an open casket, if they want the deceased’s appearance enhanced for a private family viewing, if the body is going to be transported by air or rail, or because of the length of time prior to the cremation.
How does the process work?
To arrange for a cremation, the authorization must be signed by the next-of-kin. Our staff will prepare the death certificate to be signed by the primary care physician. In all cremations, the State Medical Examiner must review the certificate and issue a cremation certificate to the funeral home before the cremation can take place. The certificate, once reviewed by the Examiner will be filed in the City or Town where the death occurred. Once the necessary forms and authorizations are complete, the cremation takes place.
How can I help a child deal with the death of a loved one?
Children grieve just as adults do. Any child old enough to form a relationship will experience some form of grief when a relationship is severed. Adults may not view a child behavior as grief as it is often demonstrated in behavioral patterns which we misunderstand and do not appear to us to be grief such as “moody,” “cranky,” or “withdrawn.” When a death occurs, children need to be surrounded by feelings of warmth, acceptance, and understanding. This may be a tall order to expect of the adults who are experiencing their own grief and are upset. Caring adults can guide children through this time when the child is experiencing feelings for which they have no words and thus cannot identify. In a very real way, this time can be a growth experience for the child, teaching about love and relationships. The first task is to create an atmosphere in which the child’s thoughts, fears, and wishes are recognized. This means that they should be allowed to participate in any of the arrangements, ceremonies, and gatherings which are comfortable for them. First, explain what will be happening and why it is happening at a level the child can understand. A child may not be able to speak at a grandparent’s funeral but would benefit greatly from the opportunity to draw a picture to be placed in the casket or displayed at the service. Be aware that children will probably have short attention spans and may need to leave a service or gathering before the adults are ready. Many families provide a non-family attendant to care for the children in this event. The key is to allow the participation, not to force it. Forced participation can be harmful. Children instinctively have a good sense of how involved they wish to be. They should be listened to carefully.
