Talking about your senior’s funeral and burial options might be something you’ve both been avoiding, even if she’s nearing the end of her life. One type of burial option to consider is a green burial, which is better for the environment than traditional burial or cremation.
Burial Materials Need to Be Biodegradable
Biodegradable materials are ones that are natural and break down over time. These are materials that have little to no impact on the environment and that blend into the earth after they break down. That means that things like a metal coffin wouldn’t be considered part of a green burial. Wood, particularly wood that has been harvested in a sustainable manner, and natural fabrics like bamboo, cotton, or hemp, are all good choices.
Chemicals Are a No-go
Because a green burial is about not affecting the environment, chemicals typically used to preserve bodies are not necessary and not allowed in the process. Refrigerating is usually the recommended means of preserving the body rather than embalming. This can mean that someone who wants a green burial would be buried very soon after passing away.
Concrete Isn’t Typically Allowed
Most people are familiar with concrete vaults used to prepare the cemetery plot. In fact, most cemeteries actually require a vault to be used to protect the coffin and to keep the ground above and around the coffin from sinking. But concrete isn’t a natural, biodegradable material, so if your senior is considering a green burial, then a vault of any kind won’t be part of the requirements, especially one in concrete.
Grave Markers Must Be Natural
Grave markers are another area that is different with a green burial. Metal, concrete, and even stone grave markers are common in traditional cemeteries. With a green burial, however, you’re encouraged to use natural grave markers, like a tree or shrub. Some green cemeteries allow engraved markers, as long as they’re made of biodegradable materials, like wood. If your elderly family member wants a larger marker, then burial with the seed of a tree is an option that grows over time. Many green burials include GPS coordinates that you can use to come back to your senior’s place of rest later.
Deciding on burial options is difficult to do. End-of-life care providers can help you and your senior to find the resources that you need to answer questions about burial for your senior if that’s something that you have yet to decide.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering End of Life Care in Dallas, TX please contact the caring staff at Arcy Healthcare today. 469-293-1515
My name is Jimmie Stapleton. I am the founder and CEO of Arcy Healthcare. Arcy Healthcare includes Arcy Hospice, Arcy Supportive Care, MaximaCare Home Health and Arcy at Home.
Arcy Hospice was opened in 2007 to provide care and support for individuals and families facing a life limiting illness. It was established after my wife Ellen, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, had completed her chemo and radiation therapies. At that time, things were looking positive, and we wanted to do something for our community that had been so supportive of our family during her treatments. Unfortunately, the cancer returned a few years later, and she subsequently passed away under our care in 2010.
In the years that followed, I began to see the need to provide the same level of excellent care to patients across the continuum of care. Therefore, we have added a home health division (MaximaCare Home Health), a palliative care division (Arcy Supportive Care), and a home care division, (Arcy at Home). With the addition of these divisions, we can meet most of the post-acute care needs for you and your family in your home.
I started Arcy Hospice with my wife as my motivation to provide exceptional care and support in the patient’s home, where they are surrounded by family and where they feel most comfortable. I’m proud to say that our staff provides some of the best in home care in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.
Please let us know if we can enrich the quality of life for you or a loved one.
Sincerely,
Jimmie Stapleton – Founder and CEO
Arcy Healthcare
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