Identification, Viewing and Personal Effects Funeral Foundation G2 Identification, Viewing and Personal Effects

Learning Outcome 1 Initiate identification procedures

IDENTIFICATION It is not our responsibility to initially identify the deceased. Identity is usually confirmed by relatives or hospital/nursing staff. If there is doubt about the identity the Coroner or Police will confirm it before releasing the body to the Funeral Director. “We all laugh when other companies arrive at the wrong Crem, or the right Crem, with the wrong body, but the potential for disaster is there for us all, everyday” G2

IDENTIFICATION The Funeral Director’s responsibility is to ensure that the body’s identification is correct throughout the time that the deceased is in their care. Identification MUST take place at the earliest possible moment. G2

IDENTIFICATION Information always recorded. Full name Take care for similar names John Smith and Jack Smith John Brown and Joan Brown Lesley and Leslie G2

IDENTIFICATION Methods of and aids to identification may include: Wristband Toe Tag Mortuary register Regular checks of identification should be made; before each stage of care. E.g. before hygienic treatment, before placing deceased in coffin, before viewing and before the funeral. G2

IDENTIFICATION When should we check ID? With informant at first call Removal Arrival at funeral premises/chapel Embalming & preparation Preparing coffin/casket Viewing Closing coffin Loading coffin onto hearse

IDENTIFICATION Tools for checking ID? Informant/client Certificates and documents Mortuary registers Plates and name tags with paperwork With funeral order forms/arrangements sheets

IDENTIFICATION IS THE RIGHT BODY - IN THE RIGHT COFFIN - IN THE RIGHT CHAPEL - AT THE RIGHT CREMATORIUM OR CEMETERY ?????????? CHECK CHECK AND CHECK AGAIN G2

Learning Outcome 2 Prepare viewing room in accordance with the religious needs of the bereaved and standards of the company

EMBALMING Objectives and Benefits of Embalming Preservation Presentation Prevention of Disease

EMBALMING 5,000 YEARS AGO THE Egyptians practised various forms of embalming Modern embalming has it’s roots in the early 18th century. Arterial embalming discovered by a Dutch Doctor, Frederick Ruysch. Formaldehyde discovered in late 1860’s, but not used in embalming until early 1900’s

EMBALMING Embalming A simple clinical procedure which allows the deceased to be presented in a dignified, restful and natural manner. During this procedure the natural fluids are replaced with a chemical substance, via a small incision into a vein and an artery.

EMBALMING Embalming will render the deceased free from most pathogens and reduces risks to the living. The procedure allows the deceased to remain in a good condition for a longer period of time.

And Major Religions in the UK Funeral Rites And Major Religions in the UK

Fact: We live in a multicultural Society Funeral Directors, perhaps more than any other profession, will have regular contact with people of other race, religion, and culture. We have to deal with the funeral rites, and religious needs of any and all faith groups.

In any religion A funeral service is a major rite of passage. It is vital that we endeavour to understand and support their needs at a time of bereavement.

Christian The name covers a broad variety of cultures, crossing all continents. In the UK it is estimated that there are up to 220 different Christian denominations, and funeral rituals may differ from church to church.

Christian - Protestant Church of England, Church of Scotland and non-conformists, such as Methodist, Baptist United Reformed, Salvation Army, Quaker and Brethren. Some, usually regular members of a church, will have a service in a church prior to a committal elsewhere.

Christian – Roman Catholic Greek and Russian Orthodox Traditional Irish Catholics. Irish Catholics will hold a rosary and a wake. Most will hold a full mass, although a shorter funeral service may be acceptable.

This list is not exhaustive. Non Christian Islamic/Muslim Judaism - Orthodox Jews/Liberal or Reformed Jews Hindu Sikh Buddhism Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints – Mormon Wicca Paganism This list is not exhaustive.

There’s more that unites us, than separates us. Most world religions are founded on a set of principles on which we base our conduct within society. Whether we are Christian, Islamic, Jewish or Hindu we have the right to expect that our faith be acknowledged and respected.

Non Religious Funerals Alternative Funeral Service Civil Funerals Humanist No service Use of Music & Poetry

Green Funerals Coffins & Casket choices Know what they are Burial sites – Woodland Burials Know where they are G2

Learning Outcome 3 Handle and record personal effects and valuables according to company policy.

Learning Outcome 4 Check deceased, coffin and room prior to viewing

VIEWING THE COFFIN: should be the type selected by the client with the correct furniture should be the correct length and width for the size of the deceased, and have sufficient depth. The nameplate should be checked for accuracy

VIEWING The Deceased: Should be correctly clothed, either in the garments provided by the client or a clean suitable gown. Clothing should not appear bunched or wrinkled. Jewellery and identification should be checked before being moved into a viewing chapel

VIEWING The Chapel: Should be clean and tidy with religious symbols displayed or removed as appropriate. Lighting set at the correct level If flowers are used they should be checked for freshness. Check name on door (If used) No unpleasant odours

Learning Outcome 5 Treat mourners with respect and dignity.

The Mourners Give them enough time, they shouldn’t feel rushed. If possible a chair provide chair in chapel. Allow them time to compose themselves before leaving. If appropriate - offer refreshments