Most people don’t have a clear idea as to how funeral directors operate with regard to the people who have died who come into their care, so we thought it would be useful to describe this in detail to give you reassurance.
At Heart and Soul Funerals, we believe in the importance of openness and transparency. Our mission has always been to offer a respectful and compassionate alternative to funeral care. Here’s how we ensure every individual in our care is treated with the highest standards of respect and dignity.
Commitment to Openness
We were founded on the principle that better practices in the funeral sector are possible. This belief drives us to maintain complete transparency about the care we provide. We welcome families to visit our facilities, to understand how we care for their loved ones, and to be involved in the process as much as they wish.
Ensuring Proper Identification
A common concern is ensuring that the person in the coffin is indeed the correct person / your loved one. At Heart and Soul Funerals, we implement rigorous identification checks at every stage:
- Initial Intake: When someone is brought into our care, their details are logged, and a wristband with their name is placed on them. This includes noting down any distinguishing features or personal possessions.
- Regular Checks: We perform name checks multiple times—when the person arrives, when they are dressed, and whenever they are moved.
- Final Confirmation: Before the funeral, we double-check the wristband, coffin name plate and register to ensure everything matches correctly. We also confirm any personal items that need to be returned or kept with the individual.
Families are invited to be present during these checks if they wish, providing extra reassurance.
Secure and Respectful Care
Our mortuary is secure and locked, with our team on-site during working hours and the whole building securely locked in non-working hours. Located within our main funeral home in Buckfastleigh, it allows us to perform frequent checks and offer timely updates to families.
The culture of respect at Heart and Soul Funerals extends beyond procedures. We always refer to those in our care by their names, acknowledging them as individuals.
Visiting and Viewing
We wash and dress each person in our care with respect and sensitivity. When family and friends come to sit with their person, whether with an open or closed coffin, we ensure the individual is presented, in accordance with, the family’s wishes. Most of our clients are not embalmed, which does not affect the ability to visit and say goodbye.
We provide clear communication about what families can expect during their visit, answering any questions they might have about the natural changes that occur after death.
Handling Cremation
Concerns about cremation processes are also common. At the crematorium, the name plate on the coffin is checked before the ceremony begins. Throughout the cremation process, multiple checks are made to ensure the correct identification is maintained, preventing any mix-ups. Our video ‘Do In Get The Right Ashes’ can be found on Youtube and has had over a million views.
The Need for Greater Regulation
While regulation is essential for maintaining minimum standards, it alone cannot ensure the highest quality of care. Trade associations like the National Association of Funeral Directors and SAIF provide some oversight and carry out annual inspections.
Improving care in the funeral sector requires more than just regulatory compliance. It demands a commitment to treating those in our care with the same respect we afford the living. This involves opening up about our practices, encouraging questions, and providing honest answers.
At Heart and Soul Funerals, we are dedicated to setting a higher standard in funeral care. We strive to provide not just adequate but exceptional care, fostering trust through transparency and compassion. By talking more openly about death and the care we provide, we can help ensure that every family feels confident in the quality of care their loved ones receive.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to provide support and reassurance during this difficult time.
