Home Funeral Guide and Green Burial Consulting Services

Contrary to popular belief, embalming, cremation or burial is not required within 24, or even 48, hours of death under most circumstances. Families can care for their own loved one in the home after death.  This is what everyone did three to four generations ago, and what many people still do throughout the world. It’s called a “home funeral” and is a natural extension of hospice care. It is safe, simple, inexpensive and legal in all 50 states. The benefits of home funeral and green or natural burial include personal expression of grief in a relaxed atmosphere, the love and honor that only family members can provide, inclusion of the family and the community, and an improved grief journey for those involved.

What is a Home Funeral?

A home funeral is a loving way to honor and care for your loved one after death.  It can include any of the following:
  • Bringing the body home (if not already at home)
  • Washing and dressing the body
  • Laying the body out on a bed or sofa in the bedroom or living room
  • Cooling the body with dry ice
  • Inviting friends and family to a home visitation or wake
  • Having a funeral service at home or in a place of worship
  • Having a green burial, either on your own property or in a cemetery.

Embalming is rarely required; however, most funeral homes will not allow a public visitation without it.  In Michigan (according to state law) a funeral director must be hired to sign the death certificate and supervise the transport the body to the cemetery or crematory.  There are several local funeral directors who are supportive of home funeral.  Please contact The Dying Year for referrals. Laws vary from state to state. For more information, visit the National Home Funeral Alliance.
   
The Dying Year is sensitive to Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Native American, Anthroposophic, and other traditions concerning death care and encourages you to observe your particular cultural practices in caring for your loved one. I am an ally of the LGBT community and understand obstacles that can be encountered in caregiving and funeral care.
What to do when someone dies
First, do nothing.  Sit with your loved one.  There is no hurry.  Whether you are in the hospital, a care facility or at home in hospice care, this is a very valuable and special part of the grieving process.  Hopefully, your circumstances will allow you at least a few hours, if not more.  Ask for what you want and know that, even though there are a lot of messages in our society that say otherwise, it is ok to spend time with and touch the body.
If you need guidance and you want to have a home funeral for someone who has just died, please plan ahead. Having a home funeral without having planned ahead is difficult but possible. You will need:
  • Family support
  • A home to transport the body to, if the person died in a hospital or care facility
  • The necessary paperwork to be able to remove the body and bury or cremate
  • A supportive funeral director.  This is necessary in nine states and if you have not planned ahead to have a home funeral.

Planning Ahead

Pre-planning is very important, whether a death is imminent or not. If you desire to have a home funeral, it is necessary for you to know the state laws, to prepare your home, and to have support from your family and friends.  In addition, if you want to, or are required by state law to hire a funeral director, it is best if you find one ahead of time.  I can help you.

Community Presentations

Are you starting a
  • Green cemetery near you?
  • Natural death care community group?
Merilynne has given over 100 presentations about natural death care to congregations, clubs, senior centers, libraries and civic groups.

Family Consultations

  • 90-minute family meeting: $195
  • In-home or on-line
  • Complete preparation to care for your loved one at home after death or have a green burial.
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   Make your payment here.

Home Funeral Guide Training

12-week, self-guided online course with LIVE virtual office hours on the 4th Friday of every month, 12-1pm EST:
  • Legalities
  • History
  • Body care
  • Planning ahead
  • Finding a supportive funeral director
  • Forming a circle of support
​Everything you need to know to help families. 
“I'm glad to have you as a trainer and mentor!”— J.T.
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​Compassionate Communities: A Public Health Approach to End-of-Life Care by Merilynne Rush, MSHP, RN, BSN