When a loved one enters hospice care, it’s often a difficult and emotional time for families. Hospice provides comfort, dignity, and compassionate care for those nearing the end of life, but it also comes with many important decisions. One of those key decisions involves choosing what to do after a loved one passes. For many families in St. Petersburg, Florida, opting for direct cremation is a practical and respectful choice.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about preparing for direct cremation, the steps to take before your loved one passes, and how Going Home Cremations can assist you with compassionate and affordable services.
What is Direct Cremation, and Why Do Families in St. Petersburg Choose It?
Direct cremation is a simple and cost-effective option that involves cremating the body shortly after death, without a traditional funeral service or viewing beforehand. Many families in St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas, including Tampa, Tarpon Springs, Tierra Verde, and New Port Richey, choose this for several reasons:
1. Affordability
Direct cremation costs significantly less than a traditional funeral and burial, which can cost upwards of $10,000 or more. Direct cremation typically costs under $2,000 with providers like Going Home Cremations, making it an accessible option for many families.
2. Simplicity
The process of direct cremation is straightforward, giving families the flexibility to grieve without the immediate pressures of planning a large funeral service. After cremation, families can choose how and when they’d like to hold a private memorial or celebration of life.
3. Flexibility
Direct cremation allows families to decide later where and how they want to honor their loved one. Whether it’s scattering ashes at a favorite spot in St. Petersburg, holding a small gathering at home, or even transporting ashes out of state, direct cremation provides more options.
Steps Families Should Take Before a Loved One Passes in Hospice Care
If your loved one is in hospice care, there are a few key steps you can take to prepare for direct cremation ahead of time:
1. Choose a Trusted Cremation Provider
It’s essential to choose a provider with experience and compassion. Going Home Cremations has been serving families in St. Petersburg and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Our team ensures the process is handled with respect and care.
2. Gather Necessary Information
To streamline the process, make sure you have all the necessary information ready, including:
- Your loved one’s full name, date of birth, and Social Security number
- Next-of-kin contact information
- Hospice contact details
- Any special requests regarding the handling of the ashes
3. Understand Florida Laws
In Florida, the process can only take place after the required paperwork is completed and the death certificate is signed by a physician. Hospice teams usually expedite this process to minimize delays.
4. Decide What to Do With the Ashes
Options include:
- Keeping the ashes in an urn at home
- Scattering the ashes at a meaningful location
- Dividing the ashes among family members in keepsake urns
What Happens When a Loved One Passes in Hospice Care?
When a loved one passes, the hospice team will notify the cremation provider you’ve selected. If you’ve chosen Going Home Cremations, here’s what happens next:
- Transportation of the Deceased
- Paperwork Completion
- Cremation Process
- Returning the Ashes
Why Choose Going Home Cremations?
For over 20 years, Going Home Cremations has provided affordable and compassionate direct cremation services to families in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Tarpon Springs, Tierra Verde, and New Port Richey.
- Affordable Pricing
- Compassionate Care
- Local Expertise
If you’re considering direct cremation for a loved one in hospice care, trust Going Home Cremationscre to provide compassionate, professional, and affordable services.
