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Embalming

This is probably one of the most popular question a funeral director gets asked.

Embalming and other types of preservation have been recorded in history as far back as the Egyptians. Back in those days, only the wealthy were embalmed, or "mummified", as it was known then. And history has shown that the Egyptian mummies were well preserved for thousands of years. Over the years the procedure has changed many times to what we now know as modern day embalming.

We use embalming today for two primary reasons - to allow adequate time between death and burial to observe social customs such as visitations and funeral services, and to prevent the spread of infection. Cosmetic work is often used for esthetic reasons.

Modern embalming now consists primarily of removing all blood and gases from the body and inserting a disinfecting fluid. Small incisions are made in either the carotid or femoral artery and the jugular or femoral vein; the disinfecting fluid is injected through the carotid or femoral artery, and the blood is drained from the jugular or femoral vein.

If an autopsy is being performed, the vital organs are removed and immersed in an embalming fluid, and then replaced in the body, often surrounded by a preservative powder. If an autopsy is not performed, the embalmer aspirates fluids out of the body cavity by making a small incision near the navel and aspirating the bodily fluids. Most bodies in the USA are embalmed, though it is not required by law in most cases.

Why do we embalm?

Embalming is primarily done to disinfect and preserve the remains. Disinfection is important for all who have to handle the remains, and for the public safety of our communities. In the years gone by, deaths due to typhoid fever, malaria and other highly contagious diseases, put funeral directors and others who came into contact with the remains at a very high risk of contracting the same disease. Secondly, it has been a tradition to have a period of visitation of the remains. This is known as the wake or calling hours. Friends and family gather to view the remains and pay tribute to a family member or friend that has died. We gather to console the family on their loss, and to express sympathy to them. Without embalming, most remains would not be viewable within a short amount of time. There are constant changes going on chemically and physically within the remains that change the looks and other qualities that we are accustomed to seeing. Embalming acts as a hindrance to this, and gives us the time needed to pay respect and express our sympathies.

How is embalming done?

When remains arrive at a funeral home, it is subjected to a series of steps before the actual preparation of remains are complete.

 

Daily Grief Support by Email

Grieving doesn't always end with the funeral: subscribe to our daily grief support email, designed to help you a little bit every day, by filling out the form below.

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Those grieving are in great need of support. If a close friend has recently experienced a loss, fill out the form below to subscribe to our weekly tips and find out how you can be most helpful.

Helping You Plan

Are you looking to add a personal touch to your loved one's funeral service?  Maybe you want to learn more about planning your own funeral.  We've made all of this information — and more — available for you to explore in the comfort and privacy of your home.

Helping You Grieve

It's not unusual to feel lost and alone after losing a loved one. Our grief support programs can help you through this difficult time. Visit our Online Grief Resource Center here. or call us at 631-269-6421.

Our Services

We understand that it is not always possible to pay respects in person, & hope that this small token will help. You can search for your loved one using the form below.

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The pinnacle of memorialization, any family member or friends can take advantage of this free services by creating an account and a book to memorialize their loved one.

Pre-Arrangement

Dying is one of the few events in life that's certain to occur, yet one we rarely plan for. Should we spend more time preparing for a two week vacation than we do our last days on Earth?

Proudly Serving the Communities of Kings Park, Commack, Fort Salonga, Northport, Smithtown, Huntington, St. James, Suffolk County, 11754, 11768, 11725, and 11787
631-269-6421 Clayton Funeral Home
25 Meadow Road
Kings Park, NY 11754
Email: claytonfhkp@gmail.com
631-269-6421 Clayton Funeral Home
25 Meadow Road
Kings Park, NY 11754
Email: claytonfhkp@gmail.com
631-269-6421 Clayton Funeral Home
25 Meadow Road
Kings Park, NY 11754
Email: claytonfhkp@gmail.com
631-269-6421 Clayton Funeral Home
25 Meadow Road
Kings Park, NY 11754
Email: claytonfhkp@gmail.com
631-269-6421 Clayton Funeral Home
25 Meadow Road
Kings Park, NY 11754
Email: claytonfhkp@gmail.com