Manning Funerals offers natural option
Embalming has for many years been the way in which funeral homes approach death. But Manning Funeral Cottage has a unique way of caring for family members, and that is through a wholly natural process.
Martha-Louise Asmus of Manning Funeral Cottage at 31 George St, Newmarket has been a funeral director in Auckland for the past 18 years and admits she was highly sceptical of this option when it was first suggested to her. After all, she had come from a conservative background of funeral directing where everyone was embalmed.
Natural body care is a process whereby the deceased is transferred to Manning Funeral Cottage where they are washed with warm water and a selection of fragrant oils, their hair is shampooed and conditioned and they are then dressed before being placed in their casket. Cooling packs are placed on, and around the deceased, maintaining a constant low body temperature. These packs are regularly changed and are removed for viewings.
Martha-Louise says this process is not for everyone and each situation is assessed on an individual basis. A traumatic death, infectious disease or a protracted illness may necessitate embalming, but where possible, natural body care is the chosen option.
In saying this, Martha
Louise stresses that she will adhere to the family’s wishes.
The important thing is that families are allowed to spend quality time with their family member without risk of harm, or distress from an adverse situation where a person should have been embalmed.
Martha-Louise says that families often ask how long a person can be kept without embalming and while she has had a situation of one woman who had natural body care being viewed after one week, the situation could be vastly different for another after a much shorter time.
Spending time with a family member or friend is a hugely important part of death and while it is not for everyone, those who do should be able to come away with a positive experience.
To discuss this further call Martha-Louise on 377 9790.