Funeral, Cremation, & End-of-Life Glossary

Also known as aquamation or water cremation, alkaline hydrolysis is a gentle, eco-conscious alternative to traditional flame cremation. This process uses a combination of water, heat, pressure, and an alkaline solution to return the body to its natural elements. What remains is a nutrient-rich liquid and soft bone material, which is dried and processed into ashes—similar in appearance to traditional cremated remains.

An alternative cremation container is a non-metal, combustible, and rigid container used to hold the body during the cremation process. It's an alternative to a traditional casket and is typically more affordable and simpler in design.

Also called alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, aquamation is a modern, environmentally gentle alternative to traditional cremation. Instead of flame, this process uses a warm water solution, combined with natural alkalis, to accelerate the body’s natural return to its basic elements. After the process, soft bone material is carefully dried and processed into ashes—just like in traditional cremation—and returned to the family.

A beneficiary is a person (or organization) who is legally designated to receive assets, funds, or property after someone passes away. Beneficiaries are typically named in wills, trusts, or insurance policies, and play a key role in ensuring that a loved one’s final wishes are honored.

An environmentally friendly urn made from materials that naturally break down over time, ideal for scattering or earth burial.

A celebration of life is a personalized gathering held to honor someone’s memory, often taking place after cremation or burial. It focuses on joyfully remembering the person’s life, stories, and legacy at a time and location of the family's choosing.

Chain of custody refers to the secure, documented process of tracking a loved one’s remains from the time of transfer through cremation and return. It ensures accountability, proper identification, and respectful handling every step of the way.

Another term for "cremated remains"—the ashes left after the cremation process.

Cremation is a method of final disposition where the body is respectfully transformed into ashes using heat in a crematory. The ashes can be kept, scattered, or buried, depending on the family’s wishes.

An official document confirming that a cremation has taken place, often required for legal or memorial purposes.

A combustible, rigid container (often made of cardboard or wood) used to hold the body during the cremation process.

A secure, step-by-step identification system that ensures each loved one is properly tracked and cared for throughout the cremation process.

Cremation jewelry is a small keepsake—like a pendant, bracelet, or ring—designed to hold a tiny portion of a loved one’s ashes. It offers a meaningful, wearable way to keep someone close and carry their memory with you every day.

The facility where the cremation process occurs.

A legal document issued by the state listing the date, place, and cause of death. It’s often required to settle legal and financial matters.

A death doula—also called an end-of-life doula or death midwife—is a trained companion who offers emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and families during the dying process. Their care often begins well before death and may continue through grief support afterward.

Designated scattering areas are specific locations—often in parks, cemeteries, or natural settings—where it is legally permitted to scatter cremated remains. These areas offer families a peaceful and meaningful place to say goodbye in accordance with local regulations.

A simple, dignified option where the body is cremated shortly after death, without a formal viewing or traditional funeral service.

Disposition refers to the method chosen for caring for a body after death. Common forms include cremation and burial, while newer, eco-friendly options like green burial, natural organic reduction, and alkaline hydrolysis are also becoming more available.

Embalming is a chemical process used to preserve a body for public viewing or delayed burial. It slows natural decomposition but is not required for cremation or direct disposition in most cases. Many families who choose direct cremation opt to forgo embalming entirely.

An executor is the person named in a will to manage and carry out the deceased’s final wishes. This includes handling paperwork, settling debts, paying taxes, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.

A Family Care Advisor is a dedicated professional who guides families through the cremation planning process with compassion and clarity. They help with paperwork, answer questions, and ensure every detail is handled with care during a difficult time.

The ultimate handling of the body after death—cremation, burial, donation, etc.

A funeral director is a licensed professional who helps families plan and carry out end-of-life services. They manage logistics, file legal documents, and ensure each step—from transportation to final disposition—is handled with dignity and respect.

A Funeral Planning Declaration is a legal document in Indiana that lets you decide your own funeral and cremation wishes in advance. It overrides family input and names someone you trust to carry out your instructions. To be valid, it must be signed, witnessed, and meet state requirements.

The FTC's Funeral Rule is a federal regulation that requires funeral providers to give families clear, itemized pricing and honest information about their services. It ensures you have the right to choose only what you want—without pressure or hidden fees.

A General Price List is a required document that outlines all services and prices offered by a funeral or cremation provider. It ensures transparency, so families can review costs and make informed decisions without pressure or confusion.

A green burial is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial that avoids embalming chemicals and uses biodegradable materials. It focuses on minimal environmental impact and natural return to the earth.

A Healthcare Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows someone to make medical decisions for you if you become unable to do so. In Indiana, this authority ends at death and does not include the right to make funeral or cremation arrangements. For that, a Funeral Planning Declaration must be completed.

Hospice is a facility or type of medical care that provides palliative care to patients approaching the end of their life. Care is focused on comfort and quality of life rather than on providing a cure for illness.

Also known as soil transformation, human composting is a natural, eco-friendly alternative to burial or cremation. Through a gentle process, the body is transformed into nutrient-rich soil that can be returned to the family or used to restore forests, gardens, or conservation land—giving back to the earth in a meaningful way.

Immediate need cremation refers to cremation services arranged shortly after a death has occurred. These services are typically time-sensitive and prioritize compassionate, efficient care—helping families navigate logistics during a difficult moment. This includes transportation, necessary paperwork, and the cremation itself, often without a formal ceremony beforehand.

Imminent need cremation refers to planning cremation services in advance when a death is expected soon—such as during hospice or end-of-life care. It allows families to make thoughtful, informed decisions ahead of time, reducing stress and ensuring a smoother process when the time comes.

In-house cremation means the cremation is performed directly by the provider, without outsourcing to a third party. This ensures greater transparency, accountability, and respectful care every step of the way.

The placement of cremated remains into an urn and often into a final resting place such as a niche or columbarium.

A keepsake urn is a small urn designed to hold a portion of a loved one’s ashes. Families often choose keepsake urns to share remains among relatives or to keep a small part of their loved one close while scattering or burying the rest.

A living will is a legal document that outlines your medical care preferences if you become unable to communicate. It guides doctors and loved ones on treatments you do—or don’t—want near the end of life, helping ensure your wishes are honored.

A mortuary is a facility where a loved one’s body is prepared for viewing, funeral services, or final disposition. It’s often another name for a funeral home or funeral parlor.

Also known as soil transformation or human composting, natural organic reduction is a sustainable alternative to burial or cremation. It gently transforms the body into nutrient-rich soil, which can be returned to loved ones or donated to restore forests, gardens, and natural ecosystems—allowing us to give back to the earth.

Next of kin refers to a person’s closest living relative(s), often responsible for making legal and medical decisions after death. They may authorize cremation, inherit assets, and are typically the first to be notified. The legal definition can vary by state.

An obituary is a public notice of someone’s passing, often sharing details about their life, funeral arrangements, and surviving family. Traditionally published in newspapers, obituaries are now commonly shared online to reach loved ones near and far.

Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on comfort, relief from symptoms, and quality of life for those with serious illnesses. It can be provided alongside curative treatment or, when end of life is near, as part of hospice care.

A power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone the authority to make decisions on another person’s behalf. This can include financial, legal, or medical matters. When used for healthcare decisions, it’s considered a form of advance directive.

Prepaid cremation refers to making cremation arrangements—and covering the cost—in advance of passing. Families often choose this option to ensure their wishes are honored, ease the financial burden on loved ones, and lock in today’s pricing to avoid future cost increases.

Probate is the legal process of settling a person’s estate after death. It involves validating the will, paying debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. The process ensures everything is handled according to the law and the deceased’s wishes.

A memorial event where ashes are scattered in a meaningful place—such as a favorite hiking trail, garden, or body of water.

Scattering gardens are designated outdoor spaces—often within cemeteries or memorial parks—where families can respectfully scatter a loved one’s ashes. These serene, natural settings offer a peaceful place for remembrance and reflection.

Simple cremation, also known as direct cremation, is a straightforward option with no formal viewing or service beforehand. The body is cremated shortly after death, and the ashes are returned to the family—allowing them to plan a personal memorial in their own time and way.

A third-party provider is an outside company hired to perform services—such as cremation—on behalf of a funeral or cremation business. Unlike in-house care, this can mean less direct oversight.

A township trustee is a local government official who may assist with essential services, including covering cremation or burial costs for individuals without financial means. In some areas, trustees help coordinate indigent cremation programs or offer support to families in need. Availability and responsibilities vary by state and county.

A tree planting ceremony is a meaningful way to honor a loved one by planting a tree in their memory—often using or accompanied by their ashes. It symbolizes life, renewal, and a lasting tribute that grows over time.

A container designed to hold cremated remains. Available in various materials and styles for display, burial, or scattering.

A viewing is a private opportunity for family to see their loved one before cremation or burial. It offers a moment for final goodbyes and can bring comfort, closure, and connection during a time of grief.

A Vital Statistics Form collects key information about the deceased—such as full name, date of birth, and parents’ names—needed to complete the death certificate and cremation paperwork. It's an important step in ensuring legal documents are accurate and processed smoothly.

Also known as alkaline hydrolysis, water cremation is an eco-friendly alternative to flame cremation. It uses water, heat, and natural alkalis to gently return the body to its basic elements. The remaining bone material is processed into ashes and returned to the family, similar to traditional cremation.

An option allowing family members to be present for the beginning of the cremation process.