HYGIENIC TREATMENT

HYGIENIC TREATMENT:
As Funeral Directors, we aim to provide every family with a positive viewing experience. When someone passes away, natural changes occur; the appearance is often dramatically altered, and the familiar memory picture may not always match the reality when visiting our Chapel of Rest. Embalming or Hygienic Treatment aims to restore a more familiar image that is sustainable, reassuring, and safe.

Hygienic Treatment affords three important functions:

 

PRESERVATION:

Typically, this will be the perception most will have: the process of temporary preservation. From the moment one passes away, Mother Nature's changes begin. Often, these changes are gradual; in some cases, they advance more rapidly. Hygienic Treatment slows down this natural process, allowing families to pay their respects between death and the funeral without noticeable changes.

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Hygienic Treatment is a keyhole surgical procedure. A preserving solution is injected into the body's arterial system. Through mechanical means, the solution is circulated throughout the body until it reaches the tissues, where, under intervascular pressure, some of it penetrates the tissues. What isn't taken up by the tissues will continue through the vascular system, where it will be removed through a vein. It is a process of flushing the body with a solution which will encourage even preservation in all areas. In simple terms, we inject through an Artery, drain through a Vein, and access the site through one or two small incisions. Typically, one will perceive the process as injecting Formaldehyde, and in principle, this is often the case. However, Mortuary Science has advanced dramatically over the last few years. The chemical technology we employ is among the most technically advanced in the world, and we take great pride in knowing that we utilise the best products available. In more recent times, FORMALDEHYDE-FREE options have become available, and our family has been trialling these products with significant success.

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We have a dedicated, specially equipped Mortuary Facility designed for Hygienic Treatment. Our facilities are among the best available, a clinical environment equipped with all the necessary state-of-the-art requirements; it is our most substantial investment, our most important room in the Funeral Home, and is operated by members of the Searson family.

 

PROTECTION:

Sanitation is equally essential, and with an abundance of potential infections, Hygienic Treatment can control or destroy these risks to those who have physical contact with the body. The protection of our staff is paramount, and we have strict control measures in place to ensure a safe working environment. We utilise protective wear, processes and barrier systems that prevent cross-contamination. However, when families visit the Chapel of Rest, those safety measures are restricted for obvious reasons.

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As a family, we don't just encourage the benefits of viewing; we also encourage visits to have a sense of normality. It is perfectly acceptable to hold a hand, touch their loved one, or even kiss them, as it is a natural need for many. Hygienic Treatment, along with preservation, also sanitises or disinfects the body, internally through the injection process and externally through washing and topical treatments. It would be reasonable to expect that when someone passes away, odour becomes obvious. The chemical technology we employ also includes sanitisers, disinfectants, and deodorisers; they eliminate odours in most cases, making the viewing experience a little more comfortable and much safer for everyone. The Searson family have a strict policy of equality for all. Where many funeral directors won't encourage viewing when a known infection risk is present and wouldn't offer Hygienic Treatment as an option, we do in many situations. We are professionals; we sensibly consider everyone who comes into our care as being a potential risk. By doing this, we practice universal precautions, meaning everyone has the same opportunities to visit the Chapel, even when certain infection risks are evident.

 

HOWEVER, ... and not to give the impression that everyone is an infection risk because they are not, but sensible precautions are good practice. Just like we protect our hands with sanitising gel, we know it helps reduce risk. We don't all do it, and we don't all get infected. Sanitation and disinfection are just sensible steps in keeping us all protected.

 

PRESENTATION:

In our opinion, the most beneficial aspect of Hygienic Treatment is how someone looks in the Chapel. Families will always have an image in their minds of what they expect to see, and we do all we can to help create that image. Hygienic Treatment not only preserves and disinfects but also aids in removing natural discolouration and hydrates sunken or dehydrated tissues. Our products contain Emollients, Moisturisers, Colouring Agents, and other elements that enhance the visual effects of death.

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Presentation is more than just Arterial Injection; other benefits are derived from our Hygienic Treatment Services. Hair is a vital framework of the face, and when properly cared for, it can make a dramatic difference in how someone looks. Where natural colouring is difficult to reinstate, specialised Mortuary Cosmetics can help bring back missing natural colouration. One of the most frequent comments families make about visiting a loved one is that the mouth doesn't look right, and, in most cases, we are unable to correct it. In life, one's visual character and personality are expressed through facial expressions and mannerisms. When someone passes away, those unique visual traits cannot be expressed, and this can have a dramatic effect on the visual appearance. Hygienic Treatment can benefit this critical area, providing more pronounced hydration to the lips and bringing back natural contours lost through dehydration.

 

We can't take away the reality of what has happened, and when someone passes away, we can't bring back a living image; it would be wrong even to try. On the other hand, Hygienic Treatment can significantly help restore a more natural and faithful representation of the one you know and love, and this, in turn, will undoubtedly provide a more rewarding viewing experience. PLEASE REMEMBER, it is your choice, your decision. Hygienic Treatment is NOT an essential requirement; it is more beneficial for you and your loved one.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

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DO YOU REMOVE THE BLOOD?

NO … that isn't the intention, nor is it achievable. After someone passes away, the blood that was circulating throughout the body settles and begins to gravitate to the lower regions. When the body is lying flat, blood settles to the back, out of view. Over a short time, blood begins to solidify and becomes trapped within the tissues. The process of Arterial Injection is intended to restore the natural moisture content of the Arterial System, allowing the preserving solution to penetrate the tissues. In turn, the solution will also treat the retained blood, preventing further deterioration. When we remove excess solution from the vein, there's very little blood, just preserving the solution that the superficial tissues haven't absorbed.

 

HOW LONG DOES EMBALMING TAKE?

This is very much dependent on the duration of time one is in the document; in most cases, Treatment is an average time, although it can extend to a day or more, depending on the body's needs. We don't body's needs time; we take each case on its own, and if we require more time and use more products, then that is what we do. Typically, we ask for three working days once we have the necessary documentation that permits Hygienic Treatment. This will give us all the time needed to ensure everything has been achieved.

 

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

Hygienic Treatment doesn't stop natural changes; it only slows the process. As such, Hygienic Treatment is a temporary measure, but one that will, in most cases, provide the stability needed to accommodate visits from family during the days leading up to the funeral. This could be one or two weeks, depending on what changes have already occurred. In some cases, and where an Autopsy has been performed, preservation is more challenging to achieve. Every deceased has their own needs, especially when natural changes have already started to advance. In such cases, we would guide families on how long visits could last, but we would take each day as it comes.

 

DO YOU USE MAKE-UP?

NO … although we occasionally employ specialised Mortuary Cosmetics which are designed to reinstate natural colouring. This may be limited to a slight, delicate application and typically not noticeable to those visiting. On the other hand, there may be times when colourations, such as a bruise, need to be concealed visually. The Searson family are confident that they have the most comprehensive range of products and skills you will find anywhere, and we extend these types of services as standard.

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WHO PERFORMS HYGIENIC TREATMENT?

We do, the Searson family. Most funeral directors don't employ their own Embalmers, and those who do contract it out to private companies. The Searson family has two resident embalmers, Andy and Matt, both of whom have a wealth of experience, varied skill sets, and a dedication to exceeding. Matt looks after our day-to-day procedures, Andy offers his skills in more specialist treatments, and together they make a formidable team.

 

DO I HAVE TO HAVE HYGIENIC TREATMENT?

NO … not at all. It's your choice, you make the decision. You can still visit without Hygienic Treatment; it just means we are limited in what we can achieve. The cost we charge for hygienic Treatment is not for profit. It is the one area of our service that is carried out without financial gain, and hopefully, this provides reassurance to our families that we're not offering it for extra money.

 

WHAT ABOUT REFRIGERATION?

The Searson family has a dedicated temperature-controlled Care Room that provides a stable environment for the interim period. Refrigeration slows natural changes, but it is limited in its ability to do so. Everyone who comes into our care is, initially, kept in a controlled environment. The temperature is usually about six degrees. Maintaining a stable environment stabilises the body. Varying the temperature from warm to cold and back again reduces the ability to control deterioration, as happens when families visit. The body is removed from a cold environment and taken to a warm chapel; its temperature increases. Then the body is placed back in a cold environment, the temperature accelerating the process of natural changes. Temperature-controlled environments also accelerate dehydration and the drying out of facial tissues, which can change how someone looks. Over several days, dehydration can be just as challenging as other natural changes. 

 

I'M NOT SURE?

Understandably, and for most, it hasn't ever been a topic of conversation. There is a lot to consider when arranging a funeral, and deciding whether to visit the Chapel of Rest is often a very important decision. It is important to remember that the Searson family is a professional one; we're dedicated, committed, and driven to achieve. Often, families will take our guidance, but some may need more information or more time to consider their options. If you need more assurance and some peace of mind, why not speak with one of our Embalmers? They are very approachable and always willing to give you as much help as possible in making your decision. That decision might be 'Do I want hygienic Treatment?' It may be 'Do I want to visit the Chapel of Rest?'

 

Our Embalmers will talk you through your options on a more personal level. They will provide an assessment of your loved one's needs, suggest steps that might be taken, and determine whether a visit to the Chapel of Rest would be the best option for you. We never forget that you are entrusting us with your most valuable possession, and we ensure that their care and well-being are of the highest standard. Ask a team member if you want to speak with one of our Embalmers.