After Death Home Care | Ann Arbor MI | Green Burial | Home Funeral

     After Death Home Care is a consultation service for those who wish to learn about natural death care options, including home funeral and green burial. Home funeral, or home visitation, allows for personal expression of grief in a relaxed and loving atmosphere before proceeding to burial or cremation. With simple care, the body remains in the home while family gathers to comfort each other and say good-bye.

     Contrary to popular belief and common practice, embalming, cremation or burial is not required within 24, or even 48, hours of death under most circumstances. Generations ago all families cared for the deceased in the home.  This is still the practice in many cultures throughout the world. With the proper care, it is safe, simple, and inexpensive. Merilynne Rush, home funeral guide, provides information and consultation to empower you to care for your own dead, whether a death is anticipated or sudden.

A home funeral is a loving way to honor and care for your loved one after death.  It can include any of the following:

•  Bringing the body home (if not already at home)

•  Washing and dressing the body

•  Laying the body out on a bed or sofa in the bedroom or living room

•  Cooling the body with dry ice

•  Inviting friends and family to a home visitation or wake

•  Having a funeral service at home or in a place of worship

•  Having a green burial

According to Michigan law, a funeral director is involved to sign the death certificate and transport the body to the cemetery or crematory.  Embalming is rarely required; however, most funeral homes will not allow a public visitation without it.  There are several local funeral directors who are supportive of home funeral.  Please contact After Death Home Care for referrals.

   After Death Home Care is sensitive to Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Native American, Anthroposophic, and other traditions concerning death care and encourages you to observe your particular cultural practices in caring for your loved one.

     After Death Home Care is not a funeral establishment and is not engaged in the practice of funeral directing.  ADHC is a consulting service, and all fees paid to ADHC are for such services.