Kim Hughes, a qualified embalmer and co-director of Hughes Funeral Directors, is here to offer guidance and support during one of the most delicate aspects of funeral care—embalming. With years of experience, Kim personally ensures that every step of the process is handled with the utmost respect and professionalism. Understanding that this can be an unfamiliar and emotional decision for many families, Kim takes the time to explain what embalming involves and the benefits it can provide.
Embalming has several advantages:
Protection
Pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, can sometimes pose a concern. Embalming renders these agents inactive, providing a safe and comfortable environment for anyone visiting or caring for the deceased while they are in our care at the funeral home.
Appearance
Modern embalming solutions are designed to restore a more lifelike appearance. This is achieved by imparting natural colouration, rehydrating, and restoring the body's tissues. These techniques can reduce visible signs of illness, and are often complemented with the use of specialist, subtle cosmetics to enhance the results, showcasing the art of modern embalming.
Preservation
While embalming does not prevent the natural process of decomposition, it does significantly slow it down. This is especially important given that the time between passing and the funeral can typically be two to three weeks. Embalming helps ensure the deceased is well-preserved throughout this period.
I have had a bad experience previously is this likely to happen again ?
Environmental techniques, very much like medical procedures are constantly evolving, and the processes and techniques used even a few years ago have changed immensely and improved in this relatively short time. Should you have any concerns, please talk to us so we can put your mind at rest and answer any questions you may have.
I don’t want to see the deceased, so why have them embalmed ?
As explained in the reasons for embalming , having loved ones embalmed isn’t solely for the benefit of anyone wishing to view their loved one, there are other important factors to consider, such as retaining your loved one’s dignity but also the prevention of spreading of bacteria and infections.
How do I know an embalmer is qualified?
All qualified members of the B I E will have the letters MBIE or FBIE after their name, they are all issued with a membership number and that membership can be checked at any time with the international office of the BIA for confirmation if required. Kimberly’s certificate is clearly displayed within our office in order to offer reassurance if needed at any time.
Kimberly has been a fully qualified embalmer for 16 years and has extensive experience within a vast and varied range of embalming processes, she prides herself in giving your loved ones the best possible treatment to achieve the best positive outcome for everyone concerned.
What is Embalming?
Embalming has a long-standing association with the funeral service and is a process that has evolved over many years, to become the modern highly specialised service available today. Although optional, embalming is a recommended service which provides a bespoke level of care for the deceased.
Why should I have my loved one embalmed?
After the loved one passes, the natural process of decomposition begins, this process is influenced by many factors even when the deceased is refrigerated and the body temperature stabilised, decomposition is associated with many undesirable characteristics, such as physical and feature changes, as well as accompanying unpleasant odours, embalming helps to prevent these changes as it temporarily preserves the deceased until the funeral and subsequent burial takes place. Following death, it is common for the deceased to look different in many ways, due to illness, medical intervention and dehydration, the embalming process can help restore the deceased to their former appearance, which is why recent photographs or images of the deceased are always useful. Following the passing, many people within the ensuing process will have a need or desire to interact with the deceased, from funeral staff to their family, friends and loved ones, who may wish to pay their respects in our chapel of rest, we will ensure that any interaction with the deceased, will be with the utmost care and consideration, and that the dignity of the deceased and the well-being of others will be our undoubted priority.
What does embalming involve?
The embalming process can generally take anywhere between 1 1/2 to 3 hours, however with the addition of some specialist work the process may take longer. The embalming process will take place in the dedicated embalming theatre where the deceased’s needs will be assessed and cared for. The embalmer will prepare a suitable embalming solution dependant on the requirement as modern embalming techniques use the body circulatory system to deliver the specified solution to the tissues of the deceased in order for the embalming process to be most effective. In most situations the process is achieved by making a small discreet incision allowing access to the most appropriate blood vessels and organs and the process is carried out. If and when an autopsy has taken place, embalming is achieved using the pre-existing incisions, whilst the prints behind the embalming remain unchanged. The embalmer will endeavour to closely follow any relatives or loved ones instructions regarding hairstyle, facial features, cosmetics and dressing. We encourage you to please share as much information as possible, including recent photos to assist with the process.
Is embalming a requirement?
Embalming is a personal choice, and contrary to thought is not a legal requirement, and although not a legal requirement we do strongly advocate this service. There are and can be very few circumstances where embalming is not possible, in this situation this will be discussed with family and loved ones, and as always, your expectations will be managed with the utmost care and consideration.
Will the embalming process change our loved ones looks?
Any changes in appearance should be beneficial with the intention to improve your experience and feedback previously received has been overwhelmingly positive.