Home Funerals Story aired: Tuesday, August 03, 2004
There was a time when American families took care of their own when they died right in the front parlor.
The Civil War changed that. The bodies of dead soldiers needed to be preserved for the long trip home from the battle field. The practice of embalming flourished, along with funeral homes and the cost of funerals, which now typically range from $5,000 to $6,000.
However, an increasing number of Americans concerned about the emotional cost of funerals are now going back to doing it themselves, at home.
Director Elizabeth Westrate's documentary, "A Family Undertaking" challenges many of the myths surrounding death. For instance, the deceased do not need to have their fluids drained. Anyone can gently close their eyes, and there are workshops that show you how. In many states, a backyard burial in a cardboard box decorated with the drawings and hand prints of family members is perfectly legal.
Two women who appear in "a family undertaking," join Here and Now to discuss home funerals.
Guests:
Beth Knox, a "Death Midwife" in Silver Springs, Maryland
Lisa Carlson, author of "Caring for the Dead: Your final Act of Love."
