how to care for the dead

  • in oregon, chosen family, friends, family of origin, etc can all legally transport a loved one's body.

    examples of this can include:

    • transportation from place of death to service or ceremony

    • transportation to home for bathing and viewing

    • transportation to final disposition or resting place- permit required

    transportation of the deceased from a hospital, medical examiner's office, or other facility:

    check with the hospital or care facility to get an understanding of their policies or procedures regarding release of a body ahead of time. some hospitals may insist that you need a permit to transport, but that is something that is only generated once the death certificate has been started, and is only required when transferring the body for final disposition (cremation, burial, natural organic reduction, etc.)

    things to consider when transporting:

    • vehicle- trucks, vans, and minivans (with seats removed) are your best bet

    • height and weight of deceased

    • making sure to have enough people to lift, carry, and transport safely

    • measure doorways

    • container for deceased- cardboard? casket? backboard?

  • bathing- can be done in bed or on a table with washcloths or wipes, soap or oils

    • death tip: a diaper or something similar can be helpful after bathing is complete.

    dressing- what did they choose for their final outfit? what would they have chosen?

    • death tip: if dressing is proving to be difficult, you can cut the clothing up the back and place it over the deceased's body.

    cosmetizing- if applicable

    casketing- if applicable

  • the following is a rule that applies to funeral directors and funeral homes only:

    all bodies must be refrigerated, embalmed, or placed in a sealed container within 24 hours of death.

    having said that, there is no limit in oregon to how long you, an individual acting as the funeral service practitioner, can keep the deceased at home. the rule of refrigeration does not apply here, however, here are just a few ways that you can keep your loved one's body and environment temperature controlled:

    dry Ice/ice packs/ice/frozen veggies- placed on, under, and around the body, changing out as necessary.

    cooling towels- on and under the body, changing out as necessary.

    run fans/ac, open windows- in the room of the deceased.

  • due to capitalism and the vast colonization of death care, all of the above require a combination of time, teamwork, money, high effort, care, and privilege.

    we acknowledge this and would like to offer our time and support in ensuring you are able to care for your loved ones when the time comes.