FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Aquamation is water-based cremation. It is a method of final disposition that utilizes a combination of gentle water flow, temperature, and alkalinity to break down the body without fire. The scientific name for this water-based process is alkaline hydrolysis and it is growing in popularity because it is a simple, gentle, affordable, and environmentally friendly alternative to flame cremation.

The technology has been in use by universities and the scientific community for over 25 years. It has been used for the final disposition of human bodies donated to medical science since 1995 and by funeral homes since 2011.

When it’s time for the aquamation process to begin, the body is carefully placed in a stainless-steel vessel. Potassium hydroxide and water are added to the aquamation chamber and the machine is sealed and activated. The solution of 95% water and 5% alkali is heated to 200- 300°F and gently circulated for the entire length of the process. As the water circulated around the body, it accomplishes the same goal as fire cremation, just slower and more gently. The family receives ashes, just as they do with fire cremation.

There is a common misconception that traditional fire cremation results in ashes. Families actually receive bone dust, not true ashes. Aquamation, just like fire cremation, results in bone dust that is returned to the family in an urn.

No. Unlike flame-based cremation, the aquamation process does not use a box or a casket. Additionally, clothing is not typically used unless it is protein-based (silk, wool, or leather). Prior to aquamation, our experienced team carefully places the body in a simple biodegradable cover that breaks down during the aquamation process.

The process takes approximately 6-7 hours, depending on the weight of the body and the operating temperature of the equipment.

Green burial, also known as natural burial, is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial practices. It involves burying the body without embalming chemicals, metal caskets, or concrete vaults. The body is placed in a biodegradable casket or shroud and interred in a way that allows it to break down naturally and contribute to the surrounding ecosystem. Endswell’s green burial services are designed to minimize environmental impact and preserve natural landscapes.

The green burial service at Endswell covers all essentials needed for a natural burial. This includes 24/7 support, transportation to Endswell, cold storage instead of embalming, all paperwork and governmental reporting, death certificate preparation, an obituary, coordination with and delivery to the cemetery. Our price transparency guarantees that families receive comprehensive care without hidden costs.

Endswell is committed to environmental stewardship through practices that conserve natural resources and habitats. Our green burial options avoid polluting chemicals and non-biodegradable materials, helping to maintain the ecological balance of the burial site which is often designed to support native flora and fauna. Our solar array also provides electricity to power our electric vehicles used for transportation.

Choosing green burial services with Endswell offers significant environmental benefits, such as reducing carbon footprint and preserving natural landscapes. Our services also provide a meaningful and dignified way to say goodbye, with each aspect handled with care and respect, ensuring a process that is as stress-free as possible for the family.

Families can expect a respectful and unhurried process. We can move as quickly or as slowly as you like, based on your needs. From the initial planning stages to the burial, Endswell’s experienced team provides guidance and support, ensuring the burial respects both the environment and the wishes of the deceased and their loved ones.

Endswell rigorously adheres to all applicable legal and environmental regulations. We work closely with local authorities and environmental agencies to ensure our burial practices meet stringent standards, safeguarding both legal compliance and ecological integrity.

Green cremation, also known as low-emission cremation, is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation. It utilizes newer cremation chambers to reduce emissions and energy consumption during the cremation process. We also purchase carbon credits to offset the carbon emission from cremation; and we use electric vehicles for transportation. This method aligns with Endswell’s commitment to sustainable end-of-life care by minimizing the environmental impact.

Endswell’s cremation service, priced at $3000, is all-inclusive. It covers the transfer of the deceased within the local area, the cremation process, all necessary legal paperwork, and the return of the ashes in an eco-friendly bamboo urn or a traditional wood box. Many funeral homes have hidden fees, including transportation, document preparation, and other necessary items that drive up the final bill. Endswell embraces price transparency and offers everything needed within our cremation package. This transparent pricing model ensures families understand all costs upfront without any surprises.

At Endswell, sustainability is a core value. Our cremation services use modern cremation equipment that is more efficient and environmentally-friendly than older cremation chambers. We also offer biodegradable urns and encourage the scattering of ashes in natural, meaningful locations as part of our commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Yes, personalization is a key aspect of Endswell’s services. Families can customize the memorial service with specific themes, choose from a range of eco-friendly urns, and decide on the final disposition of the ashes. Our concierge care team assists in creating a meaningful tribute that honors the life and values of the deceased. We can also offer witness cremation for families who wish to participate in this process and have a viewing service immediately prior to the cremation.

Opting for cremation services at Endswell offers benefits such as environmental responsibility, cost-effectiveness, and comprehensive support through our concierge care. Our approach ensures a respectful, dignified handling of the cremation process, reflecting the preferences and values of the deceased and their families.

Dignity and respect are paramount at Endswell. We handle every aspect of the cremation process with professionalism and care, from the respectful transfer of the deceased to managing all details of the memorial service. Our trained staff are committed to providing a compassionate experience for each family. We are not a high volume crematorium. The cremation team ensures that our clients are handled with respect and care. 

Endswell rigorously adheres to all local and national regulations concerning green cremation. Our team manages all necessary documentation and permits, ensuring a smooth and compliant process. Families can have peace of mind knowing that all legal aspects are proficiently handled.

Families interested in cremation services can begin by contacting Endswell via our website or phone. Our dedicated staff are available to provide detailed information, answer any questions, and help you plan a service that meets your needs and honors your loved one in an environmentally respectful way.

Cremation is a better alternative for those looking for a convenient and affordable option or those wanting to reduce their environmental impact. It eliminates the need for embalming chemicals, reduces land use, and minimizes carbon emissions. It provides a sustainable choice that benefits the planet while still offering a respectful and dignified way to commemorate a loved one’s life. Endswell offers traditional burial, natural burial, cremation, and aquamation, because there is no right answer. None of these options are necessarily better than any other option; rather each person needs to decide what is right for them and their family. Our team at Endswell is here to guide you through this process and answer any questions you may have. 

Yes. In fact, the aquamation process produces 20-30% more ashes than standard flame-based cremation. There is a common misconception that fire cremation results in ashes. Families actually receive bone dust in an urn after both aquamation and cremation. Aquamation results in more ashes (bone dust) because it is a gentler process and we don’t lose any bone dust to the chimney effect of the crematorium.

The aquamation process occurs at 200-300°F without any fire at all, and the water circulation in the system is similar to the flow of a creek or stream. It is very gentle to the final mineral remains, which allows more ash to be present at the end of the process.

Yes. Endswell includes a durable yet biodegradable bamboo urn or a traditional wood box with our aquamation and cremation services. You may also provide your own urn or you may select a hand-crafted urn from our urn gallery.

Yes, the ash remains are 100% sterile and safe to handle.

Some families choose to bury the urn in a cemetery, or permanently inter the urn in a columbarium. Additionally, there are memorial products that can be made with the ashes such as hand-blown glass memorials, ceramic art pieces, and more. Many families choose to scatter some or all the remains in a meaningful location; and our team can assist you if you are looking for a location to scatter ashes. 

Endswell seals the remains and places them in the urn. We notify our clients when the urn is ready for pickup or delivery and we hand-deliver the urn, free of charge, when requested by our clients. 

After taking your loved one into our care, remains are typically returned in 3-5 days. The turnaround time largely depends on the time required to obtain necessary paperwork. While the actual cremation process only takes 1-2 hours and the aquamation process takes 5-7 hours, funeral homes must wait 24 hours before proceeding with either service. We also need to obtain medical certification of the death certificate which takes anywhere from 24-48 hours. Then, we proceed with the cremation or aquamation, ensuring we have met all special requests. 

Ashes can be kept in decorative urns within the home, buried in a family plot or a dedicated urn garden at a cemetery, or placed in a columbarium niche. You can also choose to incorporate ashes into unique items such as jewelry, glass sculptures, or custom-made paintings, which can serve as personalized memorials of your loved one.

Scattering ashes is a popular choice and can be done in many meaningful locations such as over the ocean, in a forest, or in a scattering garden designed specifically for this purpose. It’s important to always check local regulations, as some areas require permits or have specific rules regarding ash scattering. Endswell can assist you and provide a list of options for scattering ashes. 

Traveling with ashes is permissible, but when flying, you must comply with airline policies and TSA regulations. The ashes should be placed in a container made of a material that can be x-rayed, such as wood or plastic. The urns that Endswell includes with our cremation and aquamation packages meet TSA requirements for air travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends contacting the airline in advance to determine their specific policies on traveling with cremated remains. For further details, visit the TSA website.

Dividing ashes allows each family member to keep a portion as a personal memorial. This is often facilitated by transferring the ashes into smaller urns or keepsakes, allowing for varied memorialization according to individual preferences. Endswell will ask you and your family if all of the ashes should be placed in one urn or if you would like us to divide them for you. 

Innovative memorial options include converting ashes into memorial diamonds, incorporating them into vinyl records, or using them in tattoo ink. These options offer unique ways to commemorate loved ones in a manner that can be both meaningful and personal. Endswell also works with Parting Stone to compress the ashes into stones. There are a variety of options that our team can discuss with you and your family. 

Using ashes to nourish the growth of a plant or tree can be a beautiful way to remember a loved one. However, because human ashes can be alkaline and salty, they may harm plant life if not handled correctly. To mitigate this, mix the ashes with a soil amendment or a specially designed product like a bio urn that helps neutralize the pH and enrich the soil, facilitating healthy plant growth.

This is a question for you and your family. A funeral service occurs with the body present and a memorial service occurs after the body has been aquamated, cremated, or buried. These are family decisions that are often influenced by religious beliefs, traditions, someone’s last wishes, as well as the loved ones who have cared for the deceased. We are here to answer any questions you have and help you plan a viewing, memorial, or funeral service, at Endswell or at another meaningful location. 

Yes. We are a fully licensed funeral home and we offer both funerals and memorial services. Our space can accommodate up to 60 people for funerals, memorial services, or celebrations of life. We also work with local event venues and assist with planning larger services. 

Of course! Many families choose to have a visitation for family and friends prior to the cremation or aquamation process. Endswell can provide a viewing or funeral service with or without traditional embalming. Contact us anytime to discuss these options with our team.

Absolutely. Many families choose to have a memorial service or celebration of life to honor the life of their loved one and gather with friends and family. This can occur before or after the aquamation or cremation process. And, we can host the memorial service at Endswell or we can assist at an off-site location.

Choose what you want to happen to your body: aquamation, cremation, traditional burial, or green burial. Notify your family of your choices as well as what actions to perform after your death. Select a funeral home that offers what you want. Consider a plan for a funeral or memorial service. Gather information for your obituary. Make a list of your bank accounts, bills, and any unfinished business. Endswell provides our clients with extensive end-of-life planning guides to plan ahead and make this process easier for their families.

Endswell is available at any time to answer questions and help you with advanced planning.

We encourage you to sit down with your loved one to talk through their final wishes. If you are making decisions for someone who can no longer decide for themselves, we suggest you contact their primary care doctor as well as an attorney. Contact us if you have any questions about planning ahead for yourself or a friend or family member.

Take a moment with your loved one to process what’s happened and gather with other relatives or close friends. If you have already chosen Endswell to provide aquamation, contact us as soon as you are able, and we will take care of everything from there. We will be in touch right away with our estimated time of arrival and what to expect in the coming hours and days.

If your loved one has passed in a hospital or hospice care facility, please let the institution know that you are working with Endswell and/or a local funeral home. If death occurs in home with hospice care, the first call is to hospice. After the hospice nurse pronounces that death has occurred, Endswell will provide transportation. If death occurs at home and someone is not in hospice care, the first call is to 911. A sheriff or paramedic will pronounce, determine if a medical examiner needs to be involved, and then Endswell can provide assistance. If you are unsure of what to do or who to call, you can reach us 24/7 at 919.907.9777. 

Like most funeral homes in the United States, Endswell works with local, reputable companies that specialize in transportation of the deceased. These companies have staff available 24/7 as well as the appropriate equipment necessary to transport the deceased. The typical arrival window is within 1-2 hours of your call, depending on traffic, the needs of the family, the location of your loved one or the release authorization requirements of a care facility.

Your loved one will be carefully transported directly to our funeral home. Their body will be held safely and treated with respect. Endswell will coordinate with the family to offer a viewing service and fulfill any special requests. We will also handle all paperwork and governmental reporting.

Call us, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 919.907.9777. We are always here for you and your family.

If your loved one dies in a sudden accident or under suspicious circumstances, dial 911 right away.

If your loved one dies in hospice at home, it is not an emergency. You do not need to call 911 in this scenario. Your family is free to decide if you want to call Endswell right away or spend some time at home with your loved one before the body is removed. When you are ready, call hospice and they will arrive to pronounce that death has occurred. Then, our team will bring them into our care.

Social Security is automatically alerted once a death certificate is filed. To reach social security directly, you can call their national 800 Number at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing and use TTY equipment, you can call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.

Only a physician, hospice team, or medical examiner can determine cause of death. Endswell does not determine or confirm cause of death.

It’s a legal document containing your loved one’s statistics, disposition, and final medical information. In addition, the death certificate is used to register the death with the state and in transactions requiring proof of death.

A private autopsy is a thorough medical examination performed after someone’s passing to determine the cause of death or answer specific medical questions.

At Endswell Funeral Home, we understand how important it is to have clear answers during such a difficult time. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process.

To order a private autopsy, here’s what we can do together:

• Reach Out to a Trusted Provider: We’ll help you connect with reputable private autopsy services in the area, such as Greenville Pathology in Greenville, NC, or Piedmont Pathology in Hickory, NC.
• Share Your Needs: We’ll work with you to communicate your specific concerns or questions to the pathologist. Whether it’s uncovering potential hereditary conditions or addressing legal and insurance needs, we’ll make sure your priorities are clear.
• Consider Timing and Costs: We’ll help ensure the autopsy is performed promptly to preserve accurate results. Since private autopsies are not usually covered by insurance, we’ll connect you with providers who can discuss costs upfront.

If you have questions or need help starting the process, reach out to us at Endswell Funeral Home. We’ll walk with you every step of the way, providing support and understanding when you need it most.

Read more about obtaining a private autopsy at https://endswellfuneralhome.com/private-autopsy/

You are welcome to contact us by phone, in person or online. To start a conversation, complete our online form, call us at 919.907.9777 or email info@endswellfuneralhome.com. We look forward to supporting you and your family.

We are headquartered in Hillsborough, NC and we serve all of central North Carolina, including Orange, Wake, Durham, Guilford, and Chatham Counties. While our packages include 50 miles of transportation, we also serve families all over the State of North Carolina. We have also assisted many families in Virginia. Please contact us to inquire about transportation greater than 50 miles from Endswell. We will find a simple and affordable way to accommodate your needs.

Endswell offers one simple aquamation service for $3,500 that includes transportation, aquamation, death certificates, and the return of remains in an eco-friendly urn. Please call or email to inquire about additional costs for transportation greater than 50 miles. You can reach us at 919.907.9777

Many do. At Endswell, there is no upselling, no hidden fees, and nothing unexpected. We offer simple packages and transparent pricing. 

In many ways, aquamation is closely tied to the green burial movement. Both methods of final disposition represent a departure from modern burial practices that are often elaborate, expensive, and bad for the environment. Aquamation and green burial are both simple, affordable, and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional burial with embalming. Endswell is also happy to recommend local green burial providers.

Endswell is locally owned, and we are available 24/7 if you need immediate assistance. For general inquiries, pre-planning, or questions about the Urn Gallery, please call or email to schedule an appointment.

If a death is imminent or has already occurred and you need our services immediately, please call us any time to make arrangements at 919.907.9777