The Physical Realities of Death

Warning: This post contains sensitive information.

If you plan to participate in a home funeral, you may want to understand the physical process that occurs after death.

According to a study done by the University of Tennessee, a body will start decomposition within about three hours of death. Dry ice and cool temperatures can mitigate decomposition for about 4 days, although decomposition is also influenced by the state of the body prior to death. Dry ice should never be handled directly. Instead, thongs or gloves are suitable. There should also be a physical barrier, as little as a sheet, between the dry ice and the body.

At death, the body may leak digestive waste. Diapers or plastic pants can be used, available in adult sizes where geriatric supplies are sold. It also makes sense to place the body on plastic or another material that can handle being soiled.

The body will pale almost immediately after death. Blood will pool at lowest point – ex. on the backside if the body is lying flat, facing upward. The eyes and mouth may open. Eyes can be closed by placing some sort of soft weight on them. Plastic sandwich bags filled with rice will work. A stack of towels will help to keep the chin up and mouth closed.

Lisa S.
August 25, 2010