Did you know that there are 2.4 million burial services taking place each year in the United States?

A funeral serves to remember, commemorate, and respect the life of a loved one. But, still giving family and friends the chance to say their final goodbyes. It entails certain traditional practices that can vary significantly. That depends on the deceased’s faith, community, and personal wishes.

While planning a funeral is a highly emotional moment, it is essential to add some order to this disturbing event. There are many alternatives available. These range from traditional funeral services to cremation, or even no funeral at all.

If you are planning a funeral at the end of your life, consider some of the following types of funerals. Find out more in our complete guide

Traditional Burial Services

A traditional funeral service is typically an organized, formal function conducted at the funeral home, chapel, or other chosen location. Usually, the deceased’s body is present in a casket. A burial is usually held shortly after an individual’s death.

Usually, the service is guided by a clergyman or another prominent community official. They head the visitors through a sequence of prayers, hymns, or other ceremonies.

They may also ask a family member to speak.  Following the funeral, the body is buried in a graveyard. A short service for relatives and others nearest to the deceased can be held at the gravesite.

Memorial Services

Typically, a memorial service is held in the absence of a body. You can also have a memorial service sometime after the person’s death. It may be the family’s decision not to have the body present rather than hold a memorial service. 

In addition to a memorial service, you can arrange a more private service for relatives and close friends. The friends and loved ones may say some words in remembrance of the deceased at the memorial service. 

Memorial ceremonies, like typical burials, may be religious. They will take place in a house of worship, a community center, or a funeral home.

Celebration of Life Services

Celebrations of life have become increasingly popular. A celebration of life ritual differs from a traditional funeral service in that it is a private celebration of a loved one’s passing. You may celebrate in various ways to honor and share the love their life brought to family and friends.

Life celebrations may be formal or casual, religious or secular. They may be held shortly after death or months later. Life celebrations may be performed as stand-alone services or as massive celebrations after a more solemn ceremony.

In fact, some celebrations may even take place in pubs, clubs, or other areas of entertainment.

Graveside Services

A graveside or committal service is an option. This takes place at a graveyard and you may hold it separately or in conjunction with a typical funeral.

The majority of graveside services are formal in nature. A priest or officiant usually leads the service, and the guests listen to readings and pray. If the individual was cremated, the urn is set in a cremation niche, cremation bench, or mausoleum.  

Graveside services are customarily held outdoors and in public view. They are usually shorter than conventional funerals.

Scattering Ceremony

Cremations are becoming very popular. As a result, more people are holding scattering rituals. 

Cremation reduces the body to its basic elements by exposing it to open fire, excessive heat, and evaporation. That takes place in a cremation chamber or retort, which is a specially built furnace. Many crematories need a body container, such as a cremation-ready casket or a solid cardboard container. That is how cremation works.

Cremated remains are known as “ashes.” 

A scattering ritual happens when you return the remains of the deceased to nature. Since you do this outside, these services are relatively brief.

Visitation or Viewings

Visitations are nearly always held in connection with a traditional funeral, but they sometimes occur independently.

You use visitations procedures to allow mourners to say their final farewells to the deceased. These gatherings are sometimes known as “viewings.” The deceased’s body will be present for display.

Occasionally, the family will show pictures or other mementos at the visitation. Depending on the length of the gathering, a light meal or refreshments will be available.

Celebrating With a Wake

You may have learned about the tradition of spending the night with the deceased. This was also known as a wake or vigil. Historically, you held a wake at the deceased’s home. Now, they usually have them at funeral homes or houses of worship.

A wake or vigil is usually religious, typically Catholic or Orthodox. They are similar to visitations, except that they may sometimes disrupt them with prayers, recitations, and readings.

Combination of the Different Service Types

As discussed previously, you hold some of these services in conjunction with others.

For instance, you might schedule a visitation (or wake) in the evening. That will allow those with daytime obligations to attend a service to share their condolences. That will be preceded by a traditional funeral in the morning, followed by a graveside service.

Specific individuals elect to receive various forms of service on the same day. For instance, you can have a lengthy visitation with a traditional funeral service at the exact location that afternoon.

Rest in Peace!

In Ernest Hemingway’s famous words, “Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.”

No one wants to have to plan a funeral at a time when things are already tough. If you do have to,  we hope we have given you an understanding of your choices. This knowledge will assist you in determining the type of services that are appropriate for you. 

Even though it is a difficult subject to approach, it is wise to make your wishes known regarding your choice of service. That makes it easier for your loved ones at a difficult time.

If you want to read more interesting articles, navigate through our blog!

Sometimes, it can be a challenge trying to keep seniors safe while at home and out and about.

There’s the risk of falls, bodily injuries and so much more when it comes to the elderly, and as a caretaker, it’s your job to ensure that safety is the number one priority.

Are you curious to learn more about safety for elderly people? Here, we’re sharing the most common safety concerns for seniors as well as their solutions. Just keep on reading to find out more!

1. Falling on Steps

Because of their deteriorating muscles, bones, and strength, seniors are extremely vulnerable to falls that could leave them badly injured or even dead. Many of these falls occur on steps either inside or outside of the home.

To minimize the risk of a fall, always make sure that any steps are cleaned and free from debris or clutter that could trip up an elderly person. You can also install a handrail or bar, or get a ramp to improve fall safety for elderly folks as well.

2. Falling in the Bathroom

Did you know that bathrooms are among the most hazardous places in the home for an elderly person? Getting into and out of the shower or bath, or even using the toilet could prove deadly to a senior, especially if the floor is wet and slippery.

To increase shower safety for elderly people, add grab bars, handrails, secure rugs, and install shower benches into the tub. Also, you can help assist the person while they’re in the bathroom if need be to reduce the risk of dangerous or fatal falls.

3. Fires

Seniors can be forgetful, meaning they could pose the risk of starting a fire unknowingly by leaving burners on, leaving the oven on, and so much more.

Always monitor the activity of seniors, especially when they’re using electrical appliances or anything that involves heat. Check around the home to ensure electrical outlets aren’t being overwhelmed and that any appliances are turned off.

4. Choking

Dysphagia is a condition that makes it difficult to swallow food and many seniors are at risk of developing this condition. This means that seniors can choke easily, so you’ll want to always cut their food into small pieces before he or she eats.

5. Overdosing

Seniors can forget to take their medicine, or they could take too much of it. This could lead to overdosing, or to other health complications that could put their lives at risk! Always monitor a senior’s medication intake and ensure they’re taking the right amount of pills at the right times and with the right food or drink.

Medication for seniors is always monitored in assisted living communities. Read more here if you’re interested in learning about the benefits of assisted living!

Ensuring Safety for Elderly People

As a caregiver, health and safety for elderly people should be your top priority. Now that you’re aware of these key safety issues for the elderly, you can prevent them from happening in the future. 

Did you find the information in this post helpful? If you did, be sure to check out the rest of our articles about all things family and health!

Are you interested in starting a summer camp? 

It can be a profitable and rewarding venture. If you ever attended a summer camp for kids, you know how impactful they can be. Many kids who attend summer camp create happy memories that stay with them for a lifetime.

Whether you are filled with nostalgia about your own camp experience, or you want to do something that makes an impact, starting a summer camp can be a great thing to do. 

However, running a summer camp takes a lot of time and effort. You have to create an environment that allows kids to play, express themselves, make new friends, and most importantly, want to return the following summer. The summer camp experience has to be parent-approved, kid-approved, and something you and your staff can execute with ease. 

For these reasons, knowing how to start a summer camp the right way is essential. 

Fortunately, by following a few tips and a few summer camp best practices, you can create the ideal foundation for your summer camp program. If you are ready to start a summer camp but aren’t sure where to start, this short and simple guide is for you. 

Choose the Best Age Group 

The first step for starting a summer camp business is to choose the age group of the campers you want to work with. Think about the age group you have experience with or the age group you feel the most comfortable creating a program for. Not only will restricting the age make everything else much easier, but it will also help you better target your niche. 

Determine the Theme of Your Camp

There are all types of camps you can start, ranging from a sports camp to one that is only for dancers. The theme of your camp depends on your experience, interest, and reason for starting the camp. You can also choose a general theme for your summer camp. 

Create a Camp Schedule 

The best summer camp has structure and a strict, daily schedule. Ideally, your campers should have an experience that is different from school, is enriching, but also provides them with the fun and activities kids expect. 

Choose the Location You Will Have Your Camp 

The next step is to choose where you will have your summer camp. There are a variety of summer camp options, depending on where you live. Choose a camp that has amenities and is in a natural setting so you can plan outdoor events for the children to enjoy. 

Know How to Make Your Camp Officially a Business

Before launching your summer camp, you need to make sure it’s an official business. Depending on a few factors, you may or may not need a business license to run your camp. Check your local city requirements to determine what actions you need to take to make sure your camp is legal. 

Acquire Insurance  

Just like any other insurance, summer camp insurance exists to cover you financially should any unfortunate events happen. Talk to an insurance agent and ask what type of insurance you need to purchase. Make sure you are following all the recommendations from your insurance agent. 

Implement Health and Safety Measures

When working with children, it’s essential to implement health and safety measures. You should have camp policies, medical staff onsite, the campground inspected, an emergency plan, and more. Make sure you are also following all local rules and regulations when implementing the health and safety measures for your camp. 

Set a Reasonable Price 

Although starting a summer camp can be rewarding, it can also be an expensive venture. For this reason, you need to make sure the price you set will cover your expenses while also bringing in a profit. 

Start by researching camps in the area to understand the average price for the area. Depending on your resources, you can also consider charging on a sliding scale to ensure all kids can enjoy your summer camp. 

Hire and Train Staff

It’s important to choose the right staff for your summer camp. You want to choose people who are great with kids, friendly, energetic, and have a sense of fun. Make sure to run background checks before hiring anyone and train your staff properly before the launch of your summer camp. 

Determine the Registration Process 

One important task you need to complete before you open your camp is to determine the registration process. You need a process that allows for pre-registration and is hassle-free for your campers. 

Consider using registration software to streamline the process overall. If you are not sure which software to use, visit www.info.ultracamp.com.

Create a Marketing Campaign

Once you have completed all of the steps to set up your camp, you have to reach parents so they can register their kids. To do this, you need to get the word out about your camp and all the fun and benefits a child will experience. Consider adding your camp to online directories, working with schools, encouraging referrals, marketing on social media, and more. 

Collect Feedback and Keep in Touch

After your camp is over, it’s important to collect feedback from your campers and stay in touch with their parents. The feedback you collect will help you improve your camp for the next year and keeping in touch with parents will help you encourage repeat campers. 

This Is What You Need to Know When Starting a Summer Camp for Kids

There are several things you should know before starting a summer camp for kids.

You need to determine the age group of your campers as well as the theme and the schedule. You also should know the location of the camp and understand how to make sure the camp is legal and safe for the kids. Make sure you are training your staff properly, marketing correctly, and keeping in touch to encourage return campers.

Follow these tips to start a summer camp the right way.

Don’t forget to browse our site for advice on family, fitness, travel, and more. 

Planning a birthday party can be a lot of work, and sometimes things slip the mind. But not to worry because this article has got you covered. 

Whether you’re planning a big bash or a little get-together, there are always things to organize. Because unfortunately, the cake cannot make itself. But with the right preparation, your party will be a huge success. 

Keep reading to learn 5 factors you should consider when throwing a birthday party. 

1. Budget 

Before you start buying things, set your party budget. You should consider the number of attending guests, venue, food, drinks, decorations, and activities. 

Find the areas where you’re looking to save money and the areas where you can spend a little more. For example, if you invite lots of guests (meaning more food and drinks), you could make the cake or decorations yourself. 

2. Venue 

If the birthday party venue isn’t at your house, you’ll want to book a space right away. 

Popular places for a kid’s birthday party include inflatable bounce house facilities, arcades, or art studios. And for adults, museums, bars, spas, or restaurants are always a hit. But if the venue is where you want to spend a little less money, try the park, library, or beach. 

3. Theme 

Birthday party themes are tons of fun and can be great for children and adults alike. 

If you’re throwing an adult party, consider doing a theme honoring their favorite country, movie, or decade. Or if it’s a children’s party, consider a theme like under the sea, luau, or circus. 

And once you pick your theme, you can plan your activities and decorations around it. 

4. Gifts 

Unless the party is your gift, you can’t forget to grab the person of honor a present. 

If you’re not sure what to buy for a kid, you can always get a coloring book, a board game, or a children’s novel. And for an adult, gift cards, wine, and candles are usually a safe bet. 

And if you’re trying to buy for someone who has everything, consider these sustainable birthday gift ideas. 

5. Food and Drinks 

If your venue doesn’t supply this, you’ll want to offer some crowd-pleasing options in addition to a birthday cake. 

For appetizers or snacks, you could have chicken wings, pigs in a blanket, chips, veggies, or pretzels. Popular party dishes include pizza, hamburgers, salads, or sandwiches. And for drinks, you can serve water, soda, and alcohol (for an adult birthday party).  

But if you’re unsure about guest allergies or special diets, either reach out to ask or have a variety of different options. 

Now You Know What To Remember While Planning a Birthday Party 

Planning a birthday party isn’t always easy, but it will definitely be worth it in the end. The birthday boy or girl is sure to love whatever you put together. Now book that venue, buy some gifts, and enjoy the party!  

If you liked this article, check out some of our frugal living content. 

Did you know that almost 75 percent of women have lower back pain after they deliver their babies? With postpartum back pain being such a common issue, it is still important to address it after you give birth.

There are many chiropractor benefits that people are unaware of, and seeing a postpartum chiropractor can help you immensely as your body recovers from childbirth. Here are some of the main reasons that going to a chiropractor for back pain is a good choice.

1. Correct Your Posture

Pregnancy can drastically change your posture because you carry much more weight in your lower belly. Naturally, your posture is different after you deliver your baby, especially with repeated movements like picking the baby up.

A chiropractor to assist you with postpartum back pain will know exactly which muscles and joints need to be worked on in order to help you navigate your life as a new mother. You will be able to hold your baby in many different positions without experiencing as much pain.

2. Manage Postpartum Pain

Sciatica is a common issue for mothers after giving birth, due to nerve compression on the lower part of their spine. Even though it is more common during pregnancy, you can still experience lower back pain postpartum in the spine.

Along with back pain, many new mothers have pain in their upper back, neck, and shoulder areas. This often occurs from changing postures, as well as general stress. A chiropractor for back pain can help ease all kinds of discomfort.

3. Heal Your Pelvic Area

Pelvic floor issues are incredibly common after giving birth, so do not be surprised if your chiropractor wants to work on them. A weak pelvic region can cause problems like leakage and painful sex following childbirth.

One option is to attend pelvic rehabilitation as soon as possible after you give birth to your baby. You can start the healing process early and learn ways to promote pelvic health so you can be in better shape and feel more confident.

4. Improve Your Mood

A visit to the chiropractor for back pain can do much more than just treat your aches and pains. It can also improve your mood, especially if you suffer from a condition like postpartum depression. Eliminating physical pain can boost positive feelings and help improve your outlook on life.

When you suffer from postpartum depression, it can be difficult to manage along with caring for a newborn baby at all times. Visiting a chiropractor can give you a much-needed break from your baby, along with a good adjustment to take some of your physical pain away immediately.

Visit Your Postpartum Chiropractor Today

You should have to worry about excess pain after you give birth. By visiting a postpartum chiropractor for back pain, you can set yourself on the path to healing properly.

Want to learn more about taking care of your body in the best way possible? Check out our blog for all of the tips and tricks you will need.