What is a key function of a funeral home?

The key function of a funeral home is the preparation and care of deceased individuals. This encompasses a variety of important duties, including embalming, cosmetic preparation, and other restorative techniques that ensure the deceased are presented respectfully for viewings and funerals. Funeral homes are equipped with facilities and trained staff to handle these sensitive procedures, providing families with support during a difficult time.

While officiating at religious ceremonies is an important aspect of some funeral services, it is not a primary function of a funeral home itself, as that role often falls to clergy or officiants rather than the funeral home staff. Conducting public health inspections is not within the standard operations of a funeral home; such inspections are typically the responsibility of health departments or regulatory agencies. Furthermore, while providing transportation for the living is an important service in many contexts, it is not a core function of a funeral home, which primarily focuses on the deceased and their care. Thus, preparation and care of deceased individuals is central to the mission and practice of funeral homes.