Is it hygenic to have a dead body in my house?
In nearly all circumstances, there is no reason why your loved one cannot be kept at home after death and there are no health risks associated with having them there. Despite it being common practice in New Zealand, it is rarely necessary for a body to be embalmed (and your consent is required for this unfortunately invasive and toxic process). However, occasionally the circumstances of death mean that some intervention is required. Usually though, it is possible to wash, dress and prepare your loved one's body for viewing yourselves, and there are natural ways of keeping the body cool and preserving it for up to 5 days, such as using a cooling plate or techni-ice. You can manage these processes yourselves, or access support and resources to assist.