What does “postmortem care” entail?

Postmortem care refers to the procedures and actions taken to handle a body after death has occurred. This care includes several critical steps such as cleansing the body, positioning it for viewing, and preparing it for burial or cremation. It ensures that the deceased is presented in a respectful and dignified manner, preserving their appearance and maintaining sanitary conditions.

Postmortem care is an essential part of the funeral service profession, as it directly affects the bereaved family's ability to honor their loved one. The care encompasses not only physical handling of the body but also the emotional sensitivity required when dealing with the deceased and their surviving family members.

The other options do not accurately describe postmortem care. The care provided to the family after a service focuses on emotional support and counseling rather than the physical handling of the deceased. The care of funeral professionals during the service may involve logistical and organizational tasks but does not pertain to the treatment of the body itself. Finally, the care given to living relatives centers around grief support rather than any actions involving the deceased.