Understanding Perpetual Care vs. Non-Perpetual Care Cemeteries: Protecting Your Loved One’s Resting Place
When selecting a final resting place for a loved one, the choice between a perpetual care cemetery and a non-perpetual care cemetery is crucial for ensuring long-term peace of mind. This decision impacts the ongoing maintenance, security, and appearance of the gravesite. Here's what you need to know to make an informed choice that provides enduring protection and dignity.

What is a Perpetual Care Cemetery?
Perpetual care cemeteries have established an irrevocable fund dedicated to the continual maintenance, repair, and care of the cemetery grounds. This fund covers essential aspects like:

• Interment Spaces: Ensuring gravesites remain maintained and dignified over time.
• Landscape Features: Ongoing care for landscaping, trees, and greenery to preserve the beauty and tranquility of the cemetery.
• Buildings and Roadways: Regular maintenance of any structures, roads, and pathways within the cemetery.
• Water Supply and Parking Lots: Ensuring access to clean water and maintaining parking facilities.
• Other Cemetery Structures: Continuous upkeep of all cemetery-related facilities.

Perpetual care cemeteries are regulated by the government, meaning they must meet specific standards for maintenance and preservation. A portion of the purchase price goes directly into a trust to ensure these standards are upheld indefinitely. Families choosing a perpetual care cemetery have peace of mind, knowing their loved one’s gravesite will be cared for, regardless of changes in ownership or time.

What is a Non-Perpetual Care Cemetery?
In contrast, non-perpetual care cemeteries may be owned by private individuals, municipalities, churches, or non-profit organizations. They are not regulated to the same standards as perpetual care cemeteries, with responsibilities often limited to maintaining roads and the main entrance. Unfortunately, this means that once a non-perpetual cemetery fills up or if the owner faces financial hardship, the gravesite maintenance may be left to the next of kin, placing the responsibility on family members rather than a dedicated trust fund.

Non-perpetual care cemeteries do not set aside funds in an irrevocable trust, which can lead to issues like overgrown or poorly maintained gravesites. The risk of unkept grounds may require family members to invest time and resources to maintain the gravesite themselves.

Why Your Choice of Cemetery Matters
Choosing a cemetery with perpetual care ensures the maintenance of your loved one's resting place now and into the future. Here is a comparison to help you understand the differences:

Non-Perpetual Care

• Interment Plot Maintenance
• Maintenance of Grounds
• Structures
• RoadsFunds Set Aside for Future Maintenance
• Government-Regulated Standards
• Peace of Mind for Family

Recent Insights on Non-Perpetual Care Cemeteries
A simple search of the internet will show recent stories highlighting challenges faced by families whose loved ones are interred in non-perpetual care cemeteries. These stories illustrate how families may find graves unmaintained or even inaccessible, leading to distress and unexpected responsibilities. Government entities are often unable to assist in the upkeep, leaving families in unfortunate situations that could have been prevented by choosing a perpetual care cemetery.

Make an Informed Decision
Selecting a cemetery with perpetual care is more than a financial decision—it is a long-term commitment to honor and protect your loved one’s memory. Our team is here to guide you in understanding your options and ensuring a dignified resting place.


For more information, click below to receive our Perpetual Care Guide and have a member of our team reach out to provide personalized support in your decision-making process.