02/28/2023
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WHAT ARE KEY CHALLENGES CEMETERY MANAGERS FACE?

Cemetery management is an important responsibility for any community, as it involves preserving the final resting place of loved ones and ensuring that the cemetery remains a peaceful and respectful space for mourners. However, cemetery management can also be a challenging task, as there are many different factors that can impact the maintenance and upkeep of a cemetery. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key challenges faced by cemetery managers and administrators.​​
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Aging Infrastructure for Cemeteries

Many cemeteries have been around for decades or even centuries, which means that their infrastructure and facilities may be outdated or in need of repair. This can include everything from deteriorating headstones and monuments to aging plumbing and drainage systems. Cemetery managers must balance the need for historic preservation with the need for modernization, ensuring that the cemetery remains functional and accessible while also preserving its historical significance.
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Cemeteries Have Limited Land and Space

As urban areas grow and land becomes scarcer, many cemeteries are facing the challenge of limited space. This can make it difficult to accommodate new burials and can result in overcrowding, which can compromise the dignity and sanctity of the cemetery. Cemetery managers must be proactive in finding solutions to this challenge, which may include expanding the cemetery or exploring alternative burial options such as cremation.
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Environmental Factors for Cemeteries are Becoming More Important

Cemeteries are subject to a wide range of environmental factors that can impact their maintenance and upkeep. For example, extreme weather events such as heavy rain or snow can cause erosion and damage to headstones and monuments, while drought or extreme heat can lead to dry and cracked soil. Cemetery managers must be prepared to respond to these environmental challenges, which may involve implementing new landscaping techniques, drainage systems, or other solutions.
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Cemeteries Face Financial Constraints

Like any organization, cemeteries must operate within a budget, which can sometimes limit their ability to address key management challenges. This may include a lack of funding for repairs or improvements, or limited staff resources to manage day-to-day operations. Cemetery managers must balance the need for financial stability with the need to provide quality services and care for the cemetery.

Societal Attitudes Are Slow to Change

Finally, cemetery management is also impacted by changing societal attitudes towards death and burial. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards alternative burial options such as cremation, which can impact the demand for traditional burial plots. Cemetery managers must be aware of these trends and adapt their services and facilities to meet the evolving needs of their community.

​In conclusion, cemetery management is a complex and challenging task that requires careful attention to a wide range of factors. From aging infrastructure and limited space to environmental factors and changing societal attitudes, cemetery managers must be prepared to navigate a constantly evolving landscape in order to preserve the dignity and sanctity of the cemetery. By working proactively to address these challenges, cemetery managers can ensure that their cemetery remains a peaceful and respectful space for generations to come.

One challenge no cemetery should have to face is poor technology.  If your cemetery is looking to transform how you manage your cemetery with state-of-the-art software, request a demo of EverArk today!  ​