Perpetual Care and Endowment Care Explained

Perpetual care sounds like it covers everything. In practice it usually covers the grounds, not the headstone.

What it covers

Mowing, trimming, roads, trees and general upkeep, funded by a trust that earns interest.

What it doesn't

Headstone repairs, cleaning, re-lettering and leaning stones are usually the family's responsibility. See who owns a headstone.

How it's funded

Part of the plot price or a monument fee goes into a care fund. In Ontario, rules are set by provincial law — see Ontario rules.

Planning for the stone

Granite needs little care. See lowest-maintenance headstone.

When a cemetery isn't maintained

If grounds are neglected:

• Raise concerns with the cemetery office in writing.
• Contact the regulator — in Ontario, the Bereavement Authority of Ontario; elsewhere, the provincial or state body.
• Join a friends-of-the-cemetery group, common for historic sites.
• Look after your own plot — gentle cleaning and tidying are usually allowed.

Abandoned rural cemeteries often fall to the township or municipality; ask them who is responsible.

Key Takeaways

• Perpetual care covers grounds.
• Headstones are usually the family's responsibility.
• Granite needs very little care.

Next Step

See headstone care and maintenance.