This week the spiritual care team has revitalized the resources for  use of the memorial quilts. We have replaced missing quilts from each floor and put all the quilts in a labeled box with a candle and instructions:

Instructions for Memory Quilts:

• Lay the quilt on the bed after the resident’s passing.

• If you wish you can put the candle (included in kit) on the tray and light.

• There is a prayer in the kit you can say if it is helpful. You can also take three deep breathes and send heartfelt wishes to the deceased and their families and friends.

• When finished. Put the quilt and the candle back in the box and store in the Medical Room.

This ritual of laying a quilt on the deceased empty bed is a way for us to honor the passing of those in our care. Whether we know the resident for a few days or many years it is sad when we witness the loss of life. It can leave us feeling empty as we move on to the next task in our work life. Taking the time to perform this simple ritual helps us honor that feeling of loss and fills the space with comradery as we all bear witness to those in our community that pass on.

After the appropriate amount of time. Taking the quilt off the bed and packing it away is the visible manifestation of life moving forward. We all move on, new people populate the room and we the staff learn to care for them with the same care and concern as the ones who have lived there before. This is one of the mystery of life and death which we are so fortunate to bear witness too.