I enjoyed reading about the dignity quilt and walk of honor that has been established in one nursing home to honor those residents who have died. As a former Department of Health surveyor for long term care, I would often ask the Director of Social Work what was done when a resident passed away. One nursing home places a rose on the pillow of the deceased resident’s bed to honor them. They felt this would be comforting to the resident’s family when they came to their room to pick up their loved one’s personal belongings. A very thoughtful gesture in my opinion.
Cynthia H. Adamowsky, LMSW
Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities
Director of Aging Services
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Thank you, Cynthia, for sharing your experience. I know how comforting it is for family members and friends of the deceased who come after a death and see that the room is still being honored as a dwelling place, as still holding a special meaning and sacredness.
I have seen other meaningful practices in nursing homes which include – especially in Sisters’ retirement settings – a Scriptural verse or some other signification quotation printed and formatted appropriately and then posted on the door of the recently deceased.
It is so much more sensitive doing things this way rather than the task-oriented approach in which a CNA is assigned the task of clearing the room as soon as the body of the deceased is removed. I have heard of the shock of family members who walk in and find the bed and the room already stripped bare.
Even writing of such a thought-less practice evokes very negative and sad feelings for me. Let’s focus on and implement the actions and practices that reflect thought and sensitivity as well as respect and honor for the deceased, the staff and friends and family members.
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