On October 22, Actvity Professionals of Long Term Care homes from across Ontario gathered to listen and share their stories of Death & Remembrance in the Care Continuum as part of the education sessions at the 25th annual APO Convention (see earlier post).
Following a 40-minute presentation, participants engaged in hands-on activities created especially to help residents work through grief, address issues surrounding death & dying, and bring a fresh face to what it can mean to celebrate life in the long term care environment. They made condolence cards, floral tributes (flowers supplied by: Ambiance by Caroline), a ‘Diana’ memory board, MyWonderfullife.com ‘My Memories’, and cupcakes!
The session, which spanned an hour-and-a-half, evoked memories amongst the participants throughout the room, who shared both personal and professional experiences with death and grief. Thank you to all who attended and for your generous, positive, feedback. I think we all walked away with a new understanding of how important it is to honour the lives of residents in our care and know many of you will share the ideas learned with your residents, family councils, and administrators.