RHC: Mercy Community Health - West Hartford, CT

Contact: Sr. Claire Filippone, RSM
Telephone: (860)236-1924

Implementation
The fast pace of today’s long-term care facilities presents a challenge to provide time for reflection when one of our residents die. The purpose of the "memory kit" is to help all involved with the deceased to acknowledge the death, the grief, the loss, and to move forward. After the death of a resident, their belongings are neatly put in the closet so that no plastic storage bags or boxes are in sight, and the "memory kit" is placed in the unit. It consists of: 1) a special bright floral bedspread; 2) a bouquet of silk flowers on bed; 3) a photo or special object (i.e., a hat or walking stick) - optional; 4) a personalized care on a clip board for staff and/or residents to sign or write a note. All of the above are left in place for 24 hours. The card allows everyone some closure, and after it is signed, it is sent to the family. The "memory kit" allows people to stop and, if only for a moment, to celebrate the life of someone who has lived among us.

Time Frame

Financial Profile

Outcome

Best Practice Narrative is limited to a one page summary.
Supporting data is limited to one page.