Forum Discussion

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Cecilia 24th Jun 2021 Life Enrichment Coordinator
Hello everyone,
I hope you are all doing well and enjoying this awesome forum.
I am kindly seeking ideas on items to present to a family who has just lost a loved on other than flowers. The resident that passed was the owner of a greenhouse/nursery business.
Thanks for your help.
Susan 24th Jun 2021 Activity Director
Hi Cecilia
Welcome to Golden Carers
We never bought the family gifts
We did have a memorial service every quarter honoring the residents who had died
Staff would say all the wonderful things about this person which the family really appreciated
I used to take a lot of pictures
Sometimes I would put them together in a photo book
You could also use a photo book but instead of pictures you could have people write comments about the person
Solange 24th Jun 2021 Diversional Therapist
Hi Cecilia, think of happy happenings while the person was in your care. For instance how about a small photo album (6 to 10 photos) from past activities/events where the person was having a good time; sitting with friends, attending a concert, talking to staff or child, smiling, drinking a fancy cocktail. You could also choose one of the craft projects the person had made and laminate it for the family. Further, the family might appreciate receiving a beautiful card signed by staff and the person's peers expressing what the person meant to them.
Cecilia 24th Jun 2021 Life Enrichment Coordinator
Good morning Susan, Solange,
We always make a "end of life" book for the residents when they pass using pictures of them through out their time with us that the family gets and can always look back, along with flowers and a card signed by staff. But I like the idea of having staff make a "wonderful thing book" . I will work on it and report back in this forum how it turned out.
Have a great day!!!!!

Rose 2nd Jul 2021 Life Enrichment Coordinator
I just recently started making shadow boxes for the main family member. I am always taking pictures, had an vendor donate a bunch of paper flowers that she made. I order the boxes on amazon 8x10 somewhat small but it works well and fits budget. I have on occasion had to repair the box as it arrives out of shape from the travel. But it works. One family member displayed the shadow box at her memorial.
Susan 3rd Jul 2021 Activity Director
Hi Cecilia
You are very lucky to have time and the budget to do this
Do you make a copy for the residents of the facility to see.
It is very meaningful to them to know that they are remembered
I look forward to hearing how this whole thing turns out
Susan 3rd Jul 2021 Activity Director
Hi Rose
Thanks for sharing this information
Can you share a picture of one of these shadowboxes??
Thanks
Rose 7th Jul 2021 Life Enrichment Coordinator
I would love to, but it would have to be without the resident picture and i don't have any at the moment. (thank goodness there's not the need to make one) First chance i get.
Susan 8th Jul 2021 Activity Director
Thank you always for your time Rose

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