Memory trees offer a place to reflect on loss of loved ones
Memory trees offer a place to reflect on loss of loved ones
This year, there will be holiday memory trees in many facilities and public places for people to mark the loss of a loved one. Barb Ramsay, palliative care volunteer coordinator, says this is a significant way for people to process their grief and help themselves through the holidays.
“Every year we try to make the grieving process a little easier with the palliative care memory trees. We have all experienced loss and grief to some degree,” says Ramsay. “Support systems and ways to honor are an important part of the healing process.”
This year, Interlake-Eastern Health’s palliative care program has several places hosting memory trees to honor people who have passed away.
Southwest District Palliative Care(SWDPC) supports clients and their families specifically in the municipalities of Rockwood, Rosser, St. Laurent, Woodlands, part of Armstrong and the towns of Stonewall and Teulon, who are dealing with declining health or in need of grief support. SWDPC is now a part of the Nav-CARE program which facilitates the development of volunteer navigators to support persons living at home with declining health. The Board is thankful for donations and community support as SWDPC depends solely on both for its funding.
Traditionally, SWDPC also places Memory Trees in the South Interlake Regional Library branches of Teulon and Stonewall. Donation envelopes are available or can be made online.
Interlake-Eastern RHA facilities and the two libraries have memory card ornaments available to place on any of the trees for the communities, as well as any for patients, residents, families and employees in each area.
Below is a list of the locations and communities where Memory Trees can be found, each setup along with the help of RHA program staffand SWDPC Board members and volunteers. Everyone is invited to honor the memory of their loved onesand appreciate some time for reflection.
- Arborg Personal Care Home
- Ashern Hospital
- Ashern Personal Care Home
- Beausejour Hospital
- Beausejour Primary Health Care Centre
- Beausejour East Gate Lodge
- Kin Place Personal Care Home in Oakbank
- Eriksdale’s E.M. Crowe Hospital
- Eriksdale Personal Care Home
- Fisher Branch Personal Care Home
- Gimli Hospital
- Interlake-Eastern Health Services Building
- Lac du Bonnet Primary Health Centre
- Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home
- Lundar Personal Care Home
- Pinawa Hospital
- Pinawa Mall
- Selkirk Community Health Office
- Selkirk Regional Health Centre
- St. Laurent Community Health Centre
- Rosewood Lodge Personal Care Home (Stonewall)
- Stonewall SIR Library (SWDPC)
- Teulon SIR Library (SWDPC)
- Teulon Hospital
- Goodwin Lodge (Teulon)
- Whitemouth & District Health Centre
Ramsay goes on to say that during the holiday season when so much focus is on family, it can be difficult for people who are grieving to feel like celebrating.
“These are meaningful gestures which are so important around any special day when our sorrow is heightened.”
Public and facility trees are set up now, and card ornaments for all ages will be placed with each tree.
This holiday season, everyone can access online mental health support at anytime on www.ierha.ca www.ierha.ca/programs-services/mental-health/. The RHA also has a 24 hour crisis line: 1-866-427-8628.
