"To remember and release, and know new life is upon us."
More than 186,000 residents and staff of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities have passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, accounting for approximately one-third of all U.S. COVID-related deaths.
As new information, rules, and regulations were filtered into nursing homes beginning in March 2020, staff were tasked with not only the medical treatment of residents but also the emotional and spiritual support of residents and families as sickness and death loomed larger than ever, and in-person contact with loved ones abruptly diminished.
Sister Mary Lou Mitchell became Director of Pastoral Care at St. Ann’s Community, a network of senior care facilities in New York State, back in 2016. In today’s episode, Sister Mary Lou discusses her experience leading the support of residents, families, and staff throughout the pandemic, and helping to create closure and peace for all after the many changes and losses endured.
Song: Borough by Blue Dot Sessions