Interlake-Eastern RHA facilities have memory trees for patients, residents, and visitors to mark the loss of a loved one this holiday season. As in previous years, IERHA’s palliative care program is providing a way to honour people who have passed away, including with memory trees in public places.

Lorraine Schmidt, a palliative care volunteer coordinator with IERHA says the trees are meaningful ways for people to grieve their loved ones.

“When we experience a significant loss, it’s important to do what we can to experience our grief in a way that will help us heal,” says Schmidt. “Sometimes honouring those we are grieving during the holiday season can be helpful.”

Interlake-Eastern RHA’s palliative care program, along with the help of companion volunteers, community groups and other RHA program staff, will once again be placing trees in several communities. Everyone is invited to honour the memory of loved ones by placing card ornaments on a tree set up in:

• Arborg Hospital and PCH,
• Ashern Hospital and PCH,
• Beausejour Hospital and Primary Health Centre,
• East Gate Lodge in Beausejour,
• Eriksdale Hospital ,
• Fisher Branch Hospital and PCH,
• Gimli Hospital,
• Lac du Bonnet Health Centre and PCH,
• Lundar PCH,
• Oakbank Primary Care ,
• Pinawa Town Plaza,
• Selkirk Regional Health Centre,
• St. Laurent Community Health office,
• Rosewood Lodge in Stonewall,
• Stonewall & District Library,
• Goodwin Lodge PCH in Teulon,
• Teulon Library, and
• Whitemouth Health Centre and PCH.

Schmidt 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 meaningful gestures and letting people know that grieving is ok is very important around any special day or time of year when our sorrow is heightened.”

Public and facility trees are set up now. Card ornaments and grief resources for all ages will be placed with each tree.

This holiday season, everyone can access online mental health support at any time on www.ierha.ca www.ierha.ca/programs-services/mental-health/. The RHA also has a 24-hour crisis line: 1-866-427-8628.

Seniors Giving this Season:

For some, a small gift or card can go a long way to brighten the day of those who aren’t able to get out and enjoy this time of year’s festivities. All personal care homes in the region accept holiday greeting cards and small gifts from groups in the community for seniors living in personal care homes. These cards and gifts can be sent directly to the recreation department in the personal care home in your community. Find the contact information for personal care homes here:

In addition to this, throughout December, staff in facilities put on resident and family Christmas dinners or teas as an opportunity for residents, families and staff to celebrate during the holiday season. On December 25, all personal care homes prepare a Christmas dinner for residents in the facility.