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 2006. 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
throughout that.