Have you heard of blessing a room after a long-term care resident or loved one dies?

A few months ago I had a lovely conversation with Katie, a wellness and spiritual health coordinator at a continuing care center in Ontario, Canada. She mentioned that she does room blessings, a simple but meaningful ritual to bless a bedroom after someone dies or moves away.

I loved the idea so much that I asked her to send me what she was using. I’ve modified her versions a bit (with credit to the original sources). And here they are!

• Room Blessing: Christian
• Room Blessing: General
• Butterfly Card to place in room (print in color on cardstock, cut to 4×6, and fold in half)

During a room blessing, some traditions use holy water or oil to anoint the doorpost. You could also include instrumental music or sing a hymn, such as Amazing Grace or other hymns of comfort.

Acknowledging Death

Why is a ritual for blessing a room important? Here are a few thoughts:

• Check out this 2012 study called “They Don’t Just Disappear.” Researchers found that for adults in long-term care, as well as for staff and families, a room blessing can be a helpful time of closure, a way to say goodbye while getting ready to welcome someone new.
• If you’re caring for people with dementia: Keep in mind that there’s a huge range of cognitive ability on the dementia spectrum. Use your wisdom and knowledge to judge how a room blessing might feel for any given person living with dementia.
• For example, I don’t recommend repeating the news of someone’s death to someone with dementia who keeps asking — they’ll just feel the pain all over again each time.
• However, if the person with dementia is aware that their roommate or friend died, they may appreciate a single, short event to acknowledge that reality — even if they don’t remember it later.

General or Faith-Based

In addition to a Christian version, why is there a “general” room blessing, you ask?

“We [had] quite a few deaths during COVID,” Katie explained, “and [the Christian version] was becoming repetitive and seemed a little strange to say for some of our residents who passed that were not religious at all. [Adjustments were made] to try and be suitable for any and all folks regardless of religion or faith background.”

I appreciate Katie’s wisdom and sensitivity in knowing her residents. And I trust that God can and will use either blessing to care for and comfort people.

Have you ever done room blessings in your residence? Let me know your experience and any suggestions in the comments below.

Peace be with you,

Photo by Kam Idris on Unsplash