Nurturing faith at care homes amid crisis

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This article was published 23/04/2020 (2314 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dr. Bill Thomas, an expert in aging, says the three greatest “plagues” facing residents of nursing homes are loneliness, boredom and helplessness — all of which are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Donwood Manor, a personal care home in Winnipeg’s North Kildonan neighbourhood, that’s where chaplain Lisa Enns comes in.

Enns, who normally runs a mix of chapel services, Bible studies, Sunday morning services and other activities to keep the home’s 121 residents active and engaged, had to pivot quickly when the facility went into lockdown in mid-March.

“It all happened so fast,” Enns said of how she had to cancel all the programs. “There’s none of that now.”

Now, she mostly does one-on-one visits and helps residents keep in touch with their families by phone or video.

For those who have trouble communicating with family, “It can be something as simple as, ‘I just saw your mother, she is smiling and doing well,’” Enns said.

The quick change in routines and practices have left many in the facility scared and anxious, especially those residents with dementia.

“Not everyone understands why they can’t have visitors,” she said. “They are so missing visits with their family members.”

Residents are also hearing on the news how dangerous things are because of the novel coronavirus, which adds to their anxiety. At the same time, staff are feeling stressed, and everyone is tired.

One new way Enns is trying to lift spirits is by playing piano — something she never thought she’d be doing as a spiritual care provider.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Enns said of how she plays hymns while residents listen and sing along from the doorways of their rooms. “The staff also enjoy hearing the music.

“It gives a little glimpse of normalcy, of joy. I’m glad now I took all those piano lessons.”

While she said she’s grateful to be able to help, Enns admits she is worried and overwhelmed. “The work can be exhausting.”

To help her keep going, she draws strength from her family and her home church, Charleswood Mennonite.

“They remind me I am not alone, that I also need to be replenished and rejuvenated,” Enns said.

Her goal at Donwood is “to be a non-anxious presence,” adding the message is: “We are not alone. God loves us, has not forgotten us.”

For Donwood chief executive officer Nina Labun, Enns’ work shows how valuable it is to have a spiritual care worker at the facility.

“Our goal is to create a place where residents feel at home,” Labun said. “For many, nurturing their faith is way for them to get the feeling of home.”

At this challenging time, Enns also takes a load off of staff who don’t have the time or expertise to attend to the spiritual and other issues facing many residents.

“Her work is profoundly impactful” for residents and staff alike, Labun said, adding that’s why Donwood raises funds each year to pay for spiritual care work at the facility.

“It’s fully funded by donors,” Labun said, noting the care home gets no government funding for spiritual care activities.

Donwood can’t hold its annual banquet because of the pandemic, so it’s holding a virtual fundraiser (donwoodmanor.org/events) Monday on YouTube.

The short event will feature musician Steve Bell, a presentation by Conexus Counselling director Carolyn Klassen, and sharing from family members of Donwood residents.

Enns said the work of spiritual care is even more important now.

“Without a doubt, ‘We are all in this together’ is more than just a cliché these days,” she said. “God is using us all to minister to one another as we navigate this exceptionally difficult time.”

faith@freepress.mb.ca

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