b'REFLECTION ROOMSThe Reflection Room projectAn example of a Reflection Room at Sheridan Villa Long-Term Care CentreHow storytelling supports processing pandemic-related griefBy Neeliya Paripooranam, Celina Carter, Hana Irving, Justine Giosa & Paul HolyokeT hroughout the pandemic,from the SE Research Centre andadapt the Reflection Room to any everyone in long-term careMemorial University of Newfoundlandavailable space within their homes. experienced some form of(MUN) were inspired by theThe Reflection Room installations pandemic-related loss ranging fromdeath awareness movement andare supported by the Saint Elizabeth the loss of in-person social activitiesinstallation artist Candy Changs workFoundation as part of its commitment to the death of loved ones. However,(beforeidieproject.com) to provideto improving end-of-life care journeys. due to numerous disruptions froma space for people to pause, reflect, the pandemic, many people haveand be present with ones feelings andTo evaluate Phase 3 of the project, not had access to resources andthoughts related to dying and death. we wanted to know if people support to process their emotions.who experience Reflection Room Physical distancing has interruptedThe Reflection Room project isinstallations perceive it to be helpful traditional grieving rituals, in-personcurrently in Phase 3 of its adaptationin addressing grief in the time of social gatherings have been limited,and evaluation. The first two phasesCOVID-19. Preliminary findings based and access to support networks andof the project focused on supportingon 68 surveys completed by visitors health and social care professionalshealth care and community settingsto the Reflection Room (e.g., long-has been challenging. The Reflectionto transition from death-denying toterm care staff, residents, caregivers) Room project is one resource thatdeath-discussing. In the current phase,suggest that the Reflection Room is being offered to attend to thisthe Reflection Room was adaptedis helpful in working through grief growing need in long-term careby a team of representatives frombecause it offers an opportunity to homes in Ontario. SE Health, Family Councils Ontario,engage in grief work such as looking the Ontario Association of Residentsinwards, experiencing calm and The Reflection Room project wasCouncils, and others to attend topeace, and connecting with the first developed in 2016 to supportpandemic-related grief in long-termexperience of others. people in community and health carecare homes. It was decided that long-settings to talk about dying and death.term care homes would be providedMost people who completed surveys Reflection Rooms are evidence-based,with an easy-to-set-up kit (free ofrecommend that other long-term participatory art installations thatcost) incorporating instructions andcare homes have a Reflection provide a space for visitors to readmaterials (e.g., Reflection Cards, a redRoom. Many said the installations reflections about others experiencescurtain to display Reflection Cards,are important because they provide and post their own. Researcherscandles, etc.) that enable them toa place of respite and space for 44 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Fall/Winter 2022'