Comfort closet established at St. Joseph’s Home
By GILLIAN SLADE on February 23, 2019.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade A comfort closet has been introduced to bring solace to those in the hospice or auxiliary beds at St. Joseph’s. For some time staff have noticed that patients needed something they did not have with them, says Covenant Health unit clerk Rose Sanchez. Sometimes transfers take place before family members are able to arrive with supplies for the patient. In some cases there are no family members at all and staff become aware of a need. A grant of $3,000 was made available by Covenant Foundation for what has been called The Cove. (Compassionate Outreach Valuing Everyone). A small room has been fitted with shelving and stocked with a range of supplies that include T-shirts, sweaters, pyjamas, night gowns, underwear, socks, lap blankets, neck pillows, reading glasses and a full range of travel-sized toiletries. “Covenant Health is known for serving people of all faiths, cultures and circumstances according to our values, and this project really speaks to compassion, respect and collaboration,” said Sanchez. In St. Joseph’s building there is Carmel Hospice with 10 beds, a hospital auxiliary wing with nine beds and one respite bed. Looking to the future, as stocks in The Cove diminish, they hope the community will consider making donations. Clothing items must be new and larger sizes are better, said Sanchez, who believes the women’s nightgowns are probably going to be used up quickly. Travel-sized toiletries will also need to be restocked frequently. Donations can be dropped off at St. Joseph’s on Third Street NW. It is a locked facility but there is an intercom at the front door and someone will be happy to accept the donations, said Sanchez. 9-8
