Living to be 100 years of age can be a marvel, but many people who do have no loved ones or friends left to say goodbye when their time comes.
Loch Lomond Villa in Saint John helps residents who reach the end of their life through a program called No One Dies Alone (NODA).
Executive director Cindy Donovan says care and comfort are key to a peaceful passing.
“What we have is about 40 volunteers who have been properly trained to sit with the resident and provide comfort and companionship, not only for the resident, but the team of volunteers will provide relief for the families,” stated Donovan.
They also have what is called NODA bags for each volunteer.
“In that bag would be prayer books, a CD player with soothing and calming music, there are poems, and we also have a healing touch, it’s about hand-holding and talking to the resident.”
Donovan says when a resident leaves this world, they hold what is called an honour guard.
“Family, the NODA volunteers, all of the staff, other family and visitors all line up and make a line from the resident’s room to the door because we believe that the door that the resident entered in when they first came to live with us is the same door they go out,” stated Donovan, adding it is an emotional scene.
Donovan described one instance when a government announcement was made at the facility and the chime for an honour guard was given.
She says the social development staff had tears in their eyes as the resident took their final journey.
