Center to Advance Palliative Care

Hello,
We have experience with two like initiatives to what you describe. Originally we created a box of supplies to bring into the room of a dying patient. Some of the supplies were not "one use" items, such as CDs and a CD player, and this became complicated logistically. We have now created "Comfore Care" Totes that are given to a family present with a dying hospitalized patient. Contents of the tote bag include a lip balm, flameless votive candle, book of poems/prayers, massage cream and instructions for hand massage. To welcome family and support meaningful interactions: condolence card, snacks, hard candy, child’s coloring book and crayons, instructions for accessing the guest wireless network, blank journal and pen, modeling material to make hand impressions (with instructions), and printed materials: “A Gift for You” (describing tote contents), a CareNote about grief, Journey through the Dying Process ( describes changes as death approaches), and “Supporting Your Loved One as Death Draws Near.” We purchased tote bags and added a postcard to collect feedback. This combination of information, support and hospitality has been very positively received, and was developed in partnership with the spiritual health department. Members of the palliative care team, chaplains or social workers give the tote to a family and document this in the medical record.
Lyn Ceronsky MS, APRN
Director Palliative Care
Faculty, Palliative Care Leadership Center
University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview