Sacred Environment

Hospices increasingly recognize the calming properties of music, meditation and aromatherapy in creating a peaceful environment. Visual comforts are important as well. It is nice to create an altar in a place easily visible to the patient, where special photographs and meaningful items are displayed. Often the dying person enjoys being in the family room where they can witness daily activity and not feel isolated. Many wish to have their bed facing a window so they can view the landscape, trees, birds and connect to nature.

As a person begins to transition out of this body and this life, it is most beneficial if he or she can feel enveloped in peace and loving presence. The environment surrounding the person at this time is important; one can attend to many details which make a significant difference to the patient. Family members and caregivers have the honor of creating a sacred environment for their loved one. 
Marty Hogan writes, “Bring in favorite blankets and pillows, pictures of family and friends, flowers, music and candles. Place sacred readings on a bedside table within easy reach. Ask them if there are any objects that have special meaning or that remind them of pleasant memories that they’d like to have with them.”

Soft lighting, gentle music and guided imagery can all help the person have a calm and peaceful mind. The real aim is that the mind be at peace, that worries and anxieties can just evaporate and that a person’s state be light and relaxed.

 

Contact Us

info@SOFriendsOfHospice.org

Southern Oregon
Friends of Hospice
P.O. Box 1182
Ashland, Oregon 97520

Phone: 541-488-7805

Hospice Unique Boutique (HUB) website

HUB Calendar of Events [PDF]

Watch Hospice Videos

Thank You for Donating

Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice raises funds to supplement regional end-of-life care programs.

Donate online:

Click the button below to donate to SOFOH through the secure server at PayPal.

Donate by mail:

Fill out and print a Donation Form (pdf) and mail it with your check.

Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice gifts include:

  • Providing educational material to patients and families, as well as emergency assistance for heating, electricity and transportation costs.
  • Funding a day trip as respite care for overwhelmed family members of a dying patient.
  • Supplying respite caregivers for a family exhausted from 24-hour care-giving.
  • Reimbursing harpists providing music therapy, and massage therapists providing therapeutic touch for hospice patients.
  • Offering bereavement support groups and training for volunteer grief counselors.