Seniors Ministries

Honouring Life Transitions

Many senior adults' later years are marked by transitions. One transition can be moving from a family home to a seniors apartment or nursing home. As with any life change, it is important to mark the significance of the change on a person's life.

Ritual for Leave-Taking

You might do this ritual on your own or invite loved ones to do it with you.

Go through each room of your home. As you stand or sit in each room, remember times you have shared.

• Take a few moments to remember some of the joys and differences, struggles and challenges shared in this space.
• Think about what you will take with you from this space-maybe a piece of furniture or a cherished memory.
• Take a moment to acknowledge what you will be leaving behind or giving away.

Offer your thoughts and memories to God, and if you are able, give thanks for the days in which you were nurtured in this home.

You may have memories you want to share with another, of good times or not-so-good times. You might share these memories in writing or talk about them with a family member, trusted friend, or your minister.

You might also wish to share

• the best memory you have of living in this home
• your favourite room, and why
• the first memory you have of this home
• what you wish you could take with you
• what you are glad to be leaving behind

Saying Goodbye

When you are able, as you close the door on your leave-taking, give thanks to God for the time you have shared here.

Pray that those who will make their home here that it may be a place of love and welcome, care and playfulness, hope and commitment to engage fully in the joys and struggles of daily living. Ask for God's blessings on their days.

As you prepare to move on, ask for God's presence and guidance that in your new home you may

• find comfort, especially as you grieve the loss of what was
• reach out to others
• get to know your new neighbours
• find acceptance in your growing interdependence with others
• remember your treasures-loved ones and cherished memories
• find peace and contentment
• live fully the days that are yours
• and...

End this time by saying amen, which means "may it be so."

Blessing for New Home

At the door: May all who come to this front door be treated with respect and kindness and find a place of welcome. May God's loving presence abide within these walls.

Bedroom: May ___________________ (name of person) find this room to be a place of rest and renewal.

Bathroom: May health and healing abide here and remind ______ that her/his body is a gift of God, deserving of care and kindness.

Kitchen: May the food prepared and eaten here nurture the body and be a source of strength for ___________ 's physical and spiritual life.

Living room: May prayer and playfulness, hope and faith, compassion and love find a home here.

Blessing:

Bless all the spaces in this home.
May your love be known by all who dwell here. Amen.