Heddfan Care Home

Heddfan Care Home in Pembrokeshire cares for five individuals as part of the 40-year-old Carningli Trust. When one of their longest-serving residents passed away, the home transformed a potential trauma into a learning experience about grief and remembrance.

Rather than shielding residents from death, the home involved them in every aspect of the journey. 

Residents could visit their friend in hospital and attend the funeral. They helped plan the service by choosing photographs, music and personal items. 

Staff arranged for funeral directors to answer questions and show residents the arrangements. 

The home created a memorial garden where residents converted a boat into a flower bed and installed a memorial bench. 

Throughout, staff encouraged residents to keep talking about and celebrating their friend's life, ensuring their memory remained central to the community.

• Residents gained valuable understanding of end-of-life processes for future bereavements
• The approach strengthened community bonds as residents and families shared memories and supported each other
• The care home created a practical template for staff to use with future bereavements
• Families felt less anxious about end-of-life care, having seen the home's sensitive and inclusive approach

“Our residents now have the experience of a celebration of life that may help them be more involved and gather an understanding in any decision making on their own personal celebration”