Sent on behalf of Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
Caring for a loved one who’s hospitalized is an important role family members take on. They play a crucial role in patient healing, impacting the patient’s recovery, comfort, and well-being. But who cares for the caregiver?
That’s where BJH concierge services steps in, going the extra step to provide much-needed support for family members. The new family lounge in Plaza West Tower is designed to be a comfortable space where loved ones can feel a sense of home-like normalcy.
“Having a loved one in the hospital can be stressful,” says Michaela Reynolds, senior clinical program manager, Patient Care Support Services. “We are an oasis within the hospital where family members step away from the hustle and bustle of hospital waiting rooms and patient rooms. Our hope is that the family lounge will become a home away from home, a welcoming space to alleviate stress, decompress, and have their needs taken care of.”
Many patients at BJH come from long distances, and as a family member, that distance can be a challenge. That’s where the lounge and concierge staff step in.
Mary Gresick, lead concierge, will become a familiar face in the 5th-floor lounge, supporting families and loved ones who need to unwind and helping them to access resources to ease their time at the hospital.
She will be one of two to three concierge staff members present each day from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, to help families ease their stay. The lounge will provide toiletries for the shower facilities, laundry detergent and dryer sheets for the laundry facilities, blankets for the quiet rooms, notary services, and more.
Mary and her colleagues will help connect families with outside resources, such as lodging or activities around the St. Louis area, and lend a compassionate ear. She is looking forward to the lounge being a place of genuine care and comfort for families. “By providing this beautiful lounge to our families, they will enjoy a warm and relaxed space that will reduce the stress that comes with a hospital stay.”
Features of the lounge include:
- Two living room areas with views of the St. Louis area
- Books, puzzles, games, TVs, movies
- Kids’ corner with age-appropriate books and toys
- Kitchen and dining area with food storage options, complete with microwaves and a refrigerator
- Business center with two computers that offer internet, printing, and faxing capabilities
- Five washers and dryers, with detergent and dryer sheets
- Three shower facilities with toiletries.
- Lactation room
- Quiet room with two recliners
- Outdoor rooftop garden
A second rooftop garden with expansive views of Forest Park is accessible down a short corridor from the lounge. “Access to rooftop gardens will be a wonderful way for families to get a breath of fresh air and decompress in the sunlight,” says Michaela. “Being outdoors is a great way to reset and recharge. The mental and physical benefits of being surrounded by fresh air and nature have been well documented. By taking care of families and loved ones, we are helping support our patients.
Michaela says the team is grateful BJC understands the value the lounge and garden spaces bring to our patients and families. “It’s not just the space, though,” she adds. “Our compassionate team is here to provide extra comfort and support to the families of our patients, and the attention they need as caregivers. The space will further enable us to provide this important comfort to our families.”