This learning event will bring together renowned specialists who will address the needs of the bereaved, the dying and the communities that support them.
They include members of the hospice and end-of-life care movements and faith communities.
Attendance is limited to 50 to provide a more intimate and supportive environment. The program is offered to social workers, counselors, clergy/chaplains, nurses, physicians, and other providers who work with the dying and bereaved.
Registration fee for this 3-day event is $350.00 and includes out-of-the-box lunches catered by local restaurants and serious continental breakfasts. Scholarships are offered for GW End-of-Life-Care students and alumni.

Schedule

Day I Wednesday, July 9th

Dr. Christina Puchalski, Director and Founder of the George Washington University Institute for Spirituality and Health will be the plenary speaker on our first morning. The remainder of the morning we spend with a panel of clergy representing the major faith traditions and how suffering and loss within their communities are addressed and supported. Spirituality plays a vital role in supporting those who are facing end-of-life issues and our final session of the morning will reveal the role that each of us can play.
In the afternoon, we will view an hour documentary film The Undertaking followed by a group discussion. In addition, an estate planning lawyer/social worker will present on the importance of Advanced Directives and the role they play in family care giving.
The day will end with some self care.

Day II, Thursday, July 10th

The morning of the second day we will spend with Dottie Ward-Wimmer, RN, LPC, registered play therapist and recognized expert in working with children. Dottie will offer insights into what children need during times of loss and trauma and how communities, schools and families can help create caring circles as our children (our future) navigate the journey through grief and loss.
The afternoon will be dedicated to addressing the needs of veterans who are returning to our communities after experiencing the many losses created by war. One in five veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are experiencing PTSD and veterans from the Vietnam War are re-experiencing PTSD as they age. All of them deserve to be welcomed home and embraced by the circles of care we offer.
The day will end with an exercise in self-care.

Day III, Friday, July 11th

Our scheduled plenary speaker for our final day is Joanne Lynn MD, researcher, author and advocate for End-of-Life Issues. The theme of our final day will be “what lies ahead” and the need to be informed about the increasing roles that family members and loved ones will play in at-home care for loved ones living with chronic illness, loss and end-of-life. What are some strategies for self-care and how do we create our own circles of care? How do we avoid compassion fatigue and burnout?
The day will end with an exercise in self-care and a closing ritual.