Stronger Together: Nov. 6 Hospice Symposium

GOSHEN, Ind. - Goshen General Hospital's Care at Home & Hospice Services, is hosting a local Hospice Symposium on Nov. 6 entitled "Stronger Together: Meeting the Needs at the End of Life"

From 8 a.m. until noon in the Arbor Conference Center at Goshen General Hospital, the symposium will offer four workshops and a roundtable discussion surrounding end of life issues.

Geared toward all hospice professionals, educators and counselors, caregivers, social workers, physicians, grief counselors, funeral directors, and clergy, the event will look at a number of topics from how caregivers and clergy can assist others in making ethical decisions at the end of life to how to approach conversations about death and dying. 

The symposium will also include a workshop led by Pastor Angel Luis Miranda which will bring new insights to workshop participants concerning customs and practices of Hispanics at the end of life. The symposium will close with a roundtable discussion on end of life issues led by area clergy and Hospice workers.

Workgroup Sessions and presenters are as follows:

9:20  to 10:10 a.m.:

- Workshop 1A with Presenter: Nancy Kauffman, RN, BSN 
Topic: "Metamorphosis as Death becomes Imminent:  The Process of  Leaving the Physical Body and Embracing the Spiritual"
Description: This workshop will better equip you to understand signs and symptoms that are observed as death approaches. Everyone's dying journey is unique, but there are often common changes that occur.  Participants will gain knowledge in order to be more competent and confident in providing support and counsel to families and to persons who are dying."

- Workshop 1B with Presenter Shawn Gerber, M.Div, BCC  
Topic: "Engaging Mystery Together: Assisting Others in Making Ethical Decisions at the End of Life"
Description: This workshop addresses how caregivers and clergy can assist others in making ethical decisions at the end of life. We will look specifically at some obstacles that we may face in discerning treatment and care, how to help others integrate their faith with making some tough choices, and how to cultivate wholeness with people as they move toward the waning moments of their life.

10:20 to 11:10 a.m.

- Workshop 2A with Presenter Rachel Schertz, MSW, LCSW 
Topic: "The Taboo of Discussing Death and Dying"
Description: In our death defying society, how do we begin to have conversations about the topics of death and dying? This session will address ways to talk about the last taboo subject with others before a time of crisis. Advance funeral planning, how to suggest hospice care and discussions about living well until one dies will also be addressed in this session.

- Workshop 2A with Angel Luis Miranda, M.Div 
Topic: "Understanding Death in a Hispanic Context" 
Description: No matter what culture we live in, death is a difficult issue to talk about. The language we use is influenced by the religious practices people utilize. Drawing on his years of experience as a chaplain in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, and interviews with clients that frequent Center for Healing and Hope, Rev. Miranda will bring new insights and understanding to workshop participants concerning customs and practices of Hispanics at the end of life.

This program is offered free of charge. For more information or to reserve a seat, call Care at Home & Hospice Services at 574-535-2700.

About Care at Home Services:
Goshen General Hospital's Care at Home services include skilled nursing care following an illness or injury; rehabilitative care; Hospice care for the terminally ill patient and family; a specialized home care team for people with cancer and life-threatening illnesses who are not appropriate for Hospice; home visits for new mothers and babies; foot care and IV therapy.

Each patient's treatment plan is individualized to meet his or her specific needs and goals. All care is closely coordinated with the patient's physician. If you wish to learn more about Care at Home Services from Goshen General Hospital, call (574) 535-2700 or (800) 446-4663.

About Goshen Health System:
Goshen Health System is a not-for-profit provider of health care that includes Goshen General Hospital, The Goshen Center for Cancer Care, Park Home Medical Equipment, PrimeCare Physician Network, The Retreat Women's Health Center and Indiana Lakes Managed Care Organization. The health system is an affiliate partner of Clarian Health, which includes Indiana University Hospital, Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis and Riley Hospital for Children. For more information about Goshen Health System, contact Bridget Levitz, Public Relations Coordinator, at 574-535-2776 or visit www.goshenhealth.org.