WORKSHOPS AT A GLANCE

Hospice Giving Foundation is honored to host a variety of free workshops in English and Spanish. You can read about some of the programs below. If you are interested in scheduling a workshop for your community, group, organization, or staff, please contact Erandi Escareño, Director of Community Outreach and Education, at [email protected] or call 831.333.9023.

HOW TO HAVE THE CONVERSATION (…that none of us want to have!)

Talking about your wishes for end-of-life care brings you closer to the people you love. It’s about empowering them to be confident when the time comes to help. It’s about bringing peace of mind to everyone involved. In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to prepare yourself to have these meaningful and essential conversations to live fully and receive the compassionate care you deserve.

ADVANCE CARE PLANNING: Getting the Care You Want

Many of us realize we are not prepared for a serious illness, often when it is too late. Planning healthcare in advance allows individuals to consider important issues and be aware of medical treatment options they can choose to receive or decline. Without documenting your healthcare wishes, medical professionals have no way of knowing what kind of care you want if you cannot speak for yourself. To get the care you want, you must plan. This workshop will help you organize and prepare for medical emergencies and end-of-life care. You’ll learn the difference between an Advance Health Care Directive and a POLST form, how to choose a health care agent, and how to make medical decisions.

ADVANCE CARE PREPAREDNESS: Understanding Medical Decision-Making

Making decisions about the healthcare of our loved ones when facing a serious illness or nearing the end of life can be challenging. Planning healthcare in advance allows individuals to consider important issues and be aware of medical treatment options they can choose to receive or decline. In this interactive session, you will learn about cardiopulmonary resuscitation, comfort-focused treatments, antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and artificial nutrition/tube feeding.

ADVANCE CARE PREPAREDNESS: What You Need to Know About Assisted Living for Seniors

This workshop covers topics such as hospitalization, skilled nursing, in-home care, independent and assisted living, memory care, and hospice. Additionally, it addresses the current costs associated with senior care communities, small care homes, skilled nursing facilities, private duty, and in-home care. Handouts regarding long-term care insurance and government programs, such as the Assisted Living Waiver Program, will be provided.

PALLIATIVE CARE OR HOSPICE: The Right Service at the Right Time

It is very common for family members to have questions and concerns about the medical care their loved ones will receive when there is a serious illness or at the end of their lives. In this workshop, you’ll learn more about the differences and similarities between Palliative and Hospice Care, who qualifies, what to expect from the care team, how it is paid for, where it takes place, and other frequently asked questions. This presentation will guide you to be prepared and make informed decisions regarding the health and well-being of the people you love

LOVE LETTERS

Join us for this free workshop to learn how to write meaningful letters expressing love and kindness to the special people in your life as part of planning for later years. The facilitator will guide you in crafting these letters to share your sentiments and empower your loved ones to honor your wishes for care during serious illness.

HOW TO DISCUSS DEATH WITH A CHILD

Talking with children about death is not easy for parents or educators. Most often, we avoid conversation until a special person in a child’s life dies. Yet, as hard as it may be, it’s important to discover ways to include this topic in children’s education and family life. With care, this topic can be approached in a tender, yet natural way. In this presentation, we’ll explore ways to thoughtfully talk with children, understand how children experience grief after the death of a loved one, and how to identify when to seek professional help.

ESTATE PLANNING FOR PEACE OF MIND

You’ve worked hard in your life, and you deserve to feel confident in your later years. This workshop will help you organize and prepare your financial information to give you peace of mind. We’ll review key information about estate plans, wills, and naming your beneficiary, as well as making charitable gifts. Learn about the powers of attorney, avoiding common financial planning mistakes, and how to protect your information. The presenter will share practical and informative planning tools.

SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WHO CARE FOR A LOVED ONE

Taking care of a loved one who is very ill or nearing the end of life is not an easy task. We know you do it with love and compassion, but sometimes you forget to take care of yourself. We want to support you! You’ll learn about self-care strategies, stress management practices, and ways to build resilience. This workshop will also provide a supportive environment where you can share experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges. The goal is to help you thrive, not just survive, in your important caregiving role.

HONORING LOVED ONES: A Día de los Muertos Workshop

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a tradition most closely associated with Mexico. It holds special significance as a time to remember and celebrate our deceased loved ones. These dates can bring nostalgia, and our grief may feel more present. Join us for a conversation about how we can turn that grief into an opportunity by creating an ofrenda (offering) to honor and remember those we’ve lost.

HEALING AND MOVING THROUGH GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Join us for a reflective, hopeful program to learn ways to heal and move through grief during the holiday season. In this session, experts will talk about grief and loss, focusing on how to manage emotions during this time of year. The program will also include a therapeutic music session and an arts and crafts activity to guide you in remembering the loved ones you are missing.