Medi Hospice Fredericksburg & Northern Virginia Blog is designed to educate and inform the public about hospice options and services. Our Hospice serves the many cities and counties within the State of Virginia.

This Blog is dedicated to our wonderful hospice volunteers who contribute countless hours for free to make a difference in the lives of terminally ill patients.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Attention all Virginia Hospice Volunteers...

Valentine Hearts Heart of the Journey 
Hospice Volunteer Conference 2011

                                                                                         
Friday, November 4, 2011

                 
                                                                              8:00-3:30 PM

 Heritage Baptist Church
219 Breezewood Drive
Lynchburg, VA  24502


Schedule of Events


8:00-9:00AM  Registration                         

8:00-9:00 AM Certificate of Volunteer Administration
 (For Volunteer Managers only) 
                                  

9:00-9:45 AM Welcome & Keynote Address by Shannon Valentine, Former Delegate & Volunteer Advocate

10:00-11:00 AM   Workshop Session 1
11:15-12:15 PM   Workshop Session 2
12:15-1:30 PM     Luncheon/Entertainment/Door Prizes
1:45-2:45 PM       Workshop Session 3
2:55-3:15 PM       Closing Events

Quilt Display


On display at the conference will be a collection of quilts. Each one is hand made in memory or in honor of someone touched by
serious illness. Many of the projects include an inspirational story, each is a piece of quilted art. All projects are donated and will be auctioned off on Saturday, November 5 at 7:00 pm at Mountain View United Methodist Church. 


All proceeds from this community project benefit Centra Hospice House.





Workshops
Session 1 

Overview of Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia 
Presenter:  Dr. Jonathan Evans, MD, MPH 

  • Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging.  It is a progressive and fatal brain disease that is the most common form of dementia.  This presentation will provide an overview of symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease as well as how to approach and communicate effectively with persons dealing with a diagnosis. 

Reminiscence as a Bridge to Patient Affirmation
Presenter:  Marvin Barbre, Chaplain—Good Samaritan Hospice, Roanoke

  • A method of using life review to assist patients with self affirmation and self esteem by reflecting on their life’s purpose(s), contribution to family, community, and faith group and recognition of ones personal legacy. 



If You Build It—They Will Come (Volunteer Manager Tract) 
Presenter:  Karen Wright, Manager of Volunteer Services—Hospice of Virginia
  • This workshop explores ideas for volunteer recruitment in your area.  Discovering what works for YOUR volunteer program. 


Informed End-of-Life Decisions:  Funeral Advice You Can Trust
Presenter:  Isabel Berney, Volunteer Speaker—Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Virginia Blue Ridge 
  • This non-profit organization’s purpose is to help families arrange a dignified, meaningful and affordable funeral.  


The Power of Healing Music
Presenter:  Susan Cruse—JoySong Ministries Harpist 
  • Learn how utilizing music and voice enhances hospice services for patients, families and caregivers. 
    Workshop will include a brief opportunity for ―harp tastings by participants. 

Spiritual Differences at End of Life
Presenter:  Rev. Dr. Randall Walton, PhD., M-Div, Director of Pastoral Care—Centra Hospice, Lynchburg.
    • Dr. Randal Walton uses his personal and professional knowledge to give insight on spiritual diversity at end of life.  


  • Session 2    


    Connections—Activities for Persons with Dementia
    Presenter:  Ellen Phipps, Vice President of Programs & Services—Alzheimer’s Association

    • Learn how to plan an individualized, theory based, meaningful activities program for persons diagnosed with dementia. 


    Special Needs of Veterans at End-of-Life
    Presenter:  Emily Chrysler, LCSW, ACHP-SW—McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center

    • Volunteering for our veterans at end of life is a very rewarding opportunity.  Come hear about special needs our veterans have and how you can better serve them. 

    Releasing and Decreasing or Retaining and Gaining? (Volunteer Manager Tract)
    Presenter:  Lori Showalter, CVA, Volunteer Coordinator—Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah

    • Is your volunteer program growing or struggling to survive?  Are you looking for tips on how to better serve the volunteers that give so selflessly to your hospice?  Volunteer retention can be a challenge in itself but it can also be exciting!  Come and learn how to bring enthusiasm and appreciation into the picture and be prepared to take your program to a new level.  


    T.E.A.R.S.—5 Ways Hospice Volunteers Can Support Families
    Presenter:  Chris Tharpe, President—Tharpe Funeral Home & Crematory

    • Did you know when someone dies, there are at least 50 things their loved one needs to do?  Hospice Volunteers can play an integral part at this time in the grief process.  Learn what makes people uncomfortable and how to use T.E.A.R.S. as an acronym to remember 5 things you can do to make a real difference from the time of death to the funeral or memorial service.


Navigating Your Way through Facility Patient Visits
Presenter:  Tina Hughey-Commers, Manager, Volunteer Services—Hospice of the Piedmont

  • Volunteering in facilities can present a unique set of challenges and opportunities.  With an eye toward practical application, this session will address the volunteer role of providing patient care while interfacing effectively with facility staff. 

Family Dynamics:  Hell or Holy Ground?
Presenter: 
Karl A. Netting, M.Div, PRN Chaplain with Richmond Bon Secours Health System

  • When interacting with patients and families, how do volunteers position themselves to bless what is healing and avoid being drawn into the triangles of family pain?  

Session 3   


Dementia Questions & Answers
Presenters:  Dr. Jonathan Evans , MD, MPH & Ellen Phipps, Vice President of Programs & Services—Alzheimer’s Association

  • This will be a great finale to the previous two sections on dementia and hospice.  Come to this workshop with questions you still have and hopefully you’ll leave with some great answers. 

Caring for Those Nearing the End of Life:  Tools for Volunteers
Presenter:  Myra Lovvorn, RN, BC-FNP—McGuire VAMC

  • This session will help the volunteer recognize four diseases commonly encountered in hospice and understand the symptoms by knowing what to expect during patient visits.  Developing an understanding of the disease process will help the volunteer provide a calm presence for the patient and their family.

A Place for Every Volunteer 
Presenter:  Kathryn J. Wall, Program Assistant—Mary Washington HH & Hospice

  • What if patient/family contact is not your interest?  Learn about other opportunities to share your special gifts and talents with your local hospice.  Be encouraged by stories of volunteers who have found their niche, and through the process have made a difference for their hospice. 

Cultural Sensitivity and Designer Care
Presenter:  Karl A. Netting, M.Div, PRN Chaplain with Richmond Bon Secours Health System

  • Discover the importance of knowing a patient’s and family’s cultural and emotional origins.  In doing so avoid stereotyping, and provide customized care to each patient/family. 

Self Care
Presenter:  Dr. Patricia Pletke—Centra Hospice

  • Investing in yourself while giving to others, an interactive workshop to identify ways to care for yourself so that you can continue to care and support others at end of life.  

Fundraising– Getting Your Priorities in Order (Volunteer Manager Tract)
Presenter:  Terri Layne, Volunteer Coordinator/Business Development Manager—Centra Hospice

  • Is it a community art exhibit?  Is it a fundraiser?  Is it a bereavement activity?  This workshop presents projects that work for raising money and awareness.
 
 This conference promises to be a unique opportunity to continue your education and enhance your hospice volunteer experience! There will be door prizes, box lunch, quilt displays, educational table displays and lots of time to network with other hospice volunteers!
Please contact your hospice Volunteer Coordinator to register. If you are interested in becoming a hospice volunteer and would like to attend this conference, please contact:
Karen Robinson
Medi Hospice
Fredericksburg, VA
540-361-7696

Early-bird registration is $35 and must be post-marked by September 30, 2011.  After September 30th, registration will be $45. 


Registration deadline is October 24, 2011.




Confirmation of registration will be made only to 
e-mail addresses.   




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