Volunteer Administrators Networking Group of Virginia presents the 4^th Biennial Hospice Volunteer Conference entitled “Heart of the Journey”. It will be held on Friday November 8, 2013. This conference is geared towards hospice volunteers and volunteer coordinators. It would also be engaging and interesting to someone who is considering becoming a hospice volunteer. Although organized primarily as a Virginia statewide conference, out of state volunteers are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Our Venue:

Spotswood Baptist Church

4009 Lafayette Blvd

Fredericksburg, Virginia 22408

This is a one day conference beginning at 8:30 AM and ending at 3:30 PM. We begin with a group meeting and keynote speaker and there will be 4 workshop sessions available throughout the rest of the day. There are two lunch periods, so volunteers will need to choose which lunch they prefer to attend. Within each session there are 8 workshop choices. We are offering an Alzheimer’s track and a special volunteer coordinators track. Any participant is invited to attend any of the sessions. We will have goodie bags, door prizes and networking opportunities. Lunch is included with your registration fee and there will be a choice of regular or vegetarian box lunches. Our venue is a local church in Fredericksburg. Please note that it is a smoke free campus. No smoking is allowed and anywhere on the church grounds. There will be handicapped accessibility, however be prepared to walk outside to attend workshops as they will be held in trailers.

Schedule of Events:

8:00 - 9:00 am Registration, Coffee and Donuts

10:00 - 11:00 am Workshop Session 1

11:15 - 12:15 pm Workshop Session 2 LUNCH 1

12:30 - 1:30 pm Workshop Session 3 LUNCH 2

1:45 - 2:45 pm Workshop Session 4

3:00 - 3:30 pm Closing Events & Door Prizes

10:00-11:00 AM

Alzheimer's Track “Dementia Diseases and Late Stage Care: The Journey through Alzheimer's: What you need to know?”

Presenter: Mary Ann Johnson, MA, Program Director & Lori Myers, BSW, Regional Director,

Fredericksburg, Alzheimer's Association, Greater Richmond Chapter

This session examines and discusses late stage dementia related diseases.

“Healing-Grief: By Way of the Artichoke”

Presenter: Craig Wilt, MA, MEd, QMHP-C, Director of Grief Care, Hospice of the Rapidan

Using the metaphor of the artichoke, this presentation offers an overview of the healing-grief process and provides those in attendance with coping strategies to address their own issues of loss and grief and to assist and support others as they strive to find new meaning and purpose in life following loss and transition.

“Resiliency In The Face of Loss– Learning, Letting Go and Living in the Midst of Loss”

Presenter: Julie Weatherington, Executive Director of Seasons of Hope, Manassas Virginia

Focusing on past experiences and sources of personal strength can help you learn about what strategies for building resilience might work for you. By exploring answers to specific questions about yourself and your reactions to challenging life events, you may discover how you can

respond effectively to difficult situations in your life.

“ALS for the Volunteer”

Presenter: Brenda Lindsay, RN, PhD, CHPN, Administrator/Director of Nursing, Mountain

Regional Hospice, Clifton Forge VA

Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) is a disease that is heard of more frequently in hospice and sometimes these patients can be difficult assignments for volunteers. This session will describe the disease process and the communication techniques that may be used as you care for the ALS patient. This session also speaks to volunteer chaplains.

“Vigil Volunteering: A Gift at the End of Life's Journey”

Presenters: Carol Hammon, RN, CHPN, Mary Washington Hospice

This seminar will examine the benefits of vigil volunteers. Participants will learn how to support patients, families and caregivers when death is near.

“The Dying are People Too”

Presenter: Jennifer Stanger, MSW, Bereavement Coordinator & Social Worker, Medi Hospice

This workshop will explore society's stereotypes about aging in order to improve self awareness and deepen our relationships with our aging hospice patients. By distinguishing between natural aging and the disease process, we can expand our empathy and provide better support.

“Storytelling: Recording Legacies”

Presenter: Megan Hicks, Storyteller, Author and Artist, Fredericksburg VA

Hospice volunteers are in a unique position to listen in ways that family members and professional caregivers cannot. People facing huge changes often tell their stories in order to make sense of what's happening, to find their place in the ongoing narrative of their loved ones’ lives. But a story is not a story until it knows a receptive listener. As one who has no other focus than to be available to help, volunteers can listen and learn ways to encourage the telling of these final stories.

Volunteer Coordinator Track "Utilizing Volunteers to the Fullest"

Presenter: Raquel Woodard, CVA, Volunteer Coordinator, Mary Washington Hospice

This workshop presents tips for identifying the gifts and talents within your volunteer pool and

utilizing them to benefit the patients and families of your Hospice.

11:15-12:15 PM Lunch 1

Alzheimer's Track “Dementia Diseases and Late Stage Care: Building the Relationship Through Communication”

Presenter: Mary Ann Johnson, MA, Program Director & Lori Myers, BSW, Regional Director,

Fredericksburg, Alzheimer's Association, Greater Richmond Chapter

This session explores how to build relationships with patients who have dementia related

diseases.

“How to Help Your Volunteer Coordinator”

Presenter: Lori Showalter, CVA, Volunteer Coordinator, Hospice, Augusta Health

This workshop will present simple ideas on how to lighten the load for your Volunteer

Coordinator.

“Crafts that Count ”

Presenter: Terri Layne, Volunteer Coordinator/Business Development Manager, Centra Health

This is an interactive workshop for those who would like to find a way to take crafting to the

keepsake level and how to document the patient goals addressed with these projects.

“The Things That Matter Most”

Presenter: Beth Patton, RN, Medi Hospice,

This seminar is based on the book “The Four Things That Matter Most”. The presenter will offer practical ideas incorporated with many of her stories that would provide attendees with help and inspiration.

“The Spiritual Journey of a Hospice Volunteer"

Presenter: Rev. Dr. Randal Walton, PhD., M-Div. Director of Pastoral Care, Centra Hospice

Hospice volunteering is a spiritual journey for patient, caregiver, and hospice volunteer. This workshop will address some of the spiritual questions that come up when working with the

terminally ill.

“Stronger Communication”

Presenter: Susie Hatfield, MSW, Hospice of the Rapidan

Learning how communication styles vary from person to person, in this interactive workshop you will learn what non-verbal communication may “say” to someone.

“Ministry in Music”

Presenter: Rev. Denise Vogt, MA—Chaplain, Hospice of the Rapidan

This interactive and exciting workshop will focus on the impact and effect the ministry of music has in the spiritual and physical lives of hospice patients.

Volunteer Coordinator Track “Online Recruitment: Social Media and Blogging”

Presenter: Karen Robinson, BSocSci, NZLS, Volunteer Coordinator, Medi Hospice

This workshop will explore how the use of specific Internet tools such as blogging and social media sites successfully recruit volunteers. We will also examine the value of utilizing online website based volunteer recruitment tools.

12:30-1:30 PM Lunch 2

Alzheimer's Track “Dementia Diseases and Late Stage Care: Building the Relationship Through

Communication” (Repeat session)

Presenter: Mary Ann Johnson, MA, Program Director & Lori Myers, BSW, Regional Director,

Fredericksburg, Alzheimer's Association, Greater Richmond Chapter

SEE PREVIOUS DESCRIPTION IN SESSION 2

"Expedition Equipment for the Journey-What's in Your Bag?"

Presenter: Jan Anderson, BA, MA, MSW, Mary Washington Hospice

This workshop will better equip you to interact with your patients and families. Volunteers will

explore family dynamics and develop strategies to assist in difficult situations which may be

encountered as a hospice volunteer.

“What Do Dying Patients Really Look Like?”

Presenter: Brenda Lindsay, RN, PhD, CHPN, Administrator/Director of Nursing, Mountain Regional Hospice, Clifton Forge VA

Sometimes sitting with a dying patient is so frightening because you don’t know what to expect. Your heart says ‘Yes’ to your Volunteer Coordinator when she/he asks, but your head says ‘No Way”! This session will help volunteers understand the clinical signs and symptoms exhibited in the months, days and hours before death. Education unlocks fear of the unknown! This session also speaks to volunteer chaplains.

“The Things That Matter Most” (Repeat session)

Presenter: Beth Patton, RN, Medi Hospice

SEE PREVIOUS DESCRIPTION IN SESSION 2

“The Spiritual Journey of a Hospice Volunteer" (Repeat session)

Presenter: Rev. Dr. Randal Walton, PhD., M-Div. Director of Pastoral Care, Centra Hospice

SEE PREVIOUS DESCRIPTION IN SESSION 2

“Stronger Communication” (Repeat session)

Presenter: Susie Hatfield, MSW, Hospice of the Rapidan

SEE PREVIOUS DESCRIPTION IN SESSION 2

“Ministry in Music” (Repeat session)

Presenter: Rev. Denise Vogt, MA, Chaplain, Hospice of the Rapidan

SEE PREVIOUS DESCRIPTION IN SESSION 2

Volunteer Coordinator Track No class for this session. This will give the volunteer

coordinators time to eat and network together.

1:45-2:45 PM

Alzheimer's Track “Dementia Diseases and Late Stage Care: Family Dynamics and the Journey through Dementia. How Do They Change?”

Presenter: Mary Ann Johnson, MA, Program Director & Lori Myers, BSW, Regional Director,

Fredericksburg, Alzheimer's Association, Greater Richmond Chapter

This session explores ways that help the family cope with loved ones who have late stage

dementias.

“How Good Boundaries Make Positive Volunteer Experiences”

Presenter: Beatrice Kerr, LCSW, Mary Washington Hospice

Identifying and maintaining healthy boundaries enable volunteers to better serve patients and their caregivers. This workshop will provide participants with some simple ‘best practices’ for building relationships in their capacity as hospice volunteers.

“Effective Hospice Pet Therapy”

Presenter: Chris Spangler, Hospice Pet Therapy Volunteer, Delta Certified Pet Therapist, Mary Washington Hospice

This seminar will explore the history, goals and necessary training needed to be an effective pet therapist, with a particular focus on hospice pet therapy. Presenter will bring 2 or 3 Pet Partners evaluated pet therapy dogs and offer a demonstration of hospice supportive care .

“Pain & Symptom Control for the Hospice Volunteer”

Presenter: Ellen Rooney, RN, Retired, Mary Washington Healthcare

Participants will be offered an overview of the various types of pain and how it can influence the overall social, emotional, psychological and spiritual well being of patients and caregivers.

Volunteers will walk away with non medical therapeutic solutions to pain and symptom relief.

“Tools for Volunteers to ‘Be With’ the Dying”

Presenter: Myra Lovvorn, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, ACHPM, Owner SUPPOSE, LLC

Volunteers spend large amounts of time with the dying. This session will identify common

end-of-life medical terminology, examine family distress as related to patient symptoms, and

discuss the role of personal presence in hospice volunteering. Participants are encouraged to bring their concerns and questions to discuss.

“How to Make Your Volunteer Visits More Meaningful in Nursing Facilities”

Presenter: Annette Garza, BS, Medical Social Worker, Mary Washington Hospice

This session will explore the hospice relationship with the facility and the volunteer’s role within the facility. The presenter will provide guidelines for developing meaningful visits with patients who have cognitive limitations.

“Getting Through Holidays and Other Special Days -After the Loss of Loved Ones”

Presenter: Julie Weatherington, Executive Director of Seasons of Hope, Manassas Virginia

The usually joyful and cheerful winter holidays are particularly difficult for the bereaved. This workshop will present ideas for getting through the holidays, provide an opportunity to share with others who have lost loved ones and participate in a memorial remembrance.

Volunteer Coordinator Track “Understanding and Development of a "We Honor Veterans

Volunteer Program”

Presenter: Dawn Kimberlin, Volunteer Coordinator, Mountain Regional Hospice, Level IV We Honor Veterans Program

This session will describe the pinning process used in the We Honor Veterans program as well as how to utilize volunteers In developing this special hospice program.

Conference Payment

Early-bird registration is $35 and must be postmarked by September 30^th.After September 30^th, registration will be $45. Registration deadline is October 23^rd

Registering online with a credit card is preferred, however if sending a check it should be made payable to VAHPC. You will be able to print an invoice online to send with your check.

Returning Your Registration Form

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS PREFERRED!

1. Register individually online at www.virginiahospices.org

2. Return registration to your Volunteer Coordinator

3. If necessary mail this form with your check to the following address:

Heart of the Journey

Volunteer Conference 2013,

c/o Virginia Association for Hospices & Palliative Care

P.O. Box 70025, Richmond, VA 23255

Questions?? info@virginiahospices.org

Hotel Accommodations

5327 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22408

We have a group rate reserved at Country Inn & Suites for 2 nights, November 7 and 8, 2013. It includes a hot breakfast buffet and free Wi-Fi. This is a pet friendly hotel and there is an on-site restaurant. Call 540-898-1800 to book. The price is $85 plus tax per room per night and reservations must be received by October 7, 2013 to lock in the group rate. Attendees should mention that they are with the “Heart of the Journey Conference” to receive the group rate.

Become a volunteer!

Volunteering in hospice is a choice that creates rewards for patients and families. The ultimate surprise is the growth a volunteer develops from learning more about themselves with every visit to their patient. You learn to communicate in ways that increase your own appreciation of life. Your views of daily situations take on a holistic perspective. Nothing will ever be the same in your personal or professional life if you are correctly trained as a hospice volunteer.