end-of-life workshops

My work in supporting the dying reaches past working with individuals and their loved ones. I am available to share my experiences with groups in a contemplative gathering. This can take place in-person or online. If you would like to organize an event for your organization, community or church group, I am happy to lead one of these meaningful workshops or customize a workshop that fits your particular needs. Here are a few examples of workshop possibilities.

None of us know what tomorrow will bring or can predict what might become of our health. But there is a way to ensure you will have a say in health care decisions that lie ahead, should there come a time when you are unable to speak for yourself. It's called Advance Care Planning. We will review/discuss how to fill out your own Advance Care Planning Workbook and Health Care Forms.

Delve into the basics of Power of Attorney (POA), Executor and Will. There will be particular attention to an Enduring Power of Attorney and the types of fraud that can occur with a Power of Attorney. Methods to avoid fraud will be discussed. Also a review of what is important about a Last Will and Testament and who can be an executor will be covered.

There is so much to do when someone dies that it can be simply overwhelming. We will review in a practical, no-nonsense way the tasks required in the first days after death, the first week, the first months and the first year following death.

A practical workshop about planning a funeral/memorial/celebration of life. Reflect on what to include in a service and ways to remember your loved one in a lasting way. We will talk about music, poetry, prose, videos, etc.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IN DYING (MAID)

We will review the basic information regarding MAiD. Who is eligible and who is not, the timeframe required, the medical process, etc.

UNDERSTANDING GRIEF

A workshop looking at how death shapes grief. Learn what grief is, how to deal with your own grief, and how to be with another's grief. Types of grief are discussed as well as coping with guilt. Learn creative ways to move through grief.

GRIEF JOURNALLING

Learn about grief and one way to work through it by journalling. We will look at techniques of journalling, the benefits of journalling, and look at many supportive tools that can assist you in grief journalling.

MAKING A LASTING IMPRESSION LEAVING A LEGACY

People leave a legacy to know that their life mattered. Gaining clarity on what you want your legacy to be can give your life meaning and purpose. We will discuss documents that can be prepared by you, prior to death, to help ease the burden on your loved ones.

ELDER ABUSE INCLUDING FRAUD)

We will discuss how elder abuse can occur and identify its types (physical, psychological, financial) and risk factors. As well, we will discuss strategies for prevention and recognizing the signs of financial fraud and scams targeting older adults. Resources and support services will be included.

UNDERSTANDING THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE INFORMATION KIT (E.R.I.K. ®)

Learn what the E.R.l.Kit is and why it is important to have on hand should an emergency suddenly occur. We will review the contents of the kit and review the forms that are included and can be added to the kit. We can begin filling out the forms if wanted.

IN THIS WORKSHOP YOU WILL:

● Increase your readiness to undertake end-of-life planning, and other challenging conversations.

● Gain insight into the intentions, concerns, context, and importance of end-of-life planning conversations in your life.

● Be guided through key steps for having successful and meaningful end-of-life planning conversations.

● Gain clarity about who and what matter most.

NAVIGATING GRIEF THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS

We will discuss tools and strategies to navigate the emotionally challenging winter season after a loss.

We will look at supportive practical ways to honor traditions in new ways, manage

expectations, maintain physical health, and find comfort while honoring the memory of a loved one.

NAVIGATING LONELINESS & BOREDOM AFTER LOSING A SPOUSE

This workshop will offer a safe space and practical tools for navigating the profound sense of isolation and lack of engagement that can follow the death of a spouse.

THE GIFT OF HUMOUR IN GRIEF

We will discuss the blessing, value, and power of humour in grief.

LIFE AFTER CARE-GIVING

We will look at the complex emotions of caregiver grief, such as relief, guilt, and emptiness.

Information will include tools for emotional regulation, self-care, and creating a new identity after caregiving ends.