Social workers can earn continuing education credit while learning how to help dementia patients and their families navigate the grief process with “Where Are You? Where Am I? An Exploration of the Grief Experience in Persons with Dementia,” a seminar offered by Chesapeake Life Center.
The Alzheimer’s Association reports that 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, that number will nearly triple, with about 14 million people diagnosed. Yet, grief in adults with dementia is not extensively understood nor researched, which creates limitations for professionals and caregivers on how it is best to offer support. Adults living with dementia experience the loss of present and future: When they lose a loved one, it can pose challenges as they grieve. Presented by Roberta Rook and Joy McCrady, licensed clinical professional counselors with Chesapeake Life Center, this presentation is designed for caring professionals to clarify the needs and experiences of adults living with dementia and how to support them in their grief.
The class will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. April 26 at Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Prince George’s County office, 9500 Medical Center Drive, Suite 250, Largo, Maryland. Social workers licensed by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners who complete the course can earn 3.0 Category I continuing education units.
The cost is $40, plus a $2.99 online registration fee. Current Hospice of the Chesapeake volunteers can attend for free. Space is limited to 24 people. Preregistration is required and can be completed online at www.hospicechesapeake.org/event/where-are-you-where-am-i. For details, call 888-501-7077 or email griefinfo@hospicechesapeake.org.
About the presenters:
Roberta Rook, LCPC, has over 20 years of experience in the field of counseling. For the past 17 years, she has been working as a bereavement counselor and program coordinator for Chesapeake Life Center. Rook holds a post-graduate certificate in thanatology, the study of death, dying, and bereavement, and is a facilitator in the expressive therapeutic technique known as SoulCollage. She has conducted training and presentations on grief-related issues for hospice staff, volunteers and professionals from the community at large.
Joy McCrady, LCPC, NCC, provides individual, group, and family-centered grief counseling for hospice families and members of the community who have experienced a traumatic loss. She assists with the coordination of camps and workshops for children and teens and co-facilitates adult support groups. In her role as a bereavement counselor, she also provides outreach and educational presentations for county agencies, faith communities, and other professionals. McCrady is a graduate of Loyola University Maryland’s Pastoral Counseling program, where she earned her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.
