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 continuing education opportunity 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, licensed clinical professional counselor, and Casey Dressel, licensed master social worker, both 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. Feb. 28 on the Hospice of the Chesapeake’s John & Cathy Belcher Campus, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, 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. Current Hospice of the Chesapeake volunteers can attend for free. Preregistration is required and can be completed online at www.hospicechesapeake.org/event/where-are-you. 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 18 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 trainings and presentations on grief-related issues for hospice staff, volunteers and professionals from the community at large.
- Casey Dressel, LMSW, has experience working with the geriatric population in skilled nursing facilities and as a psychotherapist at an outpatient mental health agency. Dressel joined the Chesapeake Life Center in the fall of 2019.
