Overview

When a family member is diagnosed with a form of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it’s likely that the losses have already begun some time before. Stretching ahead of family members and the person themselves is an uncertain future littered with loss and grief that both comes and goes and comes and stays.

This workshop will take participants through an exploration of the many facets of grief experienced by those affected by decrease in abilities, increase in age and dementia. We will consider the different needs of both the families/carers and the person themselves. Strategies will be offered to help people who support these families to engage in an active grieving process that acknowledges the losses experienced and the life of their loved one.

Designed For

Professionals working with those who have experienced bereavement, such as teachers, counsellors, nurses, therapists, psychologists and other allied health professionals.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• identify the varied losses associated with a decrease in abilities, an increase in aging and dementia
• use an understanding of grief and loss theory to support family members
• identify and use strategies that allow an active engagement with the grief being experienced by individuals affected by a decrease in abilities, an increase in aging and dementia
• utilise some simple communication tools to be able to work directly with individuals who are living with dementia and acknowledge their grief.

Presenter Profile: Chris Hall,

For the past 20 years Christopher Hall has held the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement, a government funded specialist bereavement service, which is based in Melbourne, Victoria. He is a psychologist who has developed a specialisation in the field of grief and bereavement over the past 25 years. Chris has trained many health and education professionals in grief theory and interventions both in Australia and internationally. He has a strong interest in child and adolescent grief, complex bereavement experiences and the organisational impact of grief and loss.

In 1999 he was elected to the International Work Group on Death, Dying and Bereavement (IWG) and has served as Chair of the organisation. He is currently Secretary/Treasurer of the IWG. He is currently the Immediate Past President of the Association for Death Education and Counselling, one of the oldest interdisciplinary organizations in the field of dying, death and bereavement with over 2,000 members.

A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management, Christopher is also an Honorary Fellow of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne. He serves as the Editor of the journal Grief Matters: The Australian Journal of Grief and Bereavement and Associate Editor of Death Studies. In 2010 Christopher was appointed to the Coronial Council of Victoria.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement reserves the right to cancel education programs that do not achieve minimum participation, in which case all fees will be refunded.

Registration cancellations will not be accepted unless made in writing to the centre. Cancellations made more than thirty (30) days prior to the event date will be refunded less 25% of the registration fee to cover administration costs. No registration refunds will be made after this date. Please note: The full invoiced amount will still be payable in the event of non-attendance on the day.