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.

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 ageing 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 ageing and dementia
• Utilise some simple communication tools to be able to work directly with individuals who are living with dementia and acknowledge their grief

Monika Wilson, as a researcher, teacher and counsellor, has specialised in the areas of grief, bereavement and palliative care for twenty years.  This has included teaching grief and palliative care in academic settings and palliative care organisations.

Her training combines up to date research, practical skills development, and a heartfelt and honest approach which resonates with peoples’ lived experience of loss and suffering. 

Community education about grief through funeral homes, local libraries and community centres has also featured in Monika’s vocational life. Whilst working in a community hospice, Monika successfully carried out a project in - Building Supportive Communities: Providing education, information and support for the grief and spiritual needs of dying people and their families.   Another government grant enabled the Confident Caring Project – caring for people with Motor Neurone Disease, where Monika worked for MNDA and MND Qld for several years, supporting people and families living with MND.

She was named the recipient of the Ian Maddocks Palliative Care Award for the youngest researcher in palliative care.

For the last eight years, in her private practice - ReConnections, she offers services to people experiencing loss, illness and the end of life, and holds several contracts with local community organisations and aged care settings.

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.