Discover how non-medical therapies such as music, art and animals can bring a soothing calm to hospice patients and their families at the Hospice Education Collaborative of Rockford’s 7th annual conference, scheduled for 8 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, at Giovanni’s Restaurant, 610 N. Bell School Road.
“Animals & Art: Complementary Therapies in End-of-Life Care” opens with keynote speaker Jon Katz. Katz is a world renowned author of 18 books, a New York Times best seller and an active hospice volunteer and advocate. His presentation focuses on his latest inspiration, “Soul of a Dog,” which explores the extraordinary impact animals have on individuals facing their end-of-life journey.
The conference includes a viewing of Camilla Rockwell’s documentary film, “Holding Our Own, Embracing the End-of-Life”. This film gives a unique and powerful look at end-of-life issues through the eyes and ears of art and music. Profiled in the film are Vermont’s Hallowell Hospice Choir and artist, Deidre Scherer. See how this film opens our nations’ doors to conversation about aging and dying.
The event is open to the public, and provides educational credits for nurses, nursing home administrators, funeral home directors and social workers. Registration for the half-day seminar is $40 and $20 for students and hospice volunteers. The registration fee includes a buffet breakfast and educational materials. For more information and to request a registration form, please contact the Visiting Nurses Association at (815) 971-3550.
The Hospice Education Collaborative is comprised of the Visiting Nurses Association Hospice and Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center. The purpose of the Collaborative is to educate the health care community and the general public on hospice facts, and to dispel many of the myths and stereotypes people hold toward hospice.