HFA Press Releases - 2001
Hospice Foundation of America is a non-profit, grassroots foundation dedicated to providing leadership in the application of hospice principles, informing the public about end-of-life care, and training healthcare workers and the families they serve in issues related to loss.
Current Releases | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | pre-1999
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
- November 15, 2001
COPING WITH GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Hospice Foundation of America Advises Do What Is Comfortable - October 12, 2001
THE NATION GRIEVES: Hospice Foundation of America Offers Advice for Coping with Loss - September 26, 2001
"Living with Grief: Loss in Later Life"
Cokie Roberts Set to Moderate Hospice Foundation of America's 9th Annual Living with Grief Teleconference - September 12, 2001
--Shattering Myths about Grief
Hospice Foundation of America Offers Practical Advice for Dealing with Loss - September 12, 2001
--In Aftermath of Tragedy, HFA Resources Aid Those Who Are Grieving - May 1, 2001
--HFA Provides Two New Brochures Offering Support to Caregivers Response to Brochures’ Initial Release is Overwhelming - April 16, 2001
--Rosalynn Carter to Deliver Special Message about Caregiving to Hospice Foundation of America's National Teleconference Audience - April 2, 2001
--What Family Caregivers Need to Know about Working with Doctors: Advice from Hospice Foundation of America - March 26, 2001
--Cokie Roberts, moderator for Hospice Foundation of America’s Living With Grief teleconference is the cover interview for the March/April issue of Today’s Caregiver Magazine - February 28, 2001
--HFA Works on New Hospice Medicaid Education Project in Florida - February 8, 2001
--HFA's New Book Helps Professionals Understand and Support Family Caregivers - February 1, 2001
--Helping Professionals Understand and Respond to the Needs of Family Caregivers
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
November 15, 2001
For Immediate Release
COPING WITH GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Hospice Foundation of America Advises Do What Is Comfortable
Washington, DC - The holidays are often a difficult time for those who are bereaved and coping with loss. The impact of recent national and international events may make this holiday season more stressful for many Americans. A common question asked by those mourning a loved one or struggling to make sense of recent events is, "How can I get through the holidays?" There is no single answer of what one should or shouldn't do. Hospice Foundation of America offers one guiding principle: do what is comfortable.
"When we are already experiencing the great stress of bereavement, the additional strains of the holidays can create unbearable pressure," commented Kenneth Doka, HFA Senior Consultant. Doka, who assisted in some of the debriefing of rescue workers at the World Trade Center, added, "The events of September 11th and the aftermath have affected all our lives. This will certainly impact the way we experience the holidays."
The key to coping with grief during the holidays is to find the way that is right for you. Some people find it helpful to be with family and friends, emphasizing the familiar. Others may wish to avoid old traditions and try something different. Others will find new ways to acknowledge the season.
HFA offers some suggestions for coping:
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Plan for the approaching holidays. This might be a difficult time for you. The additional stress may affect you emotionally, cognitively, and physically; this is a normal reaction. Be prepared.
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Recognize that the holidays might not be the same. Expecting everything to seem the same might lead to disappointment. Doing things a bit differently can acknowledge the change while preserving continuity with the past.
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Be careful not to isolate yourself. It's all right to take time for yourself but don't cut yourself off from the support of family and friends.
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The holidays may affect other family members. Talk over your plans and share your feelings. Respect other's choices and needs, and compromise if necessary.
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Avoid additional stress. Decide what you really want to do, and what can be avoided.
HFA has developed a special holiday issue of their bereavement newsletter, Journeys. The Holiday Journeys examines some of the challenges those dealing with loss and grief must cope with as they face the stress of the season. To request a complimentary copy of Holiday Journeys, please call HFA at 1-800-854-3402 or visit the web site.
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
For
Immediate Release:
October 12, 2001
THE NATION GRIEVES
Hospice Foundation of America Offers Advice for Coping with Loss
It has been four weeks since the tragic events of September 11th sent shock waves across America and the world. Our nation’s collective feeling of security has been shaken as people struggle to deal with overwhelming feelings of loss and grief.
“These violent incidents have focused our nation’s attention on issues of loss,” commented Jack Gordon, Chairman of Hospice Foundation of America. “In order to deal with loss it’s important to recognize some misconceptions about grief.” [Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO of HFA until his death in 2005.]
Grief is a response to any loss, not just the death of a loved one. Traumatic incidents, such as the recent terrorist attacks, threats to public safety and the suffering of those we’ve seen highlighted in the media are all losses that affect us deeply. The safety of U.S. military personnel is of great concern to many Americans.
A better understanding of the way grief affects us can facilitate healing. Hospice Foundation of America offers some practical advice for coping with loss.
Shattering Eight Myths about GriefMyth 1: We only grieve deaths. Myth 2: Only
family members grieve. Myth 3: Grief
is an emotional reaction. Myth 4: Individuals
should leave grieving at home. Myth 5: We
slowly and predictably recover from grief. Myth 6: Grieving
means letting go of the person who has died. Myth 7: Grief
finally ends. Myth 8: Grievers
are best left alone. |
In discussing grief during HFA’s National Bereavement Teleconference, Cokie Roberts, of ABC News, remarked, “Over time people learn to live with the loss, but it’s not something you get over. The grieving process is a series of ups and downs, and often it’s more intense in the early years.”
Only with care and compassion can we support each other and learn to cope with the tragic losses we have suffered.
To receive a complimentary issue of HFA’s bereavement newsletter, Journeys, call 1-800-854-3402 or visit www.hospicefoundation.org.
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
For Immediate Release
September 26, 2001
"LIVING WITH GRIEF: LOSS IN LATER LIFE"
COKIE
ROBERTS SET TO MODERATE HOSPICE FOUNDATION OF AMERICA’S
9TH
ANNUAL LIVING WITH GRIEF TELECONFERENCE
Cokie Roberts, of ABC News, will once again moderate Hospice Foundation of America’s national bereavement teleconference. Living With Grief: Loss in Later Life will be broadcast live-via-satellite on Wednesday, April 24, 2002 from 1:30pm to 4:00pm EDT. This program will examine the needs and barriers faced by older persons and explore ways that professionals can more effectively assist those coping with the range of losses experienced in later life.
“Currently, there are more than 24 million Americans over the age of 65; that number will double by the year 2030,” commented Jack D. Gordon, Chairman of HFA. “By gaining a better understanding of the range of losses experienced by older persons, healthcare professionals can provide more compassionate care to those in later life.” [Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO of HFA until his death in 2005.]
Joining Cokie Roberts is a distinguished panel of experts in the field of aging and loss. Panel members include Pulitzer Prize winning author and founder of the National Institute on Aging, Robert Butler, MD; Chaplain George Blackwell of the Good Neighbor Baptist Church in Newark NJ; Kenneth Doka, PhD, professor of gerontology and senior consultant to HFA; Patricia Kelly, CRNH, clinical director of Montgomery Hospice; Miriam Moss, MA, of the Philadelphia Geriatric Center; Phyllis Silverman, associate in social welfare at MGH/Harvard Medical School; and J.R. Williams, MD, president and CEO of the Foundation for End of Life Care.
Each year this award-winning, televised broadcast is seen in more than 2,000 communities across North America, reaching an estimated live audience of 150,000 people. The broadcast is sponsored in part by a grant from Last Acts and the Foundation for End of Life Care.
For more information on hosting a teleconference site for your organization or community, or to find out about existing teleconference sites, please contact Hospice Foundation of America at
1-800-854-3402. Additional information is available at HFA's Teleconference Home Page.
###
Jack D. Gordon,
Chairman and CEO, Hospice Foundation of America
1621 Connecticut Ave., NW
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20009
http://www.hospicefoundation.org;
1-800-854-3402
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
For
Immediate Release:
September 12, 2001
SHATTERING MYTHS ABOUT GRIEF
Hospice Foundation of America Offers Practical Advice
for Dealing with Loss
In conjunction with their ongoing educational programs, Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) offers information to help dispel common myths about grief. “Violent incidents across the country and around the world have focused our nation’s attention on issues of loss,” said Jack D. Gordon, Chairman and CEO of HFA. “In order to deal with loss, and to help others who are struggling, it’s important to get past some of the common misconceptions about grief.” [Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO of HFA until his death in 2005.]
Grief is a response to any loss, not just the death of a loved one; traumatic changes in our lives, illness, divorce, and job changes are all losses that can affect us deeply. The terrorists attacks in New York and Washington have touched us all. To shatter some of the myths surrounding grief, HFA offers practical advice for dealing with loss.
In discussing grief and bereavement during HFA’s National Bereavement Teleconference, Cokie Roberts, correspondent to ABC News and National Public Radio commented, “Over time, people learn to live with the loss, but it’s not something you get over. The grieving process is a series of ups and downs, and often it’s more intense in the early years.”
Shattering Eight Myths about GriefMyth 1: We only grieve deaths. Myth 2: Only
family members grieve. Myth 3: Grief
is an emotional reaction. Myth 4: Individuals
should leave grieving at home. Myth 5: We
slowly and predictably recover from grief. Myth 6: Grieving
means letting go of the person who has died. Myth 7: Grief
finally ends. Myth 8: Grievers
are best left alone. |
An integral part of the hospice philosophy includes grief counseling and support for caregivers. In many communities, hospices serve as important resources to help those who may be grieving and can provide valuable links to other support organizations. HFA works with hospices and local agencies across the country to provide resources to those struggling with grief and loss.
“The thing that we need to remember is that you never have to like a loss,” Roberts said. “You just have to learn to accept it and deal with it.” A more accurate understanding of the way grief affects us can facilitate healing.
###
For more information on grief, available resources or to speak with one of HFA’s experts in the field of loss, please contact HFA at 1-800-854-3402. Visit the HFA web site at www.hospicefoundation.org.
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
For Immediate
Release:
September 12, 2001
IN AFTERMATH OF TRAGEDY
HFA RESOURCES AID THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING
In the wake of the terrorist acts that have touched the lives of everyone in this country and across the globe, Hospice Foundation of America offers resources to help those affected by the tragedies. “These horrifying events have rocked not only the citizens of New York and Washington but all Americans,” commented Jack D. Gordon, HFA Chairman. “As a nation we mourn those who have died and grieve with those who have lost those they love.” [Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO of HFA until his death in 2005.]
In addition to work on behalf of hospice, HFA produces many resources relating to loss, grief and bereavement. These materials have been created to aid those coping with grief and those assisting neighbors, friends, coworkers and loved ones.
HFA RESOURCES INCLUDE:
Living With Grief: After Sudden Loss: a book of essays by experts in the field, topics include:
-
sudden violent death
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the importance of grief counseling for survivors of traumatic loss
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the role of law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and the media
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using funeral rituals to help survivors
On December 21, 1988, when John Cummock was murdered, with 269 other people on Pan Am 103, I lost not only my husband, but my best friend and the father of my three children… It was on that day that my world was totally shattered. Not only had I lost John, but everything about my life from that point on changed forever.
- Victoria Cummock, Living With Grief: After Sudden Loss
Living With Grief: At Work, At School, At Worship: another volume in HFA’s series that examines:
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the grieving child in the school environment
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supporting grieving employees
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grief in the law enforcement workplace and the military workplace
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a primer on loss and grief
Additional Resources include HFA’s Living With Grief Brochures, a series of three brochures offering practical suggestions for schools, workplaces, and faith communities; JOURNEYS, a bereavement newsletter with special issues for the newly bereaved and those helping young people.
Kenneth Doka, Ph.D., Senior Consultant to HFA, was instrumental in the development of these resources. Doka and other HFA consultants are available for interviews.
###
For copies of these resources or more information regarding HFA, or to set up an interview with an HFA consultant, contact at 1-800-854-3402.
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
HFA Provides Two New Brochures Offering Support to Caregivers Response to Brochures’ Initial Release is Overwhelming
Washington, DC: Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) has developed two new brochures that offer advice and support to those coping with terminal illness and loss. Supporting Your Friend Through Illness & Loss, and Caring for Someone Who is Dying, were developed as part of HFA’s Caregiving and Loss initiative. In the two weeks since their release to the public, more than 17,000 brochures have been requested by individuals and healthcare organizations.
Supporting Your Friend Through Illness & Loss offers helpful stories and advice for family, co-workers and friends who want to help but don’t know what to say or do. The brochure recognizes the challenges of illness and loss and examines the “Three V’s of Good Friendship:”
·
VENTURE:
convey your empathy and show your interest and concern.
·
VALIDATE:
respect and validate difficult feelings, fears and sad thoughts.
·
VOLUNTEER:
help in tangible ways and volunteer to do specific things.
Caring for Someone Who is Dying offers insight into the dying process. Although the diseases, relationships and circumstances are different, a terminal illness involves similar issues and difficulties. The brochure offers some guidelines and provides a sense of understanding. Key points include:
·
PLANNING: realistically discuss the future and make decisions in advance.
·
SELF-CARE:
understand how the illness affects you and practice self-care.
·
COMMUNICATE:
cultivate support and pay attention to your needs.
Written by Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, MDiv, HFA Senior Consultant, the brochures are written for family members, friends, and others facing illness and loss. The brochures were released during HFA’s recent live-via-satellite Living With Grief teleconference, Caregiving and Loss: Family Needs, Professional Responses, seen on April 18th in more than 2,000 communities across North America. Throughout the year 2001, HFA has been providing resources and information relating to the losses caregivers must face.
Additional information about caregiving and loss is available by contacting HFA or visiting their website. Consumers may request complimentary copies of these brochures by calling HFA at 1-800-854-3402 or visiting the caregiving page.
###
Jack D. Gordon, Chairman, Hospice Foundation of America
1621 Connecticut Ave., NW
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20009
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
Rosalynn Carter To Deliver Special Message About Caregiving To Hospice Foundation of America’s National Teleconference Audience
Washington, DC: Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter will deliver a special videotaped message about the importance of family caregiving during the Hospice Foundation of America’s national “Living With Grief” satellite teleconference. Mrs. Carter is director of the Rosalynn Carter Institute, whose mission is to improve the lives of all caregivers.
“We are approaching a caregiving crisis in America . . . we are living much longer than our ancestors and experiencing the problems of aging,” said Mrs. Carter in her prerecorded message set to air on the April 18th broadcast. “Caregiving for a loved one is not an endeavor that should be undertaken alone. To offer the best to their loved ones and still stay strong and healthy, family caregivers need to be surrounded by compassionate, responsive assistance from the professionals who work with them.”
It is estimated that there are more than 25 million family caregivers in this country providing 80% of home care services. “In many cases the valuable work of family caregivers is unrecognized,” commented Jack D. Gordon, Chairman of Hospice Foundation of America. “Hospice has always placed the family at the center of care so it’s fitting that HFA is addressing this important topic during our annual teleconference.” [Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO of HFA until his death in 2005.]
Cokie Roberts, of ABC News, will again serve as moderator for the teleconference. This year’s program, “Caregiving and Loss: Family Needs, Professional Responses,” will be broadcast live-via-satellite on Wednesday, April 18, to more than 2,000 communities across North America. The program will explore ways that professionals can better understand and support family caregivers in issues relating to end-of-life care and grief. (To locate a teleconference site in your community go to http://www.hospicefoundation.org.
Additional resources include HFA’s new book, “Caregiving and Loss: Family Needs, Professional Responses,” which features a foreword by Mrs. Carter. For a Family Caregiving Fact Sheet, a transcript of Mrs. Carter’s message, other resources about caregiving or to request complimentary copies of HFA’s new brochures offering advice to caregivers.
###
Note to Editors: this video teleconference will be broadcast on C-band and KU-band satellites on April 18, 2001 from 1:30pm to 4:00pm EDT. To download this broadcast contact at 800-854-3402 for satellite technical information; on 04/18/01 call 202-669-9049.
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
WHAT FAMILY CAREGIVERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WORKING WITH
DOCTORS:
ADVICE FROM HOSPICE FOUNDATION OF AMERICA
Washington, DC: It is estimated that there are more than 25 million family caregivers in this country, most of whom have no formal training and rely to a great degree on what they learn from their doctors and other healthcare professionals. Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) provides advice for professionals that will be of benefit to caregivers as well.
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter writes, “We must recognize the crucial role of family caregivers in our society and empower professionals to respond with increased awareness, compassion and support.” Her words are found in HFA’s new book, Caregiver and Loss: Family Needs, Professional Responses, available from HFA at http://www.hospicefoundation.org.
(Mrs. Carter will deliver a special message during HFA’s satellite video-conference which will be seen in more than 2,000 communities across the country on Wednesday, April 18, 2001.)
“Hospice has always placed the family at the center of care, making the needs of family caregivers important,” said Dr. William Lamers, Medical Consultant to HFA. He offers the following principles as a guide for doctors who work with family caregivers.
Communication: Make sure the caregiver understands what is being said. Caregivers should make notes during conversations with the doctor and the doctor must ask the caregiver to repeat what they have been told to confirm that what they heard is what the doctor indeed meant.
Contact: Know how and when to communicate with the doctor. Caregivers must have all the necessary numbers in order to reach the doctor. The doctor should also tell the caregiver what to do when the doctor or on-call doctor cannot be reached.
Questions: Assure the caregiver that there is no such thing as an inappropriate question and encourage them to write down any questions that arise and present them at the next opportunity. It is better to ask a question than to assume anything.
Emergencies: Let the caregiver know what constitutes an emergency and provide instructions about what to do and whom to notify.
Current Condition: Provide the caregiver with an understanding of the patient’s current physical and emotional condition in terms that a lay person can understand.
Anticipated Change: Tell the caregiver about any changes that can be anticipated in the foreseeable future. This reduces the likelihood of needless caregiver concern when predicted changes do occur.
Medications: Clearly indicate when medications should be given and provide the caregiver with a list of what side effects to look for. Make sure caregivers know to request prescription refills before the weekend.
Records: Inform the caregiver about what records should be kept, including notes on bowel and bladder function, sleep, the presence of pain (on a scale of 1 to 10) and any other evidence of discomfort. The caregiver should use these records when reporting to the doctor.
Resources: Share information about local resources that may be of assistance to the caregiver, including information about medical equipment and supplies, home-health agencies, and sources of caregiver support.
Documents: Encourage the patient to prepare documents regarding end-of-life care, including a will, durable power of attorney for health care, and orders regarding resuscitation. If the patient no longer has the capacity to make these decisions, the doctor should encourage the surrogate to prepare the documents.
Hospice: At the same time end-of-life documents are discussed, the doctor should raise the question of hospice, especially if the patient has a life-threatening or incurable illness. Many of the services and supports listed here are available at no cost to patients with a life expectancy of six months or less who opt for palliative rather than curative therapies.
Follow-up: Assure the caregiver of continuing contact. The doctor, or someone who works with the doctor, must speak with the caregiver on a regular basis.
Recognition: Let the caregiver know that his or her contribution is valuable and much appreciated. A word of thanks from the doctor helps sustain the morale of the caregiver. Doctor should ensure that caregivers are getting enough rest and adequate relief from other family or professional caregivers.
For more information on caregiving, HFA’s teleconference and new book on Caregiving and Loss, or complimentary copies of HFA’s brochures offering guidance to family caregivers, please contact HFA at 1-800-854-3402 or http://www.hospicefoundation.org.
Note to Editors: William Lamers, MD, is available for interviews.
Contact: Program Assistant, HFA 1-800-854-3402
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
Cokie Roberts, moderator for Hospice Foundation of America’s Living With Grief teleconference is the cover interview for the March/April issue of Today’s Caregiver Magazine
Washington, DC: Cokie Roberts, anchor on This Week with Cokie Roberts and Sam Donaldson and Chief Congressional Analyst for ABC News, is on the cover of the March/April 2001, Today’s Caregiver Magazine.
Although she is a busy lady, she sat down with Today’s Caregiver Editor-in-Chief, Gary Barg, and discussed her interest in the field. Roberts revealed that she is not just moderator for the upcoming Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) teleconference, Caregiving and Loss: Family Needs, Professional Responses, but she was a caregiver to her sister as well. This has given her a great deal of insight into the valuable role of family caregivers, especially those coping with terminal illness. It became clear to her many years ago that society needs “to understand how important it is to approach death in a positive way.” This is one of the major goals of HFA’s annual teleconference.
Roberts will again moderate HFA’s annual Living With Grief teleconference, a role she has held since 1994. This year’s teleconference, Caregiving and Loss: Family Needs, Professional Responses, will air on Wednesday, April 18, 2001, from 1:30pm to 4:00pm EDT and reach more than 2,000 communities across North America. The live-via-satellite broadcast will offer practical suggestions and insight into ways professionals can more effectively support family caregivers as they face the challenges of caregiving, make critical end-of-life decisions, and cope with their grief.
Her personal insight coupled with her professional experience make her an outstanding moderator for the annual HFA Teleconference. Roberts has seen firsthand the numerous benefits that hospice offer to families facing a life-limiting illness, this led to her association with HFA. She feels that hospice is “not some dreaded thing,” and stresses the importance of making others realize this. “There is a sense that if you call in hospice then you might as well just call the funeral home and that’s not the case,” commented Roberts whose work with HFA has done a great deal to dispel this misunderstanding. Hospice has always placed the family at the center of care, making this year’s program on caregiving and loss a suitable theme for HFA to explore.
She ends the interview by saying that, “Anyone who has ever really thought about [caregiving] knows that it is by far the most rewarding thing you’ll ever do.” We couldn’t agree more Cokie.
###
To find a local teleconference site in your area or for more information on HFA’s upcoming teleconference, Caregiving and Loss: Family Needs, Professional Responses, please call us at 1-800-854-3402.
About Today’s Caregiver Magazine
Today’s Caregiver Magazine is the first national magazine dedicated to the needs America’s 54 million family caregivers. Established in 1995, the magazine and its companion website caregiver.com focuses on topics such as Hospice legal and financial issues, incontinence and respite care. Excerpts from the Cokie Roberts cover interview can be found online at caregiver.com. Subscriptions for Today’s Caregiver magazine can also be obtained by calling 1-800-829-2734 or visit the website at http://caregiver.com
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
February 28, 2001
EXCITING NEW INITIATIVE SEEKS RETIRED PHYSICIANS AS PEER EDUCATORS FOR HOSPICE MEDICAID EDUCATION PROJECT
The Hospice Medicaid Education Project is seeking to attract retired physicians to participate as Peer Educators (PE’s) in its physician education and training program. The Hospice Medicaid Education Project (HMEP) is a one-year pilot program funded by the 2000 session of the Florida Legislature, administered by the Hospice Foundation of America and the Health Council of South Florida, Inc. The goal of the project is to expand the utilization of hospice among those Medicaid patients with a life-limiting illness in order to enhance the last days and weeks of their lives. It is expected that increased use of hospice care will result in a reduction in State Medicaid expenditures.
The key element of the program is the utilization of retired physicians to train and educate practicing Medicaid physicians treating patients with end-stage conditions. Retired physicians will make the most of their professional skills and experiences, working as Peer Educators on a limited, part-time basis. Peer educators will meet with identified Medicaid physicians and provide one-on-one and small group tutorials.
Major objectives of the project are to recruit 40-50 Peer Educators and have 200-300 Medicaid physicians fully complete the training. Education surrounding end-of-life care and options will increase access to hospice and other services improving the care and enhancing the lives of Medicaid patients and their families. Medicaid physicians will gain an awareness of hospice concepts and see their patients receive a higher level of end-of-life care.
Retired physicians in the following Florida counties are being sought to participate: Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Duval, and Lean. To become a participant or to get more information, please contact:
The Health Council of South
Florida, Inc.
David Abrams, President Hospice Foundation of America
Ph: (305) 538-9272, Fax: (305) 538-0092
E-mail: dabrams@hospicefoundation.org
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
February 8, 2001
Helping Professionals Understand and Support Family Caregivers Hospice Foundation of America’s New Book Offers Advice to Professionals
Washington, DC: Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) announces the publication of Caregiving and Loss: Family Needs, Professional Responses, the most recent addition to HFA’s Living With Grief book series. This book offers insight and practical suggestions for those assisting family caregivers as they respond to the challenges of caregiving, make critical end-of-life decisions, and cope with grief.
In her foreword, Rosalynn Carter writes, “We all must recognize and celebrate the crucial role of family caregivers in our society, and empower professionals to respond with increased awareness, compassion, and support.” With an estimated 25 million family caregivers in this country providing 80% of home care services, it is important for professionals to understand the unique needs of family caregivers.
Caregiving and Loss: Family Needs, Professional Responses, features the writings of 13 nationally recognized experts in the field of caregiving and loss. Edited by Kenneth J. Doka and Joyce Davidson, contributing authors include Pulitzer Prize nominee Beth Witrogen McLeod, Myrl Weinberg, and Deborah Sherman. The book contains the writings of family caregivers, such as Elizabeth Halling, featured in Good Housekeeping, and Brian Alexander, whose writings have appeared in Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair. A comprehensive resource guide is also included.
Developed in conjunction with HFA’s annual Living With Grief teleconference, this publication joins the series that examines such topics as children and loss, prolonged illness, sudden loss, cultural diversity and grief, and loss in schools and workplaces. Caregiving is an appropriate topic for HFA because hospice has always placed the needs of the family at the center of care.
What People Are Saying:
“As the baby boomers age, support for America’s family caregivers will become even more vital. This timely resource will help caregivers provide what their loved ones need and deserve.”
U.S. Senator John Breaux (D-La)
Ranking member, Senate Special Committee on Aging
“All who read this compelling book—and every individual and health care practitioner should—will find this eminently creative work to be a gathering place of essential sources of wisdom, comfort, and hope at times of great fear, sorrow, and pain.”
Rabbi Earl A. Grollman, DHL, DD
Author, Living When A Loved One Has Died
“A compelling and poignant portrayal of the issues, insights, and ‘lessons learned’ by the people in hospice who care for dying patients and their families. This book will do much to expand and deepen understanding of the compassionate, quality end-of-life care provided by hospice.”
Karen A. Davie
President, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
“Attention to the needs of caregivers should be our mandate. Creating communities of caregivers will do much to enhance the quality of life for dying people and their families.”
Kathleen M. Foley, MD
Director, Project on Death in America
###
This book was produced as a companion to HFA’s eighth annual Living With Grief teleconference. This publication joins the series that examines such topics as children and loss, prolonged illness, sudden loss, cultural diversity and grief, and loss in schools and workplaces.HFA’s Caregiving and Loss teleconference, moderated by Cokie Roberts, will be broadcast live-via-satellite on April 18, 2001 and reach more than 2,000 communities. For more information contact Jon Radulovic at 1-800-854-3402.
Jack D. Gordon, Chairman & CEO, Hospice Foundation of America
1621 Connecticut Ave., NW
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20009
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
February 1, 2001
Helping Professionals Understand and Respond to the Needs of Family Caregivers
Hospice Foundation of America's Annual Living With Grief Teleconference: Caregiving and Loss: Family Needs, Professional Responses
WHO: The Hospice Foundation of America's eighth annual Living With Grief Teleconference, Caregiving and Loss: Family Needs, Professional Responses, will again be moderated by Cokie Roberts of ABC News and feature a panel of distinguished experts: Kenneth Doka, Bernice Harper, Carol Levine, Susan Reinhard, and Myrl Weinberg. The teleconference will feature a special message from former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
WHAT: This public service program will examine the ways that professionals can more effectively assist and inform family caregivers about end-of-life care and support families as they cope with loss. This live-via-satellite video broadcast will be seen by more than 150,000 people in more than 2,000 sites across the country.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 18, 2001; 1:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
WHY: It is estimated that there are more than 25 million family caregivers in this country providing 80% of home care services. This program will offer insight and suggestions for those assisting family caregivers as they respond to the challenges of caregiving, make critical end-of-life decisions, and cope with grief.
Hospice Foundation of America is a non-profit, grassroots foundation dedicated to promoting hospice, informing the public about end-of-life care, and training health care workers and the families they serve in issues related to loss.
HOW: Each registered site will receive a Site Coordinator's Manual containing detailed information and step-by-step checklists, access to special materials on HFA’s website, a copy of HFA’s companion publication featuring articles from many leading authorities as well as a useful resource guide. HFA also provides a complete Media Kit with documents that can be personalized with local site information and suggestions on developing an audience. In addition, low-cost Continuing Education Credits are available for a wide range of professions.
WHERE: More than 2,000 locations across the country. Registration of organizations hosting the teleconference is underway. For additional teleconference information or to find an existing teleconference site in your area, visit HFA’s website at: http://www.hospicefoundation.org.
