DEPTFORD — Caring for a loved one at the end of life can be especially challenging when he or she is also coping with an intellectual or developmental disability.
Samaritan Hospice will address this challenging topic at its fifth annual pastoral care workshop on Saturday, March 12 at St. John of God Community Services Campus, 1145 Delsea Drive, Westville Grove. Registration will be at 8 a.m. with presentations from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The workshop is sponsored by Via Lucis — The Samaritan Hospice Ministry for Catholic Patients and Families — in collaboration with the Diocese of Trenton – Office of Pastoral Care and the Diocese of Camden – Office of Lifelong Faith Formation.
“Now and At the Hour of Our Death 2011” will include two formal presentations and a panel discussion. The first session, presented by Marie A. Conn and Patrick McCauley of Chestnut Hill College, will address the religious and ethical considerations in caring for adults and children with Alzheimer’s, other dementias and/or developmental disabilities.
Kathleen E. Czekanski, director of graduate and RN-BSN programs at La Salle University, will present the second session on transitioning into the role of family caregiver for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. She will co-present with Diane Currie, author of Before My Eyes, a daughter’s emotional journey of caring for her Alzheimer’s-stricken mother.
The program will conclude with a panel discussion and question-and-answer session. In addition to the previous speakers, the panel will include Samaritan’s Chief Medical Officer Stephen Goldfine; Marie Caruso, marriage and family therapist and former caregiver of a spouse with Alzheimer’s; and Paula Froio, parent of a special needs child who received care from Samaritan Hospice.
Brother Thomas Osorio OH, a Samaritan patient volunteer and 2011 chair of the Via Lucis Advisory Committee, said, “We welcome all family caregivers, healthcare practitioners, clergy, lay ministers or parishioners concerned with inclusive ministries to join us for what promises to be a thought-provoking morning on end-of-life issues from a Catholic perspective.”
For information or to register, visit www.samaritanhospice.org, call 856-552-3258 or email czajac@samaritanhospice.org.
Cost is $10 for pre-registration; $15 at the door and includes a continental breakfast and an optional lunch.
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