Free hospice education program offered

For the Star Journal

Compassus hospice, formerly Ascension at Home, is hosting a five-week course for anyone interested in information on hospice and end-of-life care. The course is free and open to the public and is facilitated by professionals from the Compassus hospice team.

Classes will be held in two locations, Arbor Vitae, Wednesdays, Jan. 18-Feb. 15, 9:30 a.m.-noon; and Rhinelander, Thursdays, Jan. 19-Feb. 16, 9:30 a.m.-noon.

The curriculum aims to provide a foundation of end-of-life information including:

- Death awareness

- Hospice philosophy

- Medical aspects of hospice

- Pain and symptom management

- Terminal diseases

- The dying process

- End-of-life decisions

- Interdisciplinary team

- Grief and bereavement

- Family dynamics

- Advanced directives

- Health and safety

- Policies for the volunteer

- Volunteers’ role in hospice

The class provides information for people who may be faced with caring for a loved one in the future or anyone who is interested in exploring becoming a hospice volunteer. Those who complete the five-week course may choose to continue with additional sessions that would provide the specific information needed to serve as a hospice volunteer.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Contact Mary Ellen at 800-234-3542 or email maryellen.kaminski@compassus.com.