Upcoming Seminar on Monday, February 9, 2015: “Mourner’s Bill of Rights”

This seminar has been designed to examine Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s “The Mourner’s Bill of Rights,” including such rights as: “You have the right to feel a multitude of emotions,” “You have the right to talk about your grief,” “You have the right to treasure your memories.” The presenter will provide multiple real-life examples to help participants be able to apply these rights to their own lives. Please feel free to join us for this FREE seminar.
When?—February 9, 2015 from 6pm-7:00pm.
Where?--LCCU Conference Room (#140) Louisiana Central Credit Union Building at 824 Elmwood Park Blvd.

“Old Diary Brings New Memories”

I came across this touching video about a week ago, and I thought it might touch your heart as well. I think it is a good reminder of the importance of cherishing the memories of our loved one through the keepsakes, photos, video, writings, etc. they have left behind.

Old diary found at Goodwill brings smiles to widower A 70-year-old diary discovered at a Goodwill drop-off spot in Denver is bringing joy to a family that lost so much.

“He Who Has Felt the Deepest Grief….” (Alexandre Dumas)

I came upon this quote this week and wanted to toss it out there and see what you think about it. You can write your responses in the comment box or e-mail me directly at ksmith@stjosephhospice.com.

“Closure is for bank accounts, not for love accounts.” (Dr. Robert A. Neimeyer)

I heard the following quote during a webinar today, and I was so overwhelmed by the truth contained within and the manner in which it was presented: ''Closure is for bank accounts, not for love accounts.” (Dr. Robert A. Neimeyer) As I was researching online, I found the continuation of the thought: “Love is potentially boundless. The fact that we love one person doesn't mean we have to withdraw love from another.'' (Found online at http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/27/health/personal-health-often-time-beats-therapy-for-treating-grief.html)
What do you think? Do you agree? Disagree? You can share your thoughts in the comment box below or you can e-mail me directly at ksmith@stjosephhospice.com.

“I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan

February 2015 4-Session Support Group

We are offering a 4-Session Support Group for our St. Joseph Hospice family and friends. The sessions will meet the first four Thursdays in August at the St. Joseph Hospice office (Room 140 [LCCU Conference Room] of the Louisiana Central Credit Union Building at 824 Elmwood Park Blvd.) from 6:00pm-7:30pm.

The group will discuss different aspects of the grief process, using Dr. William Worden’s Task Model of the Mourning Process as a general framework.

February 5 Accepting the Reality of the Loss
February 12 Working Through the Pain of Grief
February 19 Adjusting to an Environment in Which the Deceased is Missing
February 26 Emotionally Relocating the Deceased and Embracing Life Again

A small evening meal will be provided for each group meeting.
If you would like to register or just have questions, please call Kim at (504) 734-0140 or contact via e-mail at ksmith@stjosephhospice.com.

Spotlight on Identity Theft: Medical ID Theft Story

Spotlight on Identity Theft: “To Catch an ID Thief-Parts 1 & 2”

Social Events for Wednesday, January 21, 2015

• “Heart2Heart Connections” for Widows – Wednesday, January 21, 2015, from 10am-11:30am at 824 Elmwood Park Blvd., NOLA, LCCU Conference Room #140
• 
• “Coffee & Handshakes” for Widowers – Wednesday, January 21, 2015, from 10am-11:30am at 824 Elmwood Park Blvd., Ste 145, NOLA, St. Joseph Bereavement Office.

Social Event on Thursday, January 15, 2015: “Haven of Hope” for Adult Children

On Thursday, January 15, 2015, St. Joseph Hospice will host our “Haven of Hope” social event for the adult children of our St. Joseph Hospice patients. You are invited to attend this bi-monthly event, designed specifically to create a connection between the adult children of our St. Joseph Hospice patients. This is a social group, and NOT a support group, although you should feel a sense of support as a result of the social interaction.

For each meeting, we will provide a light meal (i.e., finger sandwiches w/dessert and coffee/tea/water). No registration needed. For more information, please call Kim at (504) 734-0140 or contact via e-mail at ksmith@stjosephhospice.com. This month's meeting will be facilitated by Nicole Banks (MSW) in Kim's absence.

TIME: 6pm-7:30pm

LOCATION:

St. Joseph Hospice & Palliative Care

824 Elmwood Park Blvd. 

LCCU Conference Room 140

New Orleans, LA 70123

MENU:

Chili & Dessert

Upcoming Seminar on Monday, January 12: “Identity Theft: Tips For Preventing It From Happening To You”

Identity Theft is the fastest growing crime in America. “The 2013 Identity Fraud Report released in February 2013 by Javelin Strategy & Research reports that in 2012 identity fraud incidents increased by more than one million victims and fraudsters stole more than $21 billion, the highest amount since 2009. The study found 12.6 million victims of identity fraud in the United States in the past year, which equates to 1 victim every 3 seconds.”  (Source: http://www.identitytheftassistance.org)
This may seem like an unusual topic for a bereavement program, but there are two primary reasons this seminar will be offered at this time: (1) identity theft can greatly complicate an already stressful time following the death of a loved one; (2) a criminal might try to steal the information of your deceased loved one (i.e., social security number), which would create even more problems in settling estates, succession, etc.
Because this topic creates much discussion, there will be approximately an optional 30-minute discussion following the seminar.

When?—January 12 from 6pm-7:30pm (30 minutes added for discussion).

Where?--LCCU Conference Room (#140) Louisiana Central Credit Union Building at 824 Elmwood Park Blvd.

“Save a Place for Me” by Matthew West