Perhaps the most-often heard comment from those who learn of a death is, “I never know what to say. Since I’m afraid I’ll say something dumb or hurtful, I’ll just keep quiet.” Deaths to residents and even their family members or friends is a regular occurrence in caring for people in their later years. Learning how to communicate effectively with them, however, is a learned skill, sharpened in the crucible of life’s experience. In fact, it actually gets easier to “know” what to say as we get more practice. Join with other RCFE owners, administrators and staff to learn how to communicate most effectively with residents, family members, coworkers and friends in the face of death and other losses…whether expected or unexpected.

Objectives. At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to…

• Describe the benefits of good end-of-life and grief-related communication with residents and their families to the ongoing operation of the facility
• Demonstrate a practical understanding of the normal bereavement process and how it can become complicated by dementia or other long-term illnesses common to the facility’s residents
• Utilize a framework for emotional support of residents as they face their own losses
• Apply principles for good communication in the midst of loss and grief

This program has been approved for 2.0 hours of continuing education by the California Department of Social Services for RCFE Administrator Recertification and Registered Nurses. Course Approval # 210-0204-33673