Arkansas Hospice completes

first-ever Caregiver Conference!

Arkansas Hospice has successfully completed its first Caregiver Conference, held April 17-18, 2008, at Aldersgate Conference Center in Little Rock. Day one focused on personal caregivers such as family members and friends. Harold Ivan Smith, author and speaker, talked to attendees about caring for a hospice patient and all that encompasses this important task.

Caregivers were also able to socialize and share personal experiences and advice with one another. Refreshments were provided and door prizes were awarded as caregivers left with helpful resources, including a booklet of tips, to better serve their loved ones.

To view photos from Thursday night, click here!

To view photos from Friday, click here!

On Friday, the focus of the conference shifted toward the professional caregiver. Topics for the conference included grief and loss; hospice 101; advance directives; life reviews; the dying process; volunteers and end of life; spiritual care of the caregiver; personal care of the caregiver; and life care planning and elder care. Most workshops were presented by the staff or volunteers of Arkansas Hospice. To view 2008's conference schedule, click here ...

For information on next year's conference, please call Dianne Swaim, chaplain coordinator, at 501-748-3393.