Oct 22, 2024

 

Attend both sessions for a discount
CNE/CEUs: $80.00 No CNE/CEUs: $45.00

REGISTER HERE

The Psychology of Grief: Understanding Emotional Responses to Loss

Aging with Dignity: Best Practices in Supporting LGBTQ Seniors

9:00 am - 12:15 pm
3 CEUs
CEUs: $50.00
No CEUs: $25.00

  • LSW/LISW/SWA (RSX069601)
  • Nurses (via reciprocity with CSWMFT board)
  • LNHA

1:00 pm - 4:15 pm
3 CEUs
CEUs: $50.00
No CEUs: $25.00

  • LSW/LISW/SWA (RSX069601)
  • Nurses (via reciprocity with CSWMFT board)
  • LNHA

This presentation delves into the psychological dimensions of grief, focusing on the diverse emotional reactions individuals experience when confronted with loss. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the grieving process and highlight effective strategies for coping and support. Some key points that will be covered include the nature and significance of grief; the common and unique emotional reactions to loss; physical, psychological, and cognitive manifestations of grief; the role of cultural rituals and traditions, as well as societal norms in the grieving process; the importance of social support and community resources; and the introduction to healthy coping strategies and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. The presentation will underscore the individuality of the grieving process and the necessity of support that matches an individual's needs. The aim is to foster a deeper understanding of grief, promote empathy, and equip individuals with strategies to navigate their own or others' grieving processes effectively.

Objectives:

  • Understanding the concept of grief and its psychological importance
  • Recognizing the physical, psychological, emotional, and cognitive reactions to loss
  • Understanding the influence of cultural and social factors on bereavement
  • Exploring coping mechanisms and therapeutic interventions for the grieving process
  • Fostering Empathy and support for grieving individuals that promote resilience

This presentation focuses on the unique challenges and needs of older LGBTQ populations, emphasizing the importance of culturally competent care. As LGBTQ individuals age, they often face compounded vulnerabilities, including social isolation, discrimination in healthcare settings, and a lack of support from traditional family structures. The discussion will explore the historical context that shapes the experiences of older LGBTQ adults, and disparities they face in accessing healthcare, and the critical role of healthcare providers in creating inclusive and affirming environments. Strategies for providing sensitive, respectful, and effective care will be outlined, along with practical tips for improving communication and support for older LGBTQ patients.

Objectives:

  • Understand the historical and social context
  • Identify health disparities
  • Promote cultural competence
  • Improve communication
  • Support social connections
  • Advocate for inclusive policies

About the Speaker: Toni Bisconti

Dr. Toni Lynn Bisconti has been a faculty member at the University of Akron for almost 20 years. She is a NE Ohio native, growing up in Lowellville, a very small village outside of Youngstown. After high school, she attended Youngstown State University graduating in 1995 with a B.S. in psychology. After her undergraduate training, she attended the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, where she earned her M.A. in 1997 and her Ph.D. in 2001, both in Psychology. Dr. Bisconti has been a faculty member since 2001, starting her career at the University of New Hampshire and continuing it in 2006 at the University of Akron, in which she is still an Associate Professor of Psychology. Dr. Bisconti has done research on older adults since she started her graduate program 25 years ago. Her specific research interests include resilience, successful aging, and how older adults cope with transitions related to later adulthood. The unique experiences and sociohistorical contexts of minorities shape aging trajectories as minority-related stigmas are confronted with additional age related vulnerabilities. These intersections are most distinct in the junctures where older adults are exposed to discrimination, stigma, and prejudice across their multiple identities. Although older minorities experience significant adversity in these situations, in many cases they maintain positive outcomes and outlooks in their aging trajectories. Her work in her Transitions, Resilience, and Identity (TRI) Lab at UA concentrates on understanding the extent to which exposure to stigma, discrimination, and prejudice predicts well-being in addition to identifying buffering factors that may minimize these associations. Presently, the Tri lab approaches these questions with three distinct lines of research: (1) The role of age in minority stress in older adult sexual minorities, (2) Measuring and understanding benevolent ageism, and (3) recognizing the impact of ageist epithets on older adults. Additionally, Dr Bisconti has taught several classes in the areas of aging, prejudice, discrimination, and diversity. Finally, Dr. Bisconti has been featured on WAKR-1590 Akron on both the Ray Horner and Jasen Sokol Shows, as well as on Cleveland's Channel 19 News The Next 400 segment. Collectively, she had been published in these areas over 25 times and has presented her work nationally over 50 times.

REGISTRATION & CANCELLATION INFORMATION:

Class sizes are limited, so register early.  Classes with low registrations may be canceled.  If the class is canceled or moved, participants will be contacted via email at least 24 hours in advance.

Classes start and end on time.  To ensure a quality experience for all, please arrive (in-person) at least 15 minutes prior to the class start time.  

SOCIAL WORKERS: CEU credits will be adjusted 0.25 credit hours for every 15 minutes not in attendance; adjusted certificates will be emailed to participants within 3 business days after the training.  LICENSED NURSING HOME ADMINISTRATORS: full participation is expected, no partial credit will be awarded. Hard copies of certificates will be mailed upon request.

Refunds will be make ONLY for cancellations received three business days prior to the event. If received less than three days prior to the event, a credit can be issued for use at another program within the next 6 months. If notice of cancellation is not received before the date of the program, no refund will be issued. PLEASE NOTE: No show will be charged the full registration fee.

It is difficult to control room temperature to everyone's comfort level.  We suggest you dress in layers that can be adaptable to warm and cool temperatures.

For auditing purposes, arrival and departure times and signature are required on attendance sheets.