The Friends of Rogers Free Library are sponsoring a series of 6 new programs for caregivers and others who may be coping with a serious illness or interested in issues around aging. Programs are coordinated by Bonnie Evans, a geriatric nurse practitioner, caregiver advocate, end-of-life doula and grief counselor. Registration is not required. Attend one or all six.
April 8th @ 3:00 pm, 3rd floor
PALLIATIVE CARE & HOSPICE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Without understanding what these specialties have to offer to an individual and family coping with a life-limiting illness, how do you know when to ask about them? We will discuss the extra layer of physical and psychosocial support they both offer from diagnosis through the end of life.
April 22nd @ 3:00 pm, 3rd floor
THE R.I. MOLST FORM: A DEEP DIVE
The Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment form can be completed by a seriously ill patient and their healthcare provider. It is honored across all healthcare settings. We will go through the form step by step and discuss the implications and when it may be appropriate for yourself or a loved one.
May 6th @ 6pm, 1st floor
AZ AND ME: A PARTNER’S JOURNEY WITH ALZHEIMER’S:
Author Colleen Kelly Mellor cared for her husband for 10 years and will share the joys and challenges of their experience, the lessons learned, and insights into the world of caregiving.
May 20th @ 3 pm, 3rd floor
GROWING OLDER WITH GRIT & GRACE:
‘How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you was?”, asked Satchel Paige. Using art and literature for inspiration, we will discuss how our attitude and our resilience can affect how we age. What does this look like and how do we cultivate it?
June 3rd @ 3 pm, 3rd floor
OPIATES ~ SOME MYTHS & SOME FACTS:
The word morphine can trigger immediate associations and often negative reactions. What drugs are opiates? How do they work in the body and what are the side effects and precautions? The focus will be on how and why opiates are sometimes used in palliative and hospice care.
June 17th @ 3 pm, 1st floor
TEA, CAKE & OUR OWN DEATH CAFE:
Discussing end of life and loss in a safe setting can help us to appreciate life and what truly matters. To conclude our series, we will gather over tea and cake in the format of the British Death Cafe.
There will be a zoom link on the library website for all except June 17th: rogersfreelibrary.org/featured-programs/
There will be light refreshments and time to continue the conversation following each program. Books relevant to these topics will be available at the library.