Begin With the End in Mind Returns in 2018

Omaha – The Department of Gerontology is offering the popular lecture series, “Begin With the End in Mind" in Spring 2018. Three programs are scheduled.

All sessions will be held in the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center on the UNO Dodge Campus.

The sessions are free and open to the public including all staff and faculty in the NU system. While free, we ask that you call or email to reserve a seat and confirm parking options. Please contact Maria Sorick with the Department of Gerontology at 402-554-2272 or by email, msorick@unomaha.edu to reserve a seat and to make arrangements for parking.

We look forward to seeing you there. | View the flier

Disenfranchised Grief: A grief not recognized by others

Friday, Jan. 12, 1-2 P.M.

The loss of a friend, co-worker, or neighbor can be difficult, especially for those who have come to rely on these people over a lifetime. The loss can be especially difficult as others may not fully appreciate the impact of the loss of a non-family member. Disenfranchised grief is grief that is not recognized by others. The term was first described by Kenneth Doka and continues to have meaning today as more people live well into their older adult years and face the loss of friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

Spiritual Aspects: End of life from a hospice perspective

Friday, Feb. 9, 1-2 P.M.

When a person is dying, spiritual concerns often become increasingly important. Questions arise related to life’s purpose and the impact of one’s life on others and the community. People may ask, “why is this happening to me” or “what does it mean to the world that I have lived." Some people focus on what comes after death. Spirituality is the essence of our inner being and hospice and palliative care consider spiritual care to be among the most important aspects of total care at the end of life.

Advance Directives: The ups and downs

Friday, Mar. 9, 1-2 P.M.

What if you became too ill to speak for yourself? With legal documentation, known as advance directives, you can avoid confusion and instruct your family, friends, and health care professionals what sort of health care you want to receive and what other decisions you want made on your behalf. Join us for this important discussion to learn what the ups and downs of setting up an advance directive are and how you can work on a plan for yourself and others. This is not an age limited discussion--all can benefit from this information.