Hospice of Southern Illinois is dedicated to education. Representatives from Hospice of Southern Illinois are available, upon request and free of charge, to speak on hospice care and a variety of related topics to civic clubs, churches, and other community organizations. In addition, representatives also provide educational presentations/in-services to long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare agencies. Below is a list of educational programs and in-services we have to offer. Please note, presentations can be customized or added to our list to be customized to your needs.

Presentations can be customized to the particular needs of your group.

Hospice of Southern Illinois also offers a free educational series on Coping With Grief, offered to any who might want to attend. This series is offered at various times throughout the year.

Take a look at the educational programs available below and schedule one today (or call 1-800-233-1708).

Educational Programs & Presentations

Featured for Community Groups

General Hospice Care

Our General Hospice Care presentation provides a general summary of hospice care. First and foremost, this covers admission criteria, services provided, the team concept, and how to make a referral. In addition, the Medicare/Medicaid Hospice Benefit and other forms of reimbursement are covered.

Advance Care Planning

Presents a way to communicate wishes to loved ones and family members in the event of a life-threatening illness. Includes information on Advance Directives such as a Living Will and Power of Attorney for Healthcare.

Death and Dying

Provides information on the physical and emotional concerns of the dying patient and suggestions to help caregivers respond to these concerns. Also includes the role hospice plays in caring for the terminally ill and their family.

Goals & Myths of Hospice Care 

Review the hospice philosophy and debunk common misconceptions associated with hospice care. For example, did you know hospice is for patients AND their families? While, meeting the needs of the patient and family is a top priority, the family unit is at the center of all decision making. Hospice of Southern Illinois recognizes that it takes many caregivers to meet the unique needs of each patient. Similarly, we will cover any questions or misconceptions you would like us to address.

Grief and Loss

Our grief and loss discussion includes the grieving process and common responses to loss. We will offer suggestions for assisting the bereaved in healing and coping. Additionally, we can address needs regarding grief in the workplace and during the holidays.

The Hospice Medicare Benefit

Presents the benefits package for patients covered under Hospice Medicare/Medicaid and private insurance. Additionally, the presentation identifies the criteria for admission and a referral.

Importance of Programs & Socialization for Seniors

Explain ways to engage and excite seniors to stay mentally and physically active. So, you can expect us to feature practical ideas and host an interactive group brainstorming for the well-being of the seniors in the community.

Infection Control

This presentation will cover infection control best practices for patients in their homes and home-like setting. Moreover, these suggestions remind and educate caregivers, healthcare professionals, and patients about cleaning techniques, handwashing, and exposure reduction.

Navigating Healthcare Options for Seniors

Let’s answer questions about care options and opportunities for seniors to find the smoothest transitions for the needs of the individual or caregiver seeking healthcare solutions. Above all, we can plan for a better quality of life for everyone involved.

Pain and Symptom Management at End-of-Life

Emphasizes the importance of comfort care, the reasons behind comfort measures, and what to expect as individuals go through the end-of-life journey in the final months, weeks, and days ahead. 

Featured for Healthcare Professionals

Comfort Measures at the End-Of-Life

Clinicians will leave with an understanding of medications, traditional and non-traditional interventions, and support techniques. These tools manage an individual’s pain and symptoms at the end of life with an emphasis on quality of life.

Dementia Live®

A transformative dementia simulation and empathy training experience that empowers staff, families, and the community at large. Dementia Live® Is a high-impact, dementia simulation experience that immerses participants in life with dementia, resulting in a deeper understanding of what it’s like to live with cognitive impairment and sensory change.

Dementia Behaviors & Interventions

“Dementia patients are not GIVING you a hard time, they are HAVING a hard time.” Healthcare professionals are educated about Dementia, however, as this disease progresses there may be more we can address. So, this presentation covers stages, signs, and symptoms of early onset, but also dives into details pertaining to end-stage Dementia. Finally, we’ll provide resources, and support services, and emphasize communication techniques for all caregivers.

The Dying Process

Provides information on the common clinical changes in the dying patient from months to days before death, interventions, and management to support the family and patient’s comfort. Also, we provide information to help the patient and families cope during end-of-life care.

Education for Physicians on End-of-Life Care (EPEC)

Comprehensive End-of-Life Care training program designed for physicians. Further, presentations can be tailored in time and content to meet the needs and interests of physicians as well as other healthcare professional audiences.

Long Term Care Facility (LTCF) Care Planning for the Hospice Patient

Provides information on developing care plans appropriate for hospice patients. Identifies ways of coordinating the Plan of Care between the LTCF and Hospice.

Nutrition and Hydration at the End-Of-Life

It’s important to remember that physical and mental changes at the end of life are unique to every person. Similarly, not every person will experience all signs and symptoms. First, we address how nutrition and hydration changes at the end of life can occur throughout the dying process. So, we cover specific changes that may occur. Finally, we provide caregivers with actual tips and techniques to ensure comfort and dignity.

Pain and Symptom Management for Healthcare Professionals

Provides an overview of pain assessment, effects of unrelieved pain, the psychosocial impact of pain, and specific pharmacological pain management.

Special Care Issues at the End of Life

We’ll review the pathophysiology, symptoms, comfort interventions, and management of specific end-of-life care issues. For example, some issues addressed include the management of nausea, shortness of breath, anxiety, and using steroids in palliative care.

Professional, Excellence & More

Communication + Listening =Trust

Building trust is the foundation for all services. Learn communication and listening styles and techniques to ensure employees and managers provide exceptional customer service and care. In conclusion, resulting in two-way trust between people for positive future experiences.  

Professionalism for Your Staff

Need a little tune-up in the customer service department? This presentation offers gentle reminders, lots of tips, and general guidelines for staying professional in the workplace. 

Social Media & Digital Marketing for Healthcare

Rather than running from the topic, let’s discuss it and set expectations. This presentation offers an overview of the purpose of social media and digital marketing for businesses and healthcare organizations. Additionally, we will dive into best practices, guidelines, and special considerations in the healthcare setting. Customize your presentation for networking groups! Let us know if you want to learn more. Further, we’d be happy to help brainstorm to develop and implement social media and digital marketing strategies too. 

Looking for more customized educational programs? Contact us today with your request!

Click here to contact Hospice of Southern Illinois to schedule your speaking presentation

Another service we offer related to our educational programs is grief support services. Grief support groups and series offer additional support after your loved one has passed. Below, you’ll find a description and more details. Undoubtedly, reach out if you have any questions.

Hospice of Southern Illinois Educational Series: Coping With Grief

Many times survivors find comfort in learning about their grief in a structured learning environment. So, we have developed “Coping With Grief,” a FREE educational series provided to the community at various times each year. These series are presented by the Hospice of Southern Illinois in Marion, IL. For information on the next series, click here or call the Marion office of Hospice of Southern Illinois at 800-233-1708.

Hospice of Southern Illinois Podcast: Bringing Life to Hospice

Hospice is about living. We’re here to start a conversation without fear. Warming your heart, while opening your mind, we will highlight the importance of planning for a peaceful end-of-life journey. Two Hospice of Southern Illinois employees will co-host conversations from legacy to love to end-of-life care. With your comfort, education, and safety top of mind, Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to support you. Want to listen on the go? Bringing Life to Hospice is available on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.