Grief is the reaction to loss, and any kind of loss can trigger grief. People grieve for the loss of someone they love but also for the loss of independence, usefulness, cognitive functioning, and physical abilities. Grief is also a lifelong process: a journey rather than something that is cured. This course will teach people to recognize grief and how to respond appropriately to the grieving person. A final section on compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary stress includes strategies for professional self-care.

Learning Objectives:

• Define Grief

• Identify three physical changes that affect people as they age to normalize the process, and help people understand important aspects of working with a grieving person

• Identify three myths about grief

• List ways to manage compassion fatigue

Instructor: Gwenetta Cook-Huddleston

Gwenetta has a Bachelor’s in Education and a Master’s in Public Administration. She has 27 years of experience in supporting mental health programs in different capacities. Over the past twenty-seven years, she has been a Caretaker, Business Owner, Content Creator, Curriculum Developer, Teacher, Trainer, Counselor, Supervisor, Program Manager, and Regional Director. She is currently the Friendship Line Training Supervisor at Institute on Aging. The populations Gwenetta has served have been disabled seniors and other at-risk groups. She has extensive training with disabled seniors.

Gwenetta believes that professionals should be working in partnership with clients to utilize their strengths to help them sort out their challenges and achieve their goals. She also realizes how important it is to identify all aspects of an individual’s life that impact their well-being including their physical health, support systems, work or school environment, and faith/spirituality in this process. She is committed to empowering professionals in the mental health field with the tools, training, and knowledge they need to perform optimally in their professional roles.

Date: April 30th, 2024 10:00am-11:00am (Pacific Time)

Place: Online. The Zoom link for joining this workshop will be sent in your confirmation email.

Cost: No charge, but RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.

For any questions about this training, please contact [email protected]

This training is offered by Institute on Aging's Friendship Line. To learn more about Friendship Line and other IOA programs and services, call our CONNECT team at 415.750.4111 or visit our website at www.ioaging.org

This program serving the community is funded by the City of San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services.