Hospice of Hilo to host free presentation

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Hospice of Hilo is inviting the public to a free presentation titled “Living Tenderly with Dementia” from 4-5:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at the organization’s Community Building, 1011 Waianuenue Ave.

Hospice of Hilo is inviting the public to a free presentation titled “Living Tenderly with Dementia” from 4-5:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at the organization’s Community Building, 1011 Waianuenue Ave.

Living with dementia can accompany complex losses, adjustments and emotions for the individuals and caregivers existing with the disease. Hospice of Hilo’s spiritual counselor Rebekah Bernard will talk about providing compassionate care and support of mind, body and spirit for people living with dementia.

Bernard has a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Bernard has been a student of interdisciplinary spirituality for more than a decade and has extensive education and experience with meditation and other forms of self-care.

“This discussion will include looking at the existential and psycho-spiritual aspects of dementia as well as techniques to connect with and honor these individuals because, as Carey Mulligan reminds us, ‘Those with dementia are still people and they still have stories and they still have character and they are all individuals and they are all unique. And they just need to be interacted with on a human level,’” Bernard said.

Hospice of Hilo provides specialized comfort care for patients facing a life-limiting or serious illness. Services are delivered to patients in their place of residence or at the Pohai Malama a Harry &Jeanette Weinberg Care Center.

For more information about Hospice of Hilo’s services or to find out more about the free presentation, call 969-1733.