2019 Roadshow - Join us!
“This Thing Called Grief: All Ages, All Cultures” is a full-day workshop. Grief is a universal reaction to death, yet each person’s grief is unique, influenced by circumstances, religious and cultural beliefs. This workshop will focus on grief involving children and cultural differences in grief. Caregivers, family members, community volunteers, and healthcare professionals are all welcome.
Laura Coatsworth, MSW, BMus, works at Hospice Calgary’s Sage Centre, counselling children who have experienced a significant death in their lives. Laura also leads the group support program for grieving teens as well as facilitates formal dinners for men and women who have lost their spouse and seeking community.
Kathy Cloutier, an honours graduate of Humber College, has been a funeral director with McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes for many years. Her desire to work in funeral service was a direct result of her own profound loss.
Workshop fees (includes lunch): $10 for current AHPCA members I $65 for non-AHPCA members
* If you do not know if you are a current member, please contact AHPCA to find out before registering. 403 206 9938 or communications@ahpca.ca *
Workshops run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Roadshows may be considered for Continuing Education Credits
AHPCA Casino 2019
AHPCA’s casino, our primary fundraiser, is coming up on Tuesday June 18 and Wednesday June 19, 2019 at the Elbow River Casino in Calgary.
AHPCA relies on the funds raised at the casino for our special projects and many of our operational expenses. 
Volunteering at this event is a fun, quick and very effective way to support individuals and families facing hospice palliative care.
We still need a daytime General Manager and nighttime Chip Runners and Count Room Staff.
If you have friends or family who’d like to join you at this fundraiser, please share this information with them. It really is a lot of fun!
AHPCA February 2019 Death Café a Success!
The inaugural AHPCA Death Café, facilitated by registered psychologist Laura Walsh, was very well-received. Thank you to all who participated! Based on our experience and feedback, we are looking forward to hosting another Death Café sometime in 2019.
Read about what happened at the AHPCA February 2019 Death Café.
AHPCA Self-Care Video Series
AHPCA invites you to share these videos with your clients, friends, colleagues or family who might benefit.
These short videos are a resource for people who need answers but do not have easy access to help.
Topics:
Vicarious Trauma – What is it?
Vicarious Trauma – Dealing with it
Vicarious Trauma – Seek support
Compassion Fatigue – What is it?
Rituals & Grief – No rules
Personal Rituals
Self Care Moment – Colouring
Self Care Moment – Grounding
Using relaxation and stress reduction exercises are an excellent way to feel better in the moment. Many of us have anxiety and that feeling intensifies when we are in distress. Relaxing changes that response. The body and mind are closely linked; relaxing the body relaxes the mind.
Take a few minutes to escape on a mental vacation. Breathe deeply and choose a Relaxation Moment (length of video is in brackets).
Topics:
Introduction to Relaxation Moments
Relaxation Moment Morning at Hauula, Oahu (1:33)
Relaxation Moment: A Stroll Along Waikiki Beach (3:45)
Relaxation Moment: Fountains of Waikiki (2:52)
Relaxation Moment: North Shore Waves on Oahu (2:26)
Relaxation Moment: Streams at Waimea Park (2:57)
Relaxation Moment: Waikiki Waves (2:50)
Relaxation Moment: Sunset at Ala Moana (10:43)
2018 Roadshow Wrap Up
“This was a hugely important day – very powerful and moving. I needed this for my soul. Hopefully what I have learned today will make my life more valuable to myself and to others.”
– 2018 Roadshow attendee
The theme for the 2018 AHPCA Roadshow was “A Mindful Finale: Spirituality and Ritual at End-of-Life.” The topic clearly resonated with attendees as we received many comments similar to the one above.
Read our full report of what happened at the 2018 Roadshow!
Online Resource Directory
Services vary across the province and we have found that many Albertans feel isolated and uninformed during this very vulnerable time of their lives. Albertans have told us that they want an accessible user friendly online Resource Directory specializing in palliative and end of life care services throughout Alberta.
AHPCA has received a grant from the Eldon and Anne Foote Fund at Edmonton Community Foundation to research, develop and host this online palliative directory data base. It incorporates a province wide data base with an easy to use interactive map.
Membership
The Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association (AHPCA) endeavours to represent the voice of the palliative care consumers, professionals and volunteers in Alberta. We believe that all Albertans have the right to equitable access to end of life care, and we promote participation through the building of partnerships, collaboration and innovation.
Your membership in the AHPCA automatically entitles you to membership with the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA).
As a joint member you will receive: palliative care news, AHPCA updates, CHPCA newsletters, reduced conference and workshop rates, and an opportunity to add your voice to our advocacy efforts on behalf of all Albertans.
