Healthcare Expert To Speak On Caring For Veterans

SEBRING - Nationally renowned veterans' care expert Deborah Grassman, RN, MSN, ARNP, from the Bay Pines VA Healthcare system, is the featured speaker at a seminar on caring for military veterans at the end of life.

Good Shepherd Hospice, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and South Florida Community College are sponsors of the Dec. 4 event, which will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the University Center Auditorium of South Florida Community College, 600 W. College Drive in Avon Park.

The seminar is open to healthcare professionals and anyone in the public who might be providing end-of-life care for a veteran. Veterans and their families are also encouraged to attend.

Grassman will explain how families and healthcare workers can help veterans cope with grief, loss and end-of-life issues.

"Combat veterans have often seen the worst mankind has to offer. It changes them in fundamental ways, inflicting emotional, spiritual, social and moral injuries that impact them throughout their lives, especially as they face the end of their lives," Grassman said. "People who attend this seminar will learn how to identify the essential end-of-life strategy for helping a veteran prepare for death."

The cost of the seminar is $10, which includes a boxed lunch. Limited scholarships are available for those in need. Healthcare professionals can earn continuing education contact hours for attending the seminar. Contact Lorrie Key at 863-784-7033 to register or for more information about the seminar.