Holding on and letting go: Coping with ambiguous loss in caregiving

"The McGill Dementia Education Program has partnered with AVC-Aphasie Laval to offer a series of free public lectures on neurocognitive disorders. These 45-minute lectures will be followed by an interactive 15-minute question period. They are intended for members of AVC-Aphasie Laval as well as members of the larger community.

Offered in hybrid mode, it will be possible to attend via Zoom or to reserve a place at the AVC-Aphasie Laval premises. Please note that the conferences will be presented in English in the morning and in French in the afternoon.

Holding on and letting go: Coping with ambiguous loss in caregiving

Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in English and 1:30 p.m. in French

This presentation will explore the concept of ambiguous loss and the effects of this loss and grief experienced when supporting a person living with illness. We will discuss tips and strategies to help mitigate the stressors associated with this type of loss.

Zelda Freitas, BA, BSW, MSW, is a graduate of the McGill University School of Social Work with 30 years of experience in the delivery of services to older adults, their caregivers and their families. She has coordinated the area of Expertise in Caregiving for the Centre for Research and Expertise in Social Gerontology, linking research and practice focused on social gerontology. Zelda’s expertise involves caregivers and caregiving, psychosocial practice, including palliative care and end of life care, countering adult mistreatment and older adults. She is currently Adjunct Professor at the McGill School of Social Work and part of the coordination team of the Caregiver Grief Connexion project."