Conversations on Death, an Ulster County Office for the Aging Workshop Series

Ulster County's Office for the Aging (OFA), in collaboration with Bevival founder Caren Martineau of Rosendale and the Ulster County Women's Network (UCWN) with Sheila Gould of Stone Ridge, Vice President of UCWN, is hosting a three-part workshop series aimed at promoting death literacy and preparedness. The series, 1-2:30 p.m. Fridays, April 26, May 3 and 10, at the OFA Senior Hub, 1091 Development Court, Kingston, will address important topics surrounding end-of-life discussions and planning.

The workshop series will feature experts who will guide participants through essential aspects of preparing for the end of life. From identifying end-of-life goals to understanding estate planning and financial concerns, each session promises valuable insights and practical advice, including discussions on Swedish "death cleaning," clarifying wishes, and overcoming inaction. Confronting the fear surrounding end-of-life discussions necessitates a gentle approach to navigating these challenging conversations. In these sessions, experts will unpack the life-enhancing benefits of early preparation, covering such topics as self-determination, planning for elder years, rights, care resources, getting affairs in order and financial concerns.

Key speakers include Dr. Albert Riddle, Hudson Valley Hospice Medical Director; Holly Strelzik, Grief Specialist and Center for the Heart Founder; and Alison Anthoine, JD, Certified End-of-Life Doula and Founder of Elder Navigation.

"While talking about death before the time of need was once considered taboo, living longer has given our aging-well population an opportunity to consider what we'd like our ending of life experience to be,” said Martineau. “Planning ahead not only enables self-determination, but it also reduces the emotional and financial burden on loved ones. Bottom line, death literacy is a valuable tool everyone should include in their toolbox, long before the end!"

"By accepting our mortality and the likelihood that as we age we will experience infirmities and vulnerabilities, we can better anticipate, for ourselves and our loved ones, all the practical, emotional, and medical issues that may arise. Aging well takes planning," said Anthoine.

"The role compassion and support plays during one's end-of-life journey cannot be overstated. Being able to create a space where the dying and their families can experience a peaceful death is very humbling,” said Strelzik.

The Ulster County OFA offers assistance to individuals over 60 in preparing essential legal documents such as estates, wills, powers of attorney, and health care proxies. Low-cost legal services for document review and preparation are also available.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend this event. To participate in the workshops, interested individuals can register by calling the Ulster County OFA at 845-340-3456. Those unable to attend in person can request a streaming link by providing their email address.

Photo captions

Bevival (being + revival) is a content platform for the living, founded by Caren Martineau of Rosendale.

Ulster County Women’s Network Vice President Sheila Gould of Stone Ridge.