Hospice of the Western Reserve Hosts Free Educational Event Featuring Deborah Grassman, National Expert on Caring for Seriously Ill Veterans

CLEVELAND, Oct. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hospice of the Western Reserve is hosting a free educational event for healthcare professionals, families and anyone interested in Veterans' issues.  Deborah Grassman, Director of the Hospice program at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Florida, will share her insights on the unique experience of seriously ill Veterans at a free educational event on Monday, Nov. 21 at EMH Medical Center, Gates Medical Building Auditorium, 125 East Broad Street, Elyria.  From 10:30 a.m. to noon, Grassman will sign copies of her book, "Peace at Last: Stories of Hope and Healing for Veterans and Their Families." Lunch will follow and the program will begin at 1 p.m.

As a VA hospital nurse with 26 years of experience at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Grassman has cared for thousands of veterans in a hospice setting.  She is considered a pioneer in identifying the effects of past trauma on the quality of a person's dying process, and on ways to effectively respond to help Veterans achieve a better quality of life.  She is a leading national expert on the unique health problems experienced by Veterans.  Her book, "Peace at Last," takes the reader on a journey of understanding and growth, and explores Veterans' shared stories of pain and redemption, personal awakening and peace. The book is designed to help caregivers, family members and Veterans themselves understand the impact of war and military culture on lives and emotions.

This event is made possible by Hospice of the Western Reserve's Peaceful & Proud program, specializing in end of life care for Veterans.  Although the event is free and open to the public, advance registration is requested.  To register, visit www.hospicewr.org/peaceatlast, or contact Beth Schindler, Communications Coordinator, at 216.502.4456.

About us: Hospice of the Western Reserve is a community-based, non-profit agency providing comfort and emotional support to patients and their families. We care for people in a variety of settings including the home, hospital, long-term care facility, at David Simpson Hospice House overlooking Lake Erie or at our inpatient Hospice Care Center in Olmsted Township and soon at Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake. For more information, visit hospicewr.org or call 800.707.8922.

SOURCE Hospice of the Western Reserve