Honoring the Reality of Loss: In Person St. Louis/St. Charles Meeting | The Sarah Community
Cultural Experiences
Honoring the Reality of Loss: Practical Strategies for Validating, Processing, and Responding to Death in Care Communities
Speakers:
Kira Somach, Founder of The D-Word Duala; Pastor Jamesetta Roach, SSM Health
Talking about death is one of the most challenging—and most necessary—conversations in aging services. This two‑hour interactive session brings together experts in end‑of‑life care to help professionals build confidence, skill, and compassion when supporting residents, patients, families, and team members through death, dying, and grief.
Kira Somach, founder of
The D‑Word Doula
and author of
End‑of‑Life Love Notes
, will share her unique blend of dementia expertise, death‑doula practice, and long‑term care experience to demystify the “D word” and make conversations about death more approachable. Joined by a presenter from SSM Hospice (pending confirmation), the panel will explore how validating loss—both personally and organizationally—can reduce the emotional and psychological impact of grief.
Through a combination of lecture, audience participation, and small‑group discussions, attendees will examine why early, honest conversations about end‑of‑life wishes matter; how grief affects individuals and teams; and what supportive practices can strengthen well‑being across a community. Participants will leave with practical tools for initiating compassionate dialogue, honoring loss, and integrating grief‑support strategies into daily care.
Location:
The Sarah Community / Anna House
12284 DePaul Drive
Bridgeton, MO 63044
Time:
9:00 am Refreshments & Networking
9:30 am-11:30 am Presentation
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR FOR THIS MEETING:
Refreshment Sponsor: The Sarah Community
Location Sponsor: The Sarah Community
*****IMPORTANT MEETING INFORMATION
There is no charge to attend – you can register for a free ticket!
But
IF YOU WANT CEU CREDIT, YOU MUST PURCHASE A CEU TICKET IN ADVANCE
through the Eventbrite registration button above.
There is a $10.00/credit hour CEU processing fee.
Disclaimer: MC5 is unable to process refunds for any regional meetings. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Any questions can be directed to missourimc5@gmail.com.
2 Administrator CEUs
2 Activity Professional CEUs
2 Social Worker CEUs
2 CEUs approved by National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners
2026 Meeting Dates
February 27, 2026
May 29, 2026
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CEU Processing Fee for MC5 Meetings
In order to receive CEUs at an MC5 event, you must register for the meeting through Eventbrite and pay directly online.
If you need help, feel free to contact MC5 at
missourimc5@gmail.com.
MC5 appreciates your participation and interest and looks forward to continuing to bring great speakers to your area!
Information Source: MC5 St Louis | eventbrite