A loved one’s sudden medical diagnosis, hospitalization or gradual illness-, injury- or age-related decline can place family members in a role they never expected to fill – that of caregiver.

New Hampshire author and nurse practitioner, Pat O’Connor, says one message stands above all others: caregiving is an extraordinary act of love.

Board-certified in hospice and palliative medicine with more than 50 years of experience in the field and author of the book, Navigating Life’s Final Journey, Pat believes that caregiving is love in action, but it can also cause serious harm to caregivers if they don’t have the tools, support or resources to care for themselves.

These realities are at the heart of “Guiding Hands: Caregiver Support Through Life’s Final Journey,” a program inspired by Pat’s book, which takes place Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord.

Presented by Granite VNA and Granite Ledges of Concord, the program will offer participants practical guidance, emotional support and honest conversations about what to expect when caring for a loved one at the end of their life, including:

• Techniques to manage and lower personal stress
• Strategies to recognize and change negative self-talk
• Tools to better communicate feelings and needs to family members, doctors, and helpers
• How to deal with complex feelings like guilt, anger, and isolation
• How and when to discuss difficult care decisions.

Pat says while there can be profound beauty and meaning in the caregiving experience, people are often unprepared for the physical, emotional and financial challenges that may accompany caregiving. In this program, she will teach people how and why to accept help, take moments to recharge and to remember that caring for yourself is essential to caring for a loved one.

Join Pat for “Guiding Hands: Caregiver Support Through Life’s Final Journey” or share this with someone you know who would benefit from gaining a deeper understanding of the end-of-life caregiving journey and connecting with others who are navigating this challenging time. A light breakfast will be provided.

There is no cost to attend this program but pre-registration is required. Please register here. The first 50 people to register will receive a copy of Pat’s book Navigating Life’s Final Journey.