“Bedside” and “backstage” (office) comments are usually quite distinct – but all can have a lasting effect. How are your words impacting team members, families, and patients? Are you unintentionally being negative or judgmental? Join this webinar for a look at ways to communicate more effectively both backstage and at the bedside.

AFTER THIS WEBINAR YOU’LL BE ABLE TO:

• List three ways word choice can interfere with effective communication and better outcomes
• Understand how words can negatively influence team members before they ever make a visit
• Articulate five commonly used words/phrases that can be misleading at the bedside
• Explain how the word “denial” is generally not informative and is often judgmental
• Describe two methods that can produce heightened levels of language self-awareness
• Expound upon two ways to help IDT team members communicate in ways that are person-centered and sensitive to individual communication styles

WEBINAR DETAILS:  For most people, “backstage language” and “bedside language” are very different. How we speak about situations in the office is not how we speak in people’s homes… or is it? “Your husband is terminally ill.” “Your wife is actively dying.” Are you certain the people you are speaking to know what you are talking about? What about saying to coworkers, “This is a difficult family”? What does this really mean and what should be done about it? Are you certain that you are not doing more harm than good by not being “intentional” about your word choice? This webinar will explore the many ways language can interfere with high-quality care – and how to mitigate it.

THIS WEBINAR WILL BENEFIT THE FOLLOWING AGENCIES: Hospice, Palliative Care

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? This informative webinar will benefit all interdisciplinary team members, management, and leadership.

TAKE-AWAY TOOLKIT

• Self-assessment exercise
• Organizational assessment exercise
• Guidelines for “better choices” related to language
• Discussion guide to use with staff and volunteers following the webinar
• Handout with lecture notes and additional learning opportunities
• Training log
• PDF of slides and speaker’s contact info for follow-up questions
• Attendance certificate provided

DON’T MISS THESE RELATED WEBINARS!

"Don't Mention Death in Our House" & Other Challenging Family Situations originally presented on Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Managing Patient & Family Expectations originally presented on Thursday, May 22, 2025

Family Estrangement & Peacemaking for Home Health & Hospice Patients on Tuesday, November 18, 2025

NOTE: All materials are subject to copyright. Transmission, retransmission, or republishing of any webinar to other agencies or those not employed by your agency is prohibited. Print materials may be copied for eligible participants only.

MEET THE PRESENTER: Gary Gardia, LCSW, APHSW-C

Over 40 years ago, Gary began his hospice career as a volunteer. Since then, he has worked in many capacities leading a variety of teams and departments, including volunteers, social workers, bereavement, and education. A frequent presenter and keynote speaker at state and national conferences, Gary works as a consultant for various businesses and healthcare organizations.

Gary holds master’s degrees in both education and social work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He also holds the new Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker Certification (APHSW-C). Gary received the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s (NHPCO) Heart of Hospice Award for developing innovative programs to meet the needs of caregivers and the bereaved and is the recipient of the national Social Work Hospice and Palliative Network (SWHPN) Award of Excellence in Professional Education. He also served as the Executive Director of the Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Work certification organization.