WellbeingTREE Learning and Action Network (LAN)

WellbeingTREE is a free, online LAN dedicated to empowering those who live and work in nursing home communities in Michigan. Sessions will bring staff and residents together to learn from expert trainers and each other on how to best respond to grief and loneliness while building resiliency.

WellbeingTREE LAN sessions began in May 2022 starting with six sessions on Bereavement and Grief followed by five sessions on Social Isolation and Loneliness. There will be new sessions happening every 6 weeks. Sessions are collaborative in nature, allowing participants a space to connect through discussion and share what they have learned.

Continuing education and training: Continuing Education (CE) credits will be offered to the following provider types who participate in WellbeingTREE live webinar sessions: Allopathic (MD) Physician; Osteopathic (DO) Physician; Nurse Practitioner (NP); Registered Nurse (RN); Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN); Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW); Licensed Bachelor’s Social Worker (LBSW). Also, participation in WellbeingTREE live webinar sessions meets the requirements for in-service training for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in Michigan. A certificate of participation will be provided to CNA attendees following successful completion of each LAN session and questionnaire.

The number of CE hours available for the Wellbeing TREE LAN: 11 hours total (1 hour per session). Bereavement and Grief Sessions: 6 CE hours. Social Isolation and Loneliness Sessions: 5 CE hours

Who should participate? All staff from nursing homes in Michigan can benefit from attending: Administrators, Nurses, CNAs, Therapists, Social Workers, Activities, Dietary, and Housekeeping; as well as residents and their families.

What is required? Participation with WellbeingTREE is free. Attendees can participate in up to 11 LAN sessions over the course of 14 months beginning in May 2022. Each attendee is asked to complete a post-session questionnaire. Nursing homes are also asked to support resident survey activities.

Upcoming Sessions

(Links to register will be posted on this page as they become available)

Social Isolation and Loneliness Session Topics:

• Effects of social isolation and loneliness on wellbeing—“Loneliness and Companionship”:  February 21, 2023 (12:00–1:00 pm ET)
• Practices to improve social isolation and loneliness—“Transforming Systems and Processes to Promote Connectedness”:  April 4, 2023 (12:00–1:00 pm ET)
• Building Resident input into activities and socialization—“Empowering Resident Voice and Choice”: May 16, 2023 (12:00–1:00 pm ET)
• Using tablets to promote Resident communication and joy—“Tackling Loneliness and Promoting Social Connections”: June 27, 2023 (12:00–1:00 pm ET)
• Reflections on social isolation and loneliness—“Effective Approaches for Reducing Loneliness”: August 8, 2023 (12:00–1:00 pm ET)

Completed Sessions

(See the supporting materials below)

Bereavement and Grief Session Topics and Recordings:

• Session One: “There is Wisdom in the Building” 
  A discussion of strategies for staff and residents to support each other after a death. View a recording of session one
• Session Two: “Caring for Yourself” 
  Recognizing signs of grief in yourself, teaching residents to recognize signs of grief in themselves, and applying strategies to respond to those signs. View a recording of session two
• Session Three: “Caring for Others” 
  Assisting others when a death occurs. View a recording of session three
• Session Four: “It’s Always Too Soon, Until It’s Too Late” 
  Communication is key to ensuring residents, families, and staff know their roles during these events. View a recording of session four
• Session Five: “Memorials” 
  Memorials are for the living and a good way to honor staff and remember residents. View a recording of session five

Social Isolation and Loneliness Topics and Recordings:

• Session One: “Loneliness and Companionship”
  Exploring the connection between social isolation and loneliness with our physical and mental health, addressing ways that can alleviate another's social isolation with care processes. View a recording of session one
• Session Two: “Transforming Systems & Processes to Promote Connectedness”
  Exploring ways that systems, processes, and practices can promote loneliness and isolation and can prevent finding desired companionship for residents. View a recording of session two
• Session Three: "Empowering Resident Voice and Choice"
  Delving into what empowerment means in the nursing home for both residents and staff and encouraging the use of observation and assessment to help homes identify practices that build empowerment. Valuable resources are shared that participants can use to carry their learning forward. View a recording of session three