According to the United Nations, this year the number of centenarians is expected to rise to approximately 573,000 worldwide, with the US being home to 97,000 centenarians — the highest absolute number in the world. The unique nutrient needs of these aging individuals is a new frontier. Life expectancy in 1921 was 60 years for men and 61.8 years for women. In just 100 years, we have increased the life expectancy to 76.2 years for men and 81.2 years for women.  

While we are all living longer, we are living longer…older. This program will explore the changing physiology and the resulting unique nutrient needs of the body during the aging process. As we age, our caloric needs decline. This means that it is important for all foods and snacks to be nutrient dense. Healthy and practical snacks will be explored, along with discussing how to keep the lines of communication between Food Service providers, Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and Eldercare providers open, as it is essential to ensure the healthy potential of all residents in our care.

Goal: We will explore what it means to Flourish in a Season of Surrender

• Graced crossroads and God’s call to choose life.
• The inner work of transformation
• Soulwork of grieving
• From provisional to purposeful living

This webinar will explore what it means to flourish in a season of surrender. Religious Life is facing a graced crossroads. In light of the unrelenting losses that men and women religious are facing as an aging population, is it even possible to flourish? Dr. Dunn will explore what it takes to choose life, find meaning, and to engage in “mature surrender.” He will discuss the importance of the inner work of transformation and the soulwork of grieving. And he will share the key distinctions between living a provisional versus a purposeful life.

During this unprecedented time, we have learned much, and we will continue to learn as we face this pandemic.

During this workshop, three Communities will share their experiences and the changes they have made in order to address the many challenges caused by this virus. They will share their stories of understanding the need for transformation, implementing practical procedures and processes, and learning positive lessons from their experiences.

This webinar is designed for individual members of Congregations as well as leadership and healthcare providers.

Is It Alzheimer's? 

There are multiple diseases that can cause dementia, which is an umbrella of symptoms that affect memory, thinking and can make daily life very complicated. Since more than one disease can cause dementia, it can be difficult to decipher what is actually causing the dementia. Alfred W. Norwood, BS, MBA, will describe:

• How Alzheimer's disease (the most common disorder that causes dementia) affects the brain
• Causes and effects of Alzheimer's disease
• How caregivers define resident quality of life

Is It Alzheimer's? 

There are multiple diseases that can cause dementia, which is an umbrella of symptoms that affect memory, thinking and can make daily life very complicated. Since more than one disease can cause dementia, it can be difficult to decipher what is actually causing the dementia. Alfred W. Norwood, BS, MBA, will describe:

• How Alzheimer's disease (the most common disorder that causes dementia) affects the brain
• Causes and effects of Alzheimer's disease
• How caregivers define resident quality of life

Identifying Your Inner Leader

It is a challenging task to be in a leadership position. You are directing a team and leading others by example. Author Thomas Mann once said, “If you don’t understand yourself, you don’t understand anybody else.” Terrance McGuire, Ed.D begins this session by asking, “Does knowing who you are benefit you as a leader?” In this insightful talk, Mr. McGuire discusses the importance of knowing who you are as a leader because, as a leader, you have the ability to influence people in your personal and work lives. He offers a reflective discussion on how finding your inner leader is not only a spiritual journey, but a journey that takes time to feel secure in a new leadership role.  In this presentation we will discuss: 

• How knowing yourself can help you to be a better leader
• The 5 principles of developing your inner leader

This webinar will outline some concrete steps that are available to all to help restore and heal the mind, body and spirit that are impacted by compassion fatigue, at any time, but particularly in this time of COVID-19.

This webinar is designed for individual members of Congregations as well as leadership and healthcare providers.

Webinar Description

This webinar discusses the differences between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia while exploring how depression and delirium also differentiate from dementia. It is broken down into two parts:

Is It Alzheimer's? 

There are multiple diseases that can cause dementia, which is an umbrella of symptoms that affect memory, thinking and can make daily life very complicated. Since more than one disease can cause dementia, it can be difficult to decipher what is actually causing the dementia. Alfred W. Norwood, BS, MBA, will describe:

• How Alzheimer's disease (the most common disorder that causes dementia) affects the brain
• Causes and effects of Alzheimer's disease
• How caregivers define resident quality of life 

The 3D's: Depression, Delirium, and Dementia

Depression, delirium and dementia can be difficult to differentiate. It is important that caregivers understand typical resident behaviors so that they accurately observe any changes. Understanding the resident ensures he or she is appropriately treated for depression, delirium or dementia. This provides valuable insight to the healthcare team on the differences between these three diagnoses. You will learn:

• About dementia and other common diseases of aging
• Depression and its causes and symptoms
• How depression differs from dementia and how to help
• Delirium and its causes and symptoms
• How delirium differs from dementia
• Improper medication use as a source of delirium

More Information

If you have any questions or concerns about this program, please contact us at support@avilainstitute.org. 

Registrants seeking continuing education will be asked to watch the live webinar in full, pass a post-test, and submit an evaluation form. 

• Administrators (NAB): This program has been approved for Continuing Education for 1.25 total participant hours by NAB/NCERS— Approval #20210421-1.25-A66823-DL.

• Catholic Chaplains: The National Association of Catholic Chaplains has approved this program for a total of 1.0 Continuing Education Hours.

• New York State Social Workers:  Avila Institute of Gerontology, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0265. Participants can earn 1.0 contact hours.

This ready-to-teach in-service package includes all the pieces needed to teach a 25-minute in-service.

In-Service Topic "Working Effectively as a Team"
This 25-minute in-service addresses the important of collaboration among healthcare staff in the long-term care environment. Understanding the qualities of an effective team is important so the team can provide the best quality of care to their residents. Being aware of the qualities of a dysfunctional team will benefit the team so they know what not to demonstrate in a collaborative working environment to be the most effective as a team and provide excellent care. Teamwork can have many challenges – we will discuss the different obstacles of teamwork and solutions on how to work more collectively. Workstyle differences can be the biggest challenge of working together. Understanding how different everyone on your team works is the key to a successful team.Recognizing and being mindful of the qualities of an effective team player is vital so an individual can continually work on enhancing teamwork skills. Caregivers will learn:

• The signs of an effective team
• The signs of a dysfunctional team
• What can be done to make a dysfunctional team a functional team
• What obstacles make teamwork challenging
• Different work styles
• Qualities of an effective team player

This in-service kit includes:

• A recorded video of the in-service (internet access required)
• Lesson Plan (PDF) Presentation slides and script (Microsoft PowerPoint File)
• Presentation handout as slides and notes (PDF)
• 4-page summary of presentation (PDF)
• Pre-test (PDF)
• 4 post-tests with 5 questions each and answer key (PDF)
• Follow-up (PDF)
• Certificate Template (PDF)

This ready-to-teach in-service package includes all the pieces needed to teach a 25-minute in-service.

In-Service Topic "Lewy Body Dementia"
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a less well-known relative than its dementia counterparts, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. However, LBD affects 1.3 million people and accounts for approximately 20% of all dementia cases, so education on this disease is truly essential. Through the examination of a case study, caregivers will take a person-centered look at the effects of the disease on an entire family. Caregivers will come away understanding the following:

• LBD symptoms and disease process
• How LBD forms in the brain
• Understanding how to holistically support those living with LBD and their families
• Medication options for those with LBD and how they work
• Non-pharmaceutical treatment options for LBD

This in-service kit includes:

• A recorded video of the in-service (internet access required)
• Lesson Plan (PDF) Presentation slides and script (Microsoft PowerPoint File)
• Presentation handout as slides and notes (PDF)
• 4-page summary of presentation (PDF)
• Pre-test (PDF)
• 4 post-tests with 5 questions each and answer key (PDF)
• Follow-up (PDF)
• Certificate Template (PDF)