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  • Caring for the Spirit: How to Support Faith Engagement in Dementia Care (On-Demand)

    This session, led by Kate Fassbender, Alfred Norwood, and Clare Horn, explores the role of faith and spirituality in enhancing the quality of life for residents, particularly those living with dementia. Presenters will examine how supporting a resident’s ability to engage in their faith practices can contribute to holistic, person-centered care. The session will offer practical strategies for incorporating religious traditions into daily care routines and emphasize the importance of including faith in individualized care plans. Additionally, participants will gain insight into the neurological impact of faith engagement and how this understanding can inform more compassionate and effective caregiving.

    Webinar Description

    This session supports the professional development of long-term care administrators by emphasizing the importance of holistic, person-centered care. It highlights how recognizing and supporting a resident’s spirituality and faith practices contributes to overall well-being and quality of life. By equipping administrators with knowledge of strategies to integrate faith into care planning, administrators can utilize their leadership to foster inclusive, responsive environments.

    Learning Outcomes

    Participants will be able to:  

    1. Identify the role that spiritual practices play in a resident’s well-being and how supporting them enhances holistic, person-centered care.
    2. Explain how cognitive decline can impact a person’s ability to connect with their spirituality and engage in meaningful spiritual or religious practices.
    3. Integrate individualized spiritual or faith practices into the care of residents living with dementia.

    Board Approvals

    Administrators (NAB) 
    This program has been approved for Continuing Education for 1.25 total participant hours by NAB/NCERS—Approval #20270101-1.25-A118254-DL.

    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 #SW-0265. Participants can earn 1.25 Contact Hours. Social Worker CE approval is for New York State Social workers only. Other state licensees are not eligible to receive pre-approved credit.

    REMINDER: Some Boards/States do not accept Clock Hours for on-demand recordings or limit the amount of Continuing Education Units from on-demand recordings. Please check with your State concerning its requirements.

    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 On-Demand Recording 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 #20270101-1.25-A118254-DL.
    • 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 #SW-0265. Participants can earn 1.25 Contact Hours. Social Worker CE approval is for New York State Social workers only. Other state licensees are not eligible to receive pre-approved credit.

    REMINDER:  Some Boards/States do not accept Clock Hours for on-demand recordings or limit the amount of Continuing Education Units from on-demand recordings. Please check with your State concerning its requirements.

    Kathryne Fassbender, BS, CDCS

    Faculty

    Avila Institute of Gerontology

    Kathryne (Kate) Fassbender accompanies those on their dementia journey. By magnifying the importance of creativity, faith, and human connection, she provides creative care, education, and innovative ways to look at how we live with dementia. Kathryne is a classically trained musician, visual artist, and theater maker, with an academic foundation in the creative arts therapies. A native of Wisconsin, she now calls the East Coast home. Kathryne earned her B.S. in Art Therapy from Edgewood College, with continued education in Drama Therapy. After nearly a decade in Life Enrichment, she moved on to be an educator and speaker, working with families and professional care partners alike. Upon starting her own business, Kathryne found ways to balance both practicing her craft in arts and health and sharing with others the knowledge gained as both a professional and family carer. Kathryne, in addition to running two organizations of her own, serves on the Faculty of the Avila Institute of Gerontology.

    Clare L. Horn, LCSW

    Faculty

    Avila Institute of Gerontology, Inc.

    Clare is a licensed social worker who has worked with the elderly for over 25 years, serving as a director of social work in various nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. She provides consultation and education on various topics in aging to residents, families, and staff.

    Clare L. Horn received her undergraduate degree from Marymount College, Tarrytown, NY, a M.S. Ed. from Hofstra University, and a M.S.W. from Fordham University, where she also completed her doctoral courses. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York State. She holds membership in the Academy of Certified Social Workers and the National Association of Social Workers. She has worked with the elderly and served as Director of Social Work for over 25 years in Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Centers. In November 2016, under Ms. Horn’s leadership at The New Jewish Home, the dementia unit received Comfort Matters Accreditation.

    Ms. Horn has educated staff and families in palliative care and the ‘person-directed care’ program. She has presented at conferences and meetings on topics related to social work, dementia, palliative, and person-centered care. She has served for 21 years on the board of directors of Marian Woods, a NYS Department of Health Adult Care Facility, and Convent for women religious in Westchester County and has recently transitioned to serving on their program and quality assurance committee. Ms. Horn is a member of the Institute Formation Commission of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. She is on the faculty of the Avila Institute of Gerontology.

    Alfred Norwood, BS, MBA

    Faculty

    Avila Institute of Gerontology, Inc.

    Alfred is an expert in behavioral psychology who has worked with the Avila Institute for the last 15 years, researching, developing, and presenting workshops and in-services on a number of topics associated with aging and dementia. He has many years of experience working as a consultant for long-term care systems and facilities and has trained staff in the use of non-pharmaceutical, individualized care plans for long-term care and assisted living residents living with mild cognitive impairment to severe dementia.

  • In-Service Kit: Understanding Palliative Care and the Five Domains of Pain (2025)

    This in-service will discuss Understanding Palliative Care and the Five Domains of Pain.

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

    In-Service Topic "Understanding Palliative Care and the Five Domains of Pain" In this in-service we are going to define palliative care, examine the differences between palliative care and hospice care, and consider common misconceptions about them.  We will also review the five domains of pain, how to assess and alleviate them, the connection between palliative care and trauma-informed care, and how to build the necessary communications skills.  

    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)

  • In-Service Kit: Effective Strategies for Managing Activities of Daily Living in Challenging Resident Care (2025)

    This in-service will discuss Effective Strategies for Managing Activities of Daily Living in Challenging Resident Care.

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

    The following presentation is one of a series of in-services provided by the Avila Institute of Gerontology to keep member organizations knowledgeable on topics of aging and behavior. In this in-service, we will discuss Effective Strategies for Managing Activities of Daily Living in Challenging Resident Care.

    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)

  • In-Service Kit: Our Aging Appetite (2025)

    This in-service will discuss challenges and solutions for our aging appetite.

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

    In-Service Topic "Our Aging Appetite" What we eat is key to maintaining our health, and our needs change as we age. Sometimes it is difficult for the elderly to receive proper nutrition; incontinence, for example, may lead an elder to consume fewer fluids and become dehydrated. It is important to know what food groups and vitamins an elder needs and to understand how medications and factors of aging can affect taste and the ability to absorb nutrients. Caregivers will learn the following topics:

    • Common dietary concerns for the elderly
    • Why changes in appetite occur and how to aid an elder who experiences them
    • Chronic diseases and how lifestyle choices, such as diet, can impact them
    • Foods to delay or inhibit dementia and supporting dementia residents at mealtime
    • Healthful foods and what they do

    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)

  • In-Service Kit: Behaviors: Wandering and Verbal Disruption (2025)

    This in-service will discuss challenges and solutions for wandering and verbal disruption.

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

    In-Service Topic "Behaviors: Wandering and Verbal Disruption" Unchecked verbal disruption will make the unit an unbearably stressful home for residents and workplace for caregivers. Wandering can pose health and safety risks, resulting in disastrous consequences if a resident elopes. Provide your residents and staff with a safer and more pleasant environment through proactive education. Staff will first learn to identify when wandering is or is not a problem and several interventions unique to wandering and verbal disruption. They will then gain a person-centered understanding of why residents exhibit these behaviors. Then, the following six interventions are presented in a step-by-step format:

    • Increasing the structure of a resident’s schedule
    • Cognitive bins/busy boxes
    • Doll therapy
    • Photo albums
    • Simulated presence of a family member
    • Massage therapy/aromatherapy

    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)

  • In-Service Kit: The New Resident Living with Dementia (2025)

    This in-service will discuss The New Resident Living with Dementia.

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

    How many times have you heard anyone say, “Boy, I can’t wait until I am 85 and have to go to a nursing home”? In this in-service we will look at how our residents are affected by moving into a nursing home. We will examine why being depressed and appearing to be lost is, unfortunately, a standard reaction. We will discuss how residents who feel lost in an unfamiliar building, who have little control over what they do or what is done to them, and who feel isolated from those they love can suffer from severe and chronic stress. We will also look at what we can do, as caregivers, to reduce these negative feelings by individualizing care. We have much to offer to our residents that will reduce new resident depression and behaviors.

    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)

  • In-Service Kit: The Brain and Dementia (2025)

    This in-service will discuss The Brain and Dementia.

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

    The following presentation is one of a series of in-services provided by the Avila Institute of Gerontology to keep member organizations knowledgeable on topics of aging and behavior. In this in-service, we will discuss dementia, how it affects the brain, and the different stages of dementia.

    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)

  • In-Service Kit: Managing Mood and Behavior with Music (2025)

    This in-service will discuss Managing Mood and Behavior with Music.

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

    In-Service Topic "Managing Mood and Behavior with Music" Music is the most effective tool available to assist residents in managing their moods and behaviors. We will provide you with background on and use of 10 interventions any caregiver can use to help residents avoid or reduce unwanted behaviors such as resisting care, anxiety, depression, and even reducing aggression. We will talk about why music works… how to set it up, and how to observe and adjust it for maximum support. We must remember… that just like any interventions we do to adjust behavior… getting maximum benefit may require some trial and error to adjust the intervention for maximum efficacy.

    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)

  • When to Refer a Patient to End of Life Care (On-Demand)

    In this session, Dr. Comfort will discuss when to refer residents to end of life care. He will review rate of decline—especially for those who have cancer—and address topics such as pain management, delirium, nausea and vomiting, dyspnea, and nutritional issues. Dr. Comfort will also review patient decisions at the end of life, such as DNR (do not resuscitate), cognitive screening, palliative sedation and care.

    Webinar Description

    In this session, Dr. Comfort will discuss when to refer residents to end of life care. He will review rate of decline—especially for those who have cancer—and address topics such as pain management, delirium, nausea and vomiting, dyspnea, and nutritional issues. Dr. Comfort will also review patient decisions at the end of life, such as DNR (do not resuscitate), cognitive screening, palliative sedation and care.

    This archived version is recorded from our live long-term care conference, "Compassion, Comfort, and Compliance in Long-Term Care." The video features footage of the speaker and the presentation slides.



    More Information


  • Pain Management: A Primer (On-Demand)

    Palliative Care is developing into a specialized area of medicine as interdisciplinary teams are created with the primary focus of symptom management, while utilizing the patient and family as a unit of care. Dr. Comfort will discuss types of pain and how to evaluate them for pain management recourses. The use of opioids will be explored.

    Webinar Description

    Palliative Care is developing into a specialized area of medicine as interdisciplinary teams are created with the primary focus of symptom management, while utilizing the patient and family as a unit of care. Dr. Comfort will discuss types of pain and how to evaluate them for pain management recourses. The use of opioids will be explored

    This archived version is recorded from our live long-term care conference, "Compassion, Comfort, and Compliance in Long-Term Care." The video features footage of the speaker and the presentation slides.