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On-demand recordings offer you the flexibility to access education that suits your schedule. Most on-demand recordings also include the opportunity for Nursing Home Administrators, Nurses, Social Workers, Dietitians, Catholic Chaplains and Recreation Therapists to earn continuing education. Check the “Continuing Education” tab to see if credit hours are available for your discipline.

 

  • The COVID Crisis: The Lessons We Are Learning

    This presentation will address what we have learned and will continue to learn as we face this pandemic.

    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.

  • On-Demand Video for Rent: Is it Alzheimer's?

    This webinar gives an overview of Alzheimer's disease, dementia and how caregivers define a resident's 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


    Alfred W. Norwood

    Faculty, Avila Institute of Gerontology

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

  • On-Demand Video for Purchase: Is it Alzheimer's?

    This webinar gives an overview of Alzheimer's disease, dementia and how caregivers define a resident's 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


    Alfred W. Norwood

    Faculty, Avila Institute of Gerontology

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

  • On-Demand Video for Rent: Identifying Your Inner Leader

    This webinar discusses reflective leadership and how to handle everyday challenges with confidence.

    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

    Terrance McGuire, Ed.D, D.Min

    Faculty, Avila Institute of Gerontology, Inc.

    Terrance McGuire is a specialist in the area of organizational mission and human development. He brings leadership experience from 40 years in the not for profit sector as an educator, corporate executive, and consultant. His experience includes working with all levels of religious and lay leadership and boards in Catholic health care, Catholic social services, and other ministry-based organizations in the USA and Canada. He presently serves as adjunct faculty at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL. Terry holds a Doctorate in Education Degree (Ed.D) for the International Graduate School and a Doctorate in Ministry Degree (D.Min.) from the University of St. Mary of the Lake. Terry is a Deacon of the Archdiocese of Chicago serving the faith community of St. Alphonsus in Lemont, IL.

  • Compassion Fatigue: A Self-Care Imperative

     Recorded On: 08/11/2020

    This presentation will focus on the meaning of compassion and distinctions between burnout and compassion fatigue.

    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.

    Mary T. O'Neill, BCC, D. Min.

    Retired VP of Spiritual Care and Pastoral Education, Catholic Health Services

    Mary T. O’Neill has over 30 years of experience with training Ministry students for national board certification as Chaplains and spiritual care providers to patients, families and staff persons in healthcare. She is certified as a Pastoral Educator through the National Association of Catholic Chaplains and the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. Mary T. is also a Licensed Therapeutic Massage Therapist and has worked many years in care for persons struggling with illness, disability and the diminishment of age. For 18 years, Mary was employed as the Assistant Administrator/Director of Pastoral Services at Calvary Hospital in Bronx, NY, a specialty palliative care hospital that emphasizes care for the whole person, body, mind and spirit. Her recent employment for 13 years was with Catholic Health Services of Long Island (CHSLI), NY, as VP for Spiritual Care and Pastoral Education. Catholic Health Services is a health system that covers a wide spectrum of health and behavioral services. She received her master's degree from St. Louis University and her Doctor of Ministry from New York Theological Seminary. She is currently actively retired and living in Maryland.

  • Disorders and Diagnoses that Differ from Dementia

    In this 1-hour presentation, Alfred W. Norwood will discuss 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?" and "The 3D's: Depression, Delirium, and Dementia."

    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.

    Alfred W. Norwood

    Faculty, Avila Institute of Gerontology

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

  • The Spiritual Journey of Caregiving: Finding Compassion for Ourselves and Others

     Recorded On: 02/11/2020

    This 1-hour webinar, presented by Denise Hess, MDiv, BCC-PCHAC, will look at the caregiving landscape in the US and then take a close look at one of the best spiritual guides for the transformative power of caregiving, author and Catholic priest Henri Nouwen.

    With over 43 million caregivers in the US, it is very likely that many of us will experience the joys and challenges of providing care for a loved one at some point in our lives. Caregivers consistently report that caregiving can be one of the most stressful, yet also the most meaningful roles they have ever undertaken. Approaching caregiving as a spiritual endeavor can increase the likelihood that the role will be fulfilling, nourishing, and possibly transformative. This webinar will look at the caregiving landscape in the US and then take a close look at one of the best spiritual guides for the transformative power of caregiving, author and Catholic priest Henri Nouwen. After exploring Nouwen’s unique vision for caregiving, we will focus on the necessity of self-compassion to avoid caregiver burnout. Webinar participants will learn a self-compassion practice for use in their own caregiving roles. 

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

    Denise Hess, MDiv, BCC-PCHAC

    Executive Director, Supportive Care Coalition

    Denise currently serves as the Executive Director of the Supportive Care Coalition - a partnership of Catholic health care ministries from across the U.S. committed to advancing excellence in palliative care. Denise comes to the Coalition with over a decade of experience in palliative care clinical practice and organizational leadership. She is also a licensed psychotherapist, an ordained Presbyterian minister, and a palliative care chaplain. She is happily married with two amazing adult children.

  • Understanding the Dementia Resident

    In this 1-hr presentation, we will discuss the ways caregivers can identify stress in a dementia resident and how to effectively communicate with that person. It’s broken down into two parts, "Is the Person with Dementia Stressed?" and "Communicating in Dementia."

    This webinar discusses the ways caregivers can identify stress in a dementia resident and how to effectively communicate with that person. It’s broken down into two parts:

    Is the Person with Dementia Stressed?

    There is no doubt that loss of ability, memory, and increased disorientation lead to stress, behaviors, and dependence. In this webinar, Alfred W. Norwood, BS, MBA, will discuss how and why stress originates for residents with dementia and how to reduce stress in their dementia experience.

    Participants will learn:

    • Key dementia facts and stages
    • How changes in dementia affect the ability to predict events, thereby causing stress
    • The body’s reaction to stress: fight, flight, or freeze
    • How constant stress impacts long-term health
    • The 3 causes of stress and how caregivers can minimize each cause
    • What psychotropic drugs are useful for and when they are inappropriately prescribed
    • Psychosocial interventions for caregivers that are more effective than drugs to reduce stress

    Communicating in Dementia

    Memory loss accumulates for the person with dementia, and they may have difficulty responding to questions, remembering details, or keeping pace with a conversation. This poses unique communication challenges that require empathy, patience, and knowledge. This session will discuss an array of practical skills for communicating with those with dementia.

    Participants will learn:

    • A breakdown of each step necessary in naming and communicating an idea in a healthy brain and how dementia impairs those steps
    • Symptoms of memory loss on communication
    • The impact of dementia, memory loss, and stress on communication
    • The 3 major causes of stress and how it impacts behavior for someone with dementia
    • 4 Rules for improving communication
    • How to build your listening skills
    • Person-centered, practical tools for effective communication with the person with dementia
    • How to negotiate challenging behavioral situations
    • How to cultivate the right environment for making communication successful

    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 1.0 total participant hours by NAB/NCERS— APPROVAL # 20210421-1.00-A66849-DL
    • Catholic Chaplains: The National Association of Catholic Chaplains has approved this program for a total of .75 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 up to .75 contact hours.

    Alfred W. Norwood

    Faculty, Avila Institute of Gerontology

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

  • Dementia Progression from Moderate to Advanced

    This webinar discusses the effects of dementia in moderate to advanced stages. It’s broken down into two parts: Understanding Moderate Dementia and Advanced Dementia.

    This webinar discusses the effects of dementia in moderate to advanced stages. It’s broken down into two parts:    

    Understanding Moderate Dementia

    It’s challenging to understand how life changes brought on by moderate dementia will affect a person. Some days will feel normal with the person having full ability to remember and carry on normal activities. Some days will be full of confusion and disorientation which affects communication and understanding. This can be extremely frustrating to persons with dementia as well as to their caregivers. Alfred W. Norwood, BS, MBA, addresses the knowledge necessary for providing excellent care through the middle stage of dementia.

    Participants will learn:

    • What it feels like to have moderate dementia: confusion, stress, and disorientation
    • The five burdens of family caregivers
    • Details of changes in thinking, emotions, personality, and physical ability
    • Best communication strategies to use for moderate dementia
    • Techniques to assist residents with ADLs
    • How to master the three steps of any ADL: Approach, Gain cooperation, and Reward
      •  

    Advanced Dementia 

    Care staff work endlessly to provide quality care for residents with advanced dementia. It’s a very difficult but rewarding job. Residents with advanced dementia are unable to verbalize their wants and needs and are completely dependent during ADLs. Understanding the look and feel of advanced dementia is key when caring for these residents. Caregivers must be fluent in communicating with residents with dementia and recognize that behaviors are attempts at communication. It’s crucial that caregivers of residents with advanced dementia be educated in the fragile experience of the dying process for the resident, as well as the grieving process for the family.

    This webinar will review many important topics, such as:

    • The look and feel of advanced dementia
    • End-stage dementia and dying
    • Advanced dementia and memory
    • Advanced dementia and cognition
    • Behaviors
    • Positive environment modifications
    • Advanced dementia and pain
    • Advanced dementia and spirituality
    • General communication in severe dementia
    • How not to communicate with a resident with advanced dementia
    • ADLs (activities of daily living) communication in advanced dementia
    • Grief and grieving

     

    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-A66848-DL
    • Catholic Chaplains: The National Association of Catholic Chaplains has approved this program for a total of 1.00 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 up to 1.0 contact hours.

    Alfred W. Norwood

    Faculty, Avila Institute of Gerontology

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

  • Dementia Stages and their Effects on Independence

    In this 1-hour presentation, Alfred W. Norwood will discuss the stages of dementia while describing actions to take once it becomes more advanced. It is broken down into two parts, "Stages of Dementia" and "Strategies to Promote Independence for People with Dementia."

    Webinar Description

    This webinar discusses the stages of dementia while describing actions to take once it becomes more advanced. It's broken down into two parts:

    Stages of Dementia

    Dementia is a collection of symptoms that progressively worsen. It’s essential that care staff understand how to interact with residents with dementia. The better the care, the better the quality (and often length) of life. Caregivers searching to improve their methods for residents with dementia will find information in this webinar valuable, as Alfred W. Norwood, BS, MBA, presents:

    • Why dementia is a diagnosis and not a disease
    • Understanding dementia’s progressive stages
    • How to get to know the residents to improve quality of life
    • Adjusting activities depending on the stage of dementia
    • Age-associated memory impairment
    • Risk factors for memory impairment
    • Early signs of possible dementia

     
    Strategies to Promote Independence for People with Dementia

    Since dementia is a combination of symptoms that worsen over time, residents’ coordination and mobility progressively deteriorate, leading to difficulty walking and even swallowing. The cumulative loss of independence leads to eventual dependence on caregivers, with resident behavior ever less predictable and more difficult to manage. In this webinar we will discuss strategies to help promote residents’ independence even as dementia worsens.  

    Participants will learn:

    • How dementia, stress and dependence are linked  
    • How to use procedural memory to help residents improve memory ability, language, and everyday function  
    • How to use errorless learning and rituals
    • How to build rituals and use errorless learning to promote independence   
    • How to provide control and social support to residents to alleviate behaviors


    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 1.00 total participant hours by NAB/NCERS— APPROVAL # 20210421-1.00-A66847-DL.
    • Catholic Chaplains: The National Association of Catholic Chaplains has approved this program for a total of .75 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 .75 contact hours.

    Alfred W. Norwood

    Faculty, Avila Institute of Gerontology

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