The AVILA Institute of Gerontology, Inc. | Geriatric Spiritual Care Seminar

9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Acquiring a New Identity: The Elder the Bearer of Wisdom
Fr. Senan Taylor, OFM, Cap., Director of Senior Care,
Province of St. Mary of the Capuchin Order

Eric Erikson provides a life-map in his theory of ages and stages in human
development. Erikson describes the acquisition of a new role and identity in
later years for the aged. Drawing from all their life experiences people as they
advance in years begin to form a life-view which is filled with wisdom allowing
them to acquire a new identity that of an elder bearing wisdom. This presentation will explore Erikson’s last and final stage “Integrity vs. Despair” and demonstrate how this theory provides a lens for understanding the struggles of later years.

10:30 AM – 3:45 PM Includes (2) 15 min breaks and a 60 min lunch
Spiritual Wills: Leaving a Spiritual Legacy
Louise Colletti, MA, Spiritual Director and Family / Marriage Therapist; Clinical Director, Mary’s Place: A Center for Grieving Children; Co-Author, “Leaving a Spiritual Legacy: Writing a Spiritual Will”

Joseph Colletti, M.ED, M.Div, STM, Spiritual Director Intern; Organization Development Consultant; Author of “From the Heart: A Father’s Journey of Grief”; Co-Author, “Leaving a Spiritual Legacy: Writing a Spiritual Will”

This presentation will focus on the concepts and practices of Spiritual Will writing as a means for passing on a personal spiritual legacy to one’s descendants. Special emphasis will be given to the application of this concept
to Adult Care Centers and the methodologies for using this to help residents create their own “spiritual wills.”

Seminar Agenda | April 10, 2008

8:00 AM Registration
8:45 AM Welcome / Prayer

9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Refreshing the Soul through Spirituality, Humor and Joy
Sr. Anne Bryan Smollin, CSJ, Ph.D. Executive Director, Counseling for Laity Center

Stress can damage our health and create an imbalance in our lives. It influences our capacity to do our job effectively. It takes over and negatively influences our relationships with others and with our God. It can be overwhelming. We will look at some positive practical ways to keep ourselves balanced and whole/holy people. We will explore humor and spirituality and identify ways to strengthen ourselves and those who receive our care.

10:45 PM – 12:15 PM
Compassionate Listening
Sr. M. Peter Lillian Di Maria, O.Carm., BA, LNHA, Director of Avila Institute of Gerontology, Inc.

Active listening provides a framework for the caregiver to listen with compassion and to serve with compassion. The ultimate example of listening with compassion is rooted in the Gospel message taught to us by the actions of Jesus. Sr. Peter Lillian will bring participants through a series of active listening exercises while reflecting on the healing ministry of Jesus.

Credit Information

Dietitians:
This seminar has been approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration for the maximum allowable hours of 8 CPE hours.

Nursing Home Administrators:
“The Avila Institute of Gerontology, Inc, is a Certified Sponsor of professional continuing education with the National Association of Boards of Examiners of Long Term Care Administrators (NAB) and certifies that this program meets NAB/NCERS guideline and is approved for 8 continuing education clock hours. State licensure boards, however, have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses.” Approval Number: 942008-26804-8

Social Workers:
This program has been approved for 8 Continuing Education hours for relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. Collaborative of NASW and the Boston College and Simmons College Schools of Social Work Authorization Number D39591.

Therapeutic Recreation:
“Life Experiences A Reflection of Wisdom and Grace”, has been approved to provide up to .8 continuing education units (CEUs) for the entire workshop through the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).

Nurses:
This continuing nursing education activity has been approved by the New York State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

It has been assigned approval code 7BJKS7-08.

It has been approved for 8.0 contact hours.

Catholic Chaplains:
The National Association of Catholic Chaplains has approved this program for 8 Continuing Education Hours per seminar.