Dementia is a reality that deeply affects religious communities, significantly influencing people’s lives and care structures. To provide tools for understanding, planning, and prevention, The Anna Trust Foundation is offering a series of three webinars on the topic, aimed at religious sisters, Major Superiors, and members of leadership teams.

The webinars will be held online, with simultaneous translation into English, Italian, French, and Spanish.

Registration: Click here to register

Participation links will be sent shortly before each event.

Schedule of sessions

1. Why study Dementia

• Date: Monday, 15 September 2025
• Time (Rome): 15:00 – 16:00
• Speakers: Sr. Peter Lillian, O.Carm. and Alfred Norwood
• Moderator: Sr. Siobhán O'Keeffe, SS.HJM
• Format: Online

2. Caring With Foresight: Planning for the Wellbeing of Members in Religious Life

• Date: Wednesday, 15 October 2025
• Time (Rome): 15:00 – 16:00
• Speaker: Helen Harrington
• Moderator: Susan Raymond
• Format: Online

3. Is Dementia Preventable

• Date: Monday, 15 December 2025
• Time (Rome): 15:00 – 16:00
• Speakers: Sr. Peter Lillian, O.Carm. and Alfred Norwood
• Moderator: Sr. Siobhán O'Keeffe, SS.HJM
• Format: Online

Detailed descriptions of the sessions

1. Monday, 15 September – Why study Dementia

Speakers: Sr. Peter Lillian, O.Carm., Director of the Avila Institute of Gerontology Inc. Alfred Norwood, MBA, BS, faculty at the same institute.

Moderator: Sr. Siobhán O'Keeffe, SS.HJM, The Anna Trust Cognitive Impairment Program Director.

This introductory session will help deepen understanding of dementia and its implications. The shared knowledge will provide practical tools and awareness to those caring for members with memory difficulties within religious communities. A foundational opportunity to better recognize signs of cognitive decline and accompany those experiencing it with greater care.

2. Wednesday, 15 October – Forward‑looking care: planning for the well‑being of members in religious life

Speaker: Helen Harrington, Director, L&P Stewardship Advisory Services – Cantor Fitzgerald.

Moderator: Susan Raymond, The Anna Trust Senior Advisor.

A webinar designed for leadership teams seeking to effectively plan long-term care for elderly community members. Through practical examples and real case studies, it will explore sustainable and compassionate approaches, rooted in mission, human dignity, and community.

3. Monday, 15 December – Is it possible to prevent dementia?

Speakers: Sr. Peter Lillian, O.Carm. and Alfred Norwood.
Moderator: Sr. Siobhán O'Keeffe, SS.HJM, The Anna Trust Cognitive Impairment Program Director.

This session offers an overview of strategies to reduce the risk of developing dementia or slow its progression. It will present the Cognitive Impaiment Support Initiative - Changing Minds, Transforming Lives and explain the criteria for eligibility. An event designed to strengthen competencies and enhance the level of care offered within religious congregations.

For more information: info@annatrustfoundation.org