Author Lectures on Dementia Support and Healthy Aging
CareGiverCare offers a model of care-giving that is replicable at faith and community organizations. A Dec. 10 public briefing drew a packed house to hear health sociologist Gianni Perilli, author and founder of the not-for-profit organization.
| 05 Jan 2026 | 01:01
Gianni Perilli, author of Community Geriatric Care, drew a packed house at the rectory of St. Thomas More parish on Dec. 10. Gianni, seen seated in front row, outlined ways that faith-based organizations and other community groups can play a vital role in caring for adults suffering from dementia. (
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The cold and rainy evening did not deter the standing-room-only audience of neighbors, social service providers, faith-based organizations, and community leaders from learning about a unique community-based model of care that has been shown to stem the devastating impacts of dementia.
On Wednesday, Dec. 10, CareGiverCare, a nonprofit organization founded by health sociologist Gianni Perilli, hosted a public briefing on a pioneering approach that includes supports, learning, socialization, screenings, and psychotherapy.
A Model Communities Can Replicate
The program is active in the parish of Our Lady of Good Counsel–St. Thomas More on East 89th Street, and is designed to be easily adapted by any church, synagogue, congregation, or community organization seeking to:
* support caregivers looking after a person with dementia at home
* prevent or delay cognitive decline among older adults through evidence-based lifestyle interventions
* reduce isolation and strengthen the social fabric of their community.
Attendees gained practical tools to bring back to their own congregations and organizations to launch similar initiatives—even with limited resources.
Book Launch + Case Study: “Community Geriatric Care”
The evening also marked the presentation of Perilli’s new book, Community Geriatric Care, which documents the real-world case history of the Our Lady of Good Counsel–St. Thomas More project and offers a blueprint for replication in other community settings.
With dementia affecting 1 in 10 Americans aged 65-plus, and far more at risk for cognitive decline, Perilli argues that faith communities and neighborhood organizations can play a decisive role in aging, memory, and family support.
The book outlines how small, consistent, community-based actions—classes, engagement, conversations, routine stimulation, and structured support—can dramatically improve the well-being of older adults and their caregivers.
The Evening’s Speakers
The forum featured Gianni Perilli, founder of CareGiverCare and author of Community Geriatric Care, and Father Kevin Madigan, pastor of the Our Lady of Good Counsel–St. Thomas More parish, where the program has been implemented and expanded
“Dementia is a thief, but it cannot steal everything,” said Father Madigan, reflecting the commitment of the parish to the project and the volunteerism that sustains it.
A Rallying Cry for Congregations and Community Leaders
CareGiverCare offers technical assistance and guidance to clergy, lay leaders, pastoral teams, volunteer coordinators, and community organizations interested in building community-centered healthy aging:memory; guidance on supporting families caring at home for a person with dementia; examples of activities and low-cost interventions that reduce social and cognitive decline.
To learn more contact Gianni.Perilli@caregivercare.org
With dementia affecting 1 in 10 Americans aged 65-plus, Perilli argues that faith communities and neighborhood organizations can play a decisive role in aging, memory, and family support.