(RNS) — When a congregant has dementia, what can a house of worship do?
Though each person is different and advice varies depending on an individual’s condition, here are some basic do’s and don’ts from experts on how congregations and individuals can help and not hurt.
CONGREGATIONS
DO’S
- Visit people in homes, at care facilities
- Offer respite to caregivers
- Create support group; connect with local ones
- Hold a hymn sing; recite traditional prayers
- Use name tags
DON’TS
- Don’t exclude (make accommodations instead)
- Don’t offer traditional service in home setting
- Don’t give weekend sermon at weekday nursing home visit
INDIVIDUALS
DO’S
- Treat people with respect
- Reintroduce yourself
- Sing; make a playlist of favorite hymns and songs
- Listen and validate feelings
- Phone caregivers
DON’TS
- Don’t ask “Do you remember me?”
- Don’t be condescending (treat like adults, not children)
- Don’t try to correct (accept their reality)
- Don’t ask about recent activities
by Adelle M. Banks, Religion News Service
