LOUISVILLE, Ky. (RNS) — They sat in a circle in a room usually used by high schoolers and talked about the people they loved who no longer recognized them or who had died forgetting the names of family caregivers in their last days. The Alzheimer’s caregiver support group on a campus of Southeast Christian Church started with a devotional lesson referring to Charlie Brown pal Linus’ lack of fear as he told the story of the birth of Jesus. “It’s only through our relationship with Christ that we can have the inner peace that can help us just get through the day,” said a facilitator before the group of 10 bowed their heads for an opening prayer. Her petition acknowledged the challenges of both caring for someone and coping with the “job” being done if that someone had recently died. The monthly caregivers’ gathering at this evangelical megachurch is among the hundreds of support groups held at houses of worship and affiliated with the Alzheimer’s Association. From the nearby … [Read more...]

(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) … [Read more...]

RICHLANDTOWN, Pa. (RNS) — The seven women, most in wheelchairs, sat in a semicircle facing stained-glass windows and an altar topped with a cross and a statuette of Jesus holding a lamb. Underneath the draped table was an ark-shaped container brimming with small stuffed animals. “Spirit Alive,” a weekly multisensory worship service for people with mid- to late-stage dementia, was about to begin at a United Church of Christ-affiliated skilled nursing center 50 miles north of Philadelphia. The Rev. Jamie Moyer carried out the day’s theme of creation by leading “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” holding up pictures of colorful flowers and passing out the soft toys, with each woman choosing one to hold. “God looked at you and said, ‘Oh, I created you, Ruth,” she said to one resident, as she held up a mirror to the woman’s face and went around the semicircle to affirm each person. “‘I love you very, very much.’” The 45-minute service, held at each of Phoebe Ministries’ … [Read more...]