Worship and people journeying with dementia Cathy Dakin October 2015

How can we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?

How does dementia affect people?

difficulty recognising people or objects difficulty remembering names and events difficulty finding the right words mood swings & personality changes difficulty carrying out everyday tasks Reduced mental capacity or ‘brain power’ Physical changes in brain lead to death of brain tissue & decline in brain function Progressive BUT dementia affects each person differently difficulty understanding what’s being said disorientation in time & place

From feeling muddled … “It’s totally foggy in my head .. .. everything takes lots of effort and control” Christine Bryden (2012)

To loss of self … “Like being on a long road, getting further and further away from myself ” Mamie Baird Magnusson (2011)

What’s the point? The lie of dementia … … the real person has gone and the body is an empty shell “... the real person has gone already and all that’s left is just the body of a person, and nobody wants to be remembered in this condition.” Baroness Mary Warnock (2008)

The truth of dementia … “ … there is a fragmented human person who is held and sustained … by a God who has promised never to abandon them” “Our memories don’t make us what we are: we are what God remembers us to be” John Swinton Swinton uses the powerful imagery of ‘living in the memories of God’ to describe the relationship with God that is still possible for those with dementia

Jimmie’s story Do you think he has a soul?

Worship for people with dementia

Worship for people with dementia Provides an opportunity to exercise faith Rekindles memories associated with faith Helps provide a sense of community Helps meet spiritual needs

Worship for people with dementia … … is not rocket science!

Plan in advance What time? How will people know? Formal or informal? How long? What will be the theme? Are large-print resources available? … but be prepared to be flexible

Get the setting right Create ‘sacred space’ Can people hear? Keep distractions to a minimum

Appeal to the senses Sight Smell Touch Sound Taste

Music and singing Use familiar and well-loved hymns and songs …especially ones with choruses People may like to choose a hymn

Readings and prayers Choose familiar readings and prayers Always include the Lord’s Prayer Use an appropriate version of the Bible – is the focus on the story or the poetry?

Holy Communion Can be really important in dementia But consider … How many can say or read the responses How best to administer the elements

Talk No sermon Use theme as a link throughout service Perhaps a short address or ‘thought for the day’ using visual material

The good news? God created us: we’re sustained and nurtured by God God remembers us even when we forget: we’re held within the memories of God God loves us and is with us: ‘nothing can separate us from the love of God’

Don’t … argue explain reason deny denial give yourself a hard time ….

Do … go slowly give time and loving attention accept and appreciate love and be loved offer comfort sustain hope

And finally! Remember … “There is no stage in this journey at which you must abandon all hope of connecting with me … You can minister to my spirit in song, prayer, ritual, and by your spiritual presence alongside me.” Christine Bryden (2005)