1. Worship and people journeying with dementia
Cathy Dakin
October 2015

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

3. How does dementia affect people?

4. 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

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

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

7. 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)

8. 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

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

10. Worship for people with dementia

11. 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

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

13. 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

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

15. Appeal to the senses
Sight
Smell
Touch
Sound
Taste

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

17. 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?

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

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

20. 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’

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

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

23. 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)