Dementia and religion: What to do, what not to do

WASHINGTON (RNS)—When a congregant has dementia, what can a house of worship do?

Although each person is different and advice varies depending on an individual’s condition, here are some basic suggestions from experts on how congregations and individuals can help and not hurt.

Congregations

Do

• 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’t

• Exclude—instead, make accommodations
  • Offer traditional service in home setting
  • Give weekend sermon at weekday nursing home visit

Individuals

Do

• Treat people with respect
  • Reintroduce yourself
  • Sing—make a playlist of favorite hymns and songs
  • Listen and validate feelings
  • Phone caregivers

Don’t

• Ask, “Do you remember me?”
  • Be condescending—treat like adults, not children
  • Try to correct—accept their reality
  • Ask about recent activities

Sources: Faith United Against Alzheimer’s, RNS research

EDITOR’S NOTE: Another helpful resource in caring for those with dementia is Creating Moments of Joy: Along the Alzheimer’s Journey: A Guide for Families and Caregivers by Jolene Brackey. 

Read more here.