Since today is Sunday and it is Alzheimer’s Disease month, I thought I would share some thoughts and links that focus on dementia care and spiritual matters. Christian Life Resources has an interesting article. A pastor discusses how he connects with his wife, who has Alzheimer’s Disease, using God’s Word. Mayo Clinic’s website has several interesting articles on Alzheimer’s Disease. One that is no longer up talked about the importance of how a spiritual ritual can be used in ministering to and communicating with the patient. The article gave several excellent ideas for ways to do this including taking your loved one to church. As they pointed out, “Bringing someone with Alzheimer's to religious services isn't always easy because he or she may be disruptive. Some places of worship, however, have special rooms designed for parents to take noisy children. These areas could also be used for someone with Alzheimer's.”
Another possibility is looking for churches which offer ministries for those with special needs. A couple of the churches I’ve attended in the past had classes specifically for those who could not attend regular church but could attend these classes. I would encourage you to read to your loved one from their favorite version of the Bible. If you have a copy of their own Bible with underlining, those verses would be a great place to start. I would also suggest purchasing a familiar hymnal, if you don’t already have one, and use it to sing familiar songs to/with your loved one. I have read many encouraging accounts by those who go to care facilities to play worship songs and have seen positive responses from people who have Alzheimer’s Disease. The elderly patients often didn’t know where they were or who they were, but they remembered all the words to old familiar hymns as well as passages from the Bible that they had memorized, such as the Lord’s Prayer.
I’ve also heard of patients responding to children’s nursery songs about Jesus, such as “Jesus Loves Me.” This is another excellent reason for us to seek out and enjoy Bible and memory activities for grandparents and grandchildren that include singing hymns and praise songs together, helping them memorize Bible verses and working to learn the verses along with them. We are helping ourselves as well as them – both for now as some excellent "brain training exercises," and for later to work to stave off memory loss when we join the ranks of the elderly. God promises us that, “The Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword…” Hebrews 4:12a. He also promises us in Isaiah 55:8-11, “
My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts. “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
It doesn’t specify that this is only true for healthy people. It is a promise to all His children, even those with Alzheimer’s Disease. We may not understand or see the response, but I take great comfort and encouragement in the belief that He can and will use it in our lives, no matter the circumstances.
One other important thought specifically for all of us Sandwich Generation caregivers. Our spiritual health is just as vital! I don’t know about you, but if I start missing too many Bible studies or church services, I start “wilting” spiritually! It’s vital for us to seek different ways to spend time in God’s Word daily. If I can’t sit down to do a regular Bible study, I will usually listen to a sermon I’ve saved onto my mp3 player. My mother enjoys listening to our church’s Sunday service which is played on the radio each Sunday afternoon. However you do it, I would encourage you to make it your goal to spend time each day in His Word to help you as you go about your caregiving duties. Also, if your loved one is living with you but is no longer able to go to church with you, ask relatives and friends to stay with your loved one at least once a month so that you can go to church. If there is no one available who can help you with this, call your church office to see if they can suggest anyone who is able to help you. Caring for elderly parents, particularly those with dementia symptoms, is full of stress! One of the best gifts you can give your aging parents is to take good care of yourself as well. Then you'll be able to do a better job taking care of them.
Do you have any suggestions or tips in this area. We would love to hear them. Please leave a comment below. And to keep up-to-date on resources and words of encouragement for the Sandwich Generation caring for elderly parents and helping with their grandchildren…
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This is one of the most profound and outstanding posts that I’ve read in a long time. It verbalizes my personal beliefs precisely. Very very impressive!
I will have to share this on my blog as well.
Thanks so much for writing this!
David Thomas MD
http://knittingdoc.wordpress.com
David Thomas’s last blog post..My to Do List on Reading Books — Alzheimer’s Disease, Lewy Body Dementia and Other Dementias
Thank you so much. That is such an encouragement!