Worshipping with Dementia

'How do we get the framework, the sense of structure we need to be able to move effectively from one day to another, in a world where everything that seemed to be nailed down is coming apart?. It is to be found in our worship of God. We enter into the presence of the Lord and lo, His unity becomes our unity,’ said famous Welsh preacher and author, Selwyn Hughes*.

For older Christians with dementia, this unity and worship is vital. And simplicity is paramount: not the simplicity associated with childishness, but the elegant simplicity delivered by a good teacher. For people with dementia are not childish: throughout their lives they have learnt and experienced much. They have gone through the ‘fiery furnace’ and the ‘deep waters’. Even though the brain that processes thoughts and memories is damaged, the person is still the same person – he or she is an adult, not a child.

This book contains simple meditations, together with a Scripture verse, a prayer and a hymn. They have been contributed by fellow pilgrims, including those who take services in our care homes. They are based on the themes that we know from experience are important to older believers, including those with dementia.

People with dementia do not need challenging new insights that they might find difficult to understand, but reassurance and reaffirmation of their faith. Repetition is not wearisome, on the contrary, if a theme is found to be a particular blessing it can be repeated many times and the person with dementia will find it fresh each time.

Traditional hymns are included not only because they are much loved by older Christians, but because they are well stored in their memories and reinforce not just their faith, but their sense of self. These old hymns used to be staples in church services, and they will never lose their glory or their meaning. Some read like divine poetry, and have a pleasing rhythm even when read without music, but they are an especial blessing when sung to the old tunes. The retail price of Worshipping with dementia is £8.99, plus shipping charges, but you can order with us for £8.50, which includes post and packaging.


* (Every Day Light, Treasure of the Heart, Selwyn Hughes 2001, Broadman & Holman Publishers.)

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