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Spiritual Needs
Some people believe that attempting to meet the spiritual needs of a person with dementia is futile. However, after memory is gone and family is no longer recognized, people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia can experience life on many levels. They can experience joy, appreciate and initiate humor, cry when they are sad, be angry when their "rights" are being violated, sing an old hymn, recite a memorable poem, appreciate beauty, take pleasure in nature, be in awe of a newborn baby, give and receive honest affection, express a unique personality, place trust in someone and mistrust in another, feel the warmth of a friendly smile or touch, dance to the music that touches the soul, pray, participate in religious rituals, and laugh out loud.
Nurturing or tending the spirit involves providing opportunities for the person with dementia to participate in the religion of choice. People with dementia need to have access to their faith community, religious traditions, rituals, celebrations, worship, prayer and meditation. This would also include the familiar sacred music. As a person progresses through the illness worship experiences will need to be adjusted.
Suggestions For Worship For People With Dementia
- Short but structured
- Use familiar hymns, prayers
- Use Scripture translations they grew up with
- Avoid "sermonizing", use short devotional words
- Make sure the service is in an area free from distractions
- Accessible with comfortable seating
- Music, music, music
- Use appropriate symbols (cross, Star of David, rosary, etc.)
If attending a public service:
- Bring something to keep the person's hands busy
- Explain the situation to the clergy ahead of time
- Sit close to the back so you can slip out if necessary
- You may wish to arrive late and leave early to avoid confusing chitchat with others.
(This information was contributed by and used with permission from Barbara J. Helm. M.A.)
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