More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease today—a number expected to triple in the next 30 years. Many more experience other forms of dementia. For faith communities, this represents a crucial opportunity for ministry and practical care—one that many aren’t adequately prepared for.
Amidst mental and physical decline, those suffering from dementia diseases still deeply need human connection and spiritual nourishment. Sadly, as memories fade and the ability to communicate weakens, those with dementia may find themselves neglected or forgotten by the larger community. Despite good intentions, oftentimes when words begin to fail for people with dementia, they also fail for those around them, who don’t know what to say or what to do.
When Words Fail will equip those in ministry to reach out to people living with dementia and offer person-centered spiritual care—ministering to the mind, body, and soul. This book is rich with practical examples and tools designed to meet these emotional, physical, and spiritual needs, and devotes particular attention to ways of communicating even after words have failed. Taken together, these tools give pastoral workers a better understanding of how to visit and support not only people living with dementia but their caregivers, too.
Companion instructional DVD and Study Guide also available. For more information, please visit www.whenwordsfail.com.
Amidst mental and physical decline, those suffering from dementia diseases still deeply need human connection and spiritual nourishment. Sadly, as memories fade and the ability to communicate weakens, those with dementia may find themselves neglected or forgotten by the larger community. Despite good intentions, oftentimes when words begin to fail for people with dementia, they also fail for those around them, who don’t know what to say or what to do.
When Words Fail will equip those in ministry to reach out to people living with dementia and offer person-centered spiritual care—ministering to the mind, body, and soul. This book is rich with practical examples and tools designed to meet these emotional, physical, and spiritual needs, and devotes particular attention to ways of communicating even after words have failed. Taken together, these tools give pastoral workers a better understanding of how to visit and support not only people living with dementia but their caregivers, too.
Companion instructional DVD and Study Guide also available. For more information, please visit www.whenwordsfail.com.
