This presentation provides information about the various kinds of dementia and attempts to give practical and pastoral advice for the unique challenges that face caregivers of those with this condition. While applicable for everyone, this like all of our presentations is specifically designed for caregivers in a long-term care environment.

1. Ministry to
Dementia Patients

2. • Dementia is the umbrella term for a set of
symptoms related to a decline in thinking skills.
This decline is caused by the gradual loss of
functioning of brain cells.
• Alzheimer’s disease is a leading cause of
dementia, but dementia can be caused by other
conditions such as a series of strokes or
Parkinson’s disease.
What Are Dementia And
Alzheimer’s Disease?

3. • Our general population is aging.
• According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 10% of
people over age 65 and up to half of those over 85 will
suffer some form of dementia.
• Spiritual support is important to both the afflicted and
the people who care about the afflicted.
• Quite a few of the people in long-term care will likely
experience or display symptoms of some stage of
dementia.
Alzheimer’s Statistics

4. • In the early stage of dementia, people with the disease may
not remember what happened yesterday—or even half an
hour ago because recent memory is impaired.
• They may forget the names of people who should be familiar
to them.
• It will be increasingly difficult for them to follow conversations,
so they may become quieter.
• They often attempt to hide their confusion and their
forgetfulness because they are embarrassed.
• Sometimes they have a change in personality as their
confusion makes them angry or tearful.
Early Stage Dementia

5. • In the second stage of dementia, memory loss
worsens.
• They may have something to say, but cannot find the
words to say it.
• Or the words may come out in a jumble that cannot be
understood by others even though they know what
they want to impart.
• The person with dementia may not know where they
are or what season it is.
• People with dementia often become fearful, anxious,
or angry.
Second Stage Dementia

6. • In this stage of dementia they often become
disoriented, have trouble learning new information.
• They may forget how to do the things they have
done for many years—such as drive a car, cook a
meal or, eventually, even how to feed themselves.
• They may also become paranoid and suspicious
of people—they will often misplace items and
accuse others of taking them.
Second Stage Dementia
(Cont.)

7. • Last Stage Dementia patients speak very little and
have little comprehension of what others say.
• They need to be bathed, fed, and toileted.
• Near the end, they will be bedridden and, for the
most part, unresponsive.
• However, the comfort of someone’s presence and
the sound of music may be meaningful even at the
end.
Last Stage Dementia

8. • People with dementia may forget your visit
fifteen minutes after you have left. They may
not even remember that you talked with
them.
• They will not be able to explain what they
feel, but research has shown that ministry to
people with dementia increases their sense
of well-being.
Sense of Well-Being

9. There are many helpful hints to having an effective visit with
someone with dementia:
• Always introduce yourself and explain why you are there.
• Speak distinctly and not too rapidly but never in a condescending
manner.
• Call them by their name only - “Jim”, “Mr. Jim” or “Mr. Smith” for
example.
• Don’t ask if they remember you—even if you’ve been coming for
years.
– They might remember the feeling of being with someone nice, but they
probably will not remember your name or face, especially in the mid-to-late
stages of the disease. They may become upset or embarrassed if you put
them on the spot with “you remember me, don’t you?”
• Be aware of their hearing level and adjust your voice accordingly.
Need To Know Information

10. • Although they may seem child-like in many ways, people with
dementia are usually aware that they are adults and they need
to be treated as such.
• Talking down to them or using terms such as “baby” or
“sweetie” is demeaning no matter what their stage of
dementia.
• They may have a disease that has taken much of their
memory, but they have been an employee, parent, sibling, and
friend.
• They’ve paid bills, worried about their families, worked in the
yard, gone shopping—just as you have.
• They don’t need to be babied, they need to be respected.
Maintain A Sense of Respect

11. • Avoid using too many pronouns—they
may get lost in the “he” and “she’s.”
• It’s better to overdo first names or say “the
pastor” or “that lady in red” and so on to
identify people rather than using too many
confusing pronouns.
Clarity of Speech Is Essential

12. • Smile and look friendly.
• Humor is helpful, and it is as beneficial for them to
laugh as it is for us.
• Touch is frequently welcome, but don’t surprise them
with a sudden touch, or by coming up from behind
them.
• Look for cues that they want to shake hands or have
their arm patted or need a hug.
• Above all, the visit should be upbeat and positive.
• They will receive no benefit from a “fire and brimstone”
message when they suffer from this illness.
Positive Approach

13. • People with dementia are often sensitive to
the moods of people around them.
• Even though they may not understand the
reasons behind an uncomfortable
atmosphere, they are still likely to be affected
by it.
• They may become agitated, fearful, or sad if
the people around them are feeling angry or
upset.
Special Sensitivity

14. • Never take it personally if the person with dementia is
rude or walks away or even becomes angry during a
visit.
• We cannot know what thoughts, memories, or fears
enter into the mind of the person with dementia.
• They often cannot explain that they are in pain, are hot
or cold, or need to go to the bathroom.
• If they display agitation or anger, simply stop what you
are doing, and speak in a soothing tone of voice or just
visit them later or on another day.
Emotions Are Often the Only
Language

15. • Even when the person with dementia has
excellent eyesight, the large, bold print is less
confusing and easier for them to interpret.
• Short sentences and the use of few pronouns
also help them follow the ideas in the text and
in conversation.
• Many pictures used in books of interests are
familiar to patients with dementia.
Large Print Materials

16. • Elderly persons with dementia with a faith background
rooted in the Judeo-Christian worldview are often able
to respond to various rituals of their faith, verbally,
physically, and emotionally.
• Common practices like familiar prayers, Bible
readings, hymns, and attendance at worship services
where collective memory is shared can serve as
memory joggers to reconnect the person, not only to
the faith community, but to a faithful God.
• A spiritual care ministry to older people with dementia
can be considered a ministry of memory.
Ministry of Memory

17. Source
This presentation has drawn information
from the article “How to Have Effective
Ministry Visitation With Dementia Patients”
by Diana L. Walters, Dphil.
The original article may be found on the
website www.alzheimersministry.org