Posted on December 20, 2011 - by Nurse Virginia

GOING TO HOLIDAY CHURCH SERVICES WITH THE ELDER WHO HAS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

ELDERLY CHRISTIANS WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE STILL HAVE EXACTLY THE ABILITIES THEY NEED TO PARTICIPATE AT CHURCH

Carl, an elderly member of the congregation for 92 years, is no longer attending because of behaviors related to his dementia. Just when he and his family need the support of their church family the most, someone thinks Carl shouldn’t be there.

Elderly with Alzheimer’s disease have abilities for church

The truth is that Carl, like many other seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, actually continues to have the very abilities he needs to be an active part of the congregation’s worship.

The universal ability to recognize facial expressions and body language continues in a person with Alzheimer’s disease. In any country you visit, a smile is greeted with a smile, a frown is recognized as a frown and the person with Alzheimer’s disease is able to read positive or negative facial expressions as well. But because the elder with Alzheimer’s disease is so aware of their confusion and of making mistakes, the need for a smiling welcome is more important than ever.

The response to touch is universal. When someone is touched, a chemical is released in the brain that is referred to as the “care and connection” transmitter.  This transmitter makes us feel comfortable and open to each other. Indeed, that old friend at Church with the warm handshake is just the medicine Carl needs now.

Music, (and we all know how much Christians love to sing), is the most recognized of universal languages.  Music triggers reminiscing and creates a sense of comfort and feelings of well-being for the elder with Alzheimer’s disease.  Music, unlike language skills is located in several parts of the brain. Elderly who have lost their words will often continue to be able to sing. I remember a woman who, in her last days, when she was no longer able to recognized her family or herself in a mirror and was in need of total care, continued to sing “Jesus Loves Me” every day.  Singing together with the congregation produces feelings of being connected to others and the ability to enjoy music continues throughout life regardless of the dementing illness.

Help elderly with Alzheimer’s disease with environmental cues

What Carl needs now is cues to help him understand what is going on. Coming into Church after the music has started will help provide the environmental cue he needs to recognize that he is in a familiar place of worship.  This worshipful atmosphere with the organ playing should help with unwanted behaviors. Having Carl wear a name tag that says “Hi, my name is Carl” can help cue other people to smile and greet Carl by name, creating a warm and comfortable environment for him.

Beverly wanted to continue worshipping with her husband John, who had Alzheimer’s disease. Every time the congregation would stand John would exit the pew. Beverly wanted to give him a cue as to when it was time to go. She told him to watch her purse and when she picked up the purse they would go. Well of course John kept a keen eye on that purse, and when Beverly picked up her purse, John was the first one down that isle. But that cue helped him continue to be part of the congregation worship service for some time.

They are calling the aging of America “The Silver Tsunami”, but coupled with that will be another wave – the “Dementia Tsunami.” As congregations, the time is now to educate the flock while encouraging your families with confused elders to continue to come to church and give the congregation the opportunity to be part of keeping the faith.

Virginia Garberding, R.N.  

Director of Education, The Wealshire, Lincolnshire, Illinois

Author: Please Get To Know Me – Aging with Dignity and Relevance

www.pleasegettoknowme.com