Ministering to those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia can be extremely rewarding but it’s not without its challenges. Patience is not only a virtue, it’s a necessity. Repetition of phrases and actions. Confusion. Lack of focus. Inability to understand what is being said. Not wanting to remain stationary. Not wanting to stay dressed. All of these and more, make this a ministry that is not for the faint of heart.

One thing that I’ve found that remains with them the longest is music. I’ve had residents in Memory Care communities that would not speak, could not feed themselves and in what seemed to be in an almost vegetative state, come to life when a familiar song was played. Some, that had never spoken a word in my presence, suddenly began singing old familiar hymns. Eyes that were dim sparked to life. It’s in times like this that you realize that the job of a Memory Care Chaplain is truly making a difference.

Giving communion can be difficult. I’ve found that individual cups for the wine/juice make presenting this element easier. I also serve the 1-1/8” diameter wafers. These are relatively easy for most to grasp. Intinction is also another method that can be very effective. As much as possible, I try to present the elements to the residents and allow them to take them on their own. It’s easy to get into the trap of trying to do most things for the residents. And in some cases, it may be necessary. But bear in mind that these are individuals that still take pride in doing things on their own.

Any sermon or Bible study will need to be shorter than usual. 10 to 15 minutes is a reasonable time. Messages should be easy to understand. Avoid messages that jump from topic to topic. A good linear flow works well. With some time and effort, a standard sermon can be pared down to something more suitable.

One of the most important things is allowing them to live in their own moment. As the disease progresses, they often mentally go back in time. Parents that have long since passed are alive and meeting with them later. They could be worried that they will miss their bus to school. Accept what they say instead of arguing. This will only add to their frustration, possibly making them irritable. Accept that they say and try to gently redirect their thoughts to the present.

You may see changes in mood. Someone that is normally a sweet, kind person who would never say a bad word may become aggressive and swear at the people around them. The primary goal is to keep them from hurting themselves or others. If in a Memory Care residence, this is a good time to get staff involved.

Those suffering through Alzheimer’s and Dementia are still people. They are still deserving of our love and respect. And when you approach this ministry with that in mind, you not only reward those you serve but you will be rewarded in ways you can’t imagine.