“As I have loved you, so you must love one another” John 13:35
Currently 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 are living with dementia in the UK. Pope Francis has stressed that the whole of society “must hasten to take care of its elderly, who are increasingly numerous and often also the most abandoned,” especially due to today’s disposable culture that “poisons” the world we live in. The elderly, by virtue of their frailty, can teach those who are living at other stages of life, about the need to abandon ourselves to the Lord, to invoke His help.
One of the priorities of Caritas Diocese of Plymouth is to work in partnership with the St Vincent de Paul Society to expand support to older people in need. On 3 December, we held an online event to reflect on how parishes can welcome people living with dementia and those who care for them. Sue Warr, Prama Life Manager in Dorset, led the session sharing her reflections on how parishes can be welcoming and inclusive.
Sue shared some top tips:
- Focus on the building and make sure is it welcoming and accessible. People living with dementia often struggle with their vision and their ability to interpret the building around them, so the number one priority is to make sure churches and halls are well lit.
- Communication is important. There is so much more to the person than just the dementia. Listen carefully, ask simple questions. Speak clearly and write simply.
- Keep calm. Don’t worry if something goes wrong or doesn’t go how you were expecting it to go to go.
- Be accepting and patient with people who have dementia.
- Traditional church buildings can help people with dementia know that they’re in a worship service.
- People living with dementia need to feel that they’re accepted and are a part of the church. Consider holding a dementia-friendly service.
- Consider setting aside a space where people can go and be quiet and able to talk to a carer or somebody else, if need be.
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People who are living with dementia may have altered perception. Things like dark mats on the floor are going to look like holes. People may find also it difficult to be able to differentiate between reality and unreality. Anything with very vivid or swirly patterns could look like real objects, as opposed to part of a fabric or a furnishing.
- For almost every person living with dementia there is a carer, often an unpaid carer. Consider setting up carers’ support groups or encourage parishioners to offer help to someone carrying that responsibility.
- Ensure that people with dementia are kept safe, treated with respect, and not put in a situation that would put them at risk. Contact the diocesan safeguarding team if there are any concerns.
- Encourage people to regularly pray for people living with dementia.
Caritas Diocese of Plymouth has more detailed guidance for parishes to use in reflecting on accessibility for people living with dementia. Please contact caritas@prcdtr.org.uk for copies.
The Alzheimer’s Society has also published guidance for dementia friendly faith groups.