Scripture Union helps dementia sufferers continue their faith journey

By the middle of this century the number of people with dementia will have risen to 1.7 million people from the current 820,000. Many of that number are - and will be - Christians who have been lifelong members of our churches.

Whilst dementia leaves people increasingly unable to process information, feelings remain intact. The world becomes a confusing place; concentration is difficult, short-term memory goes. But for many Christians, they will have had years of experience as disciples of Jesus and members of the local church, vast knowledge of the
Bible and faithfulness in prayer.

Although they may not be able to access this easily, it is possible to prompt memories, to unlock files of stored away knowledge, experience and feelings.

With this in mind, Scripture Union as we developed the ‘Being with God’ series of daily devotionals. Short, familiar Bible readings, simple prayers and the Lord’s
Prayer, talk about, suggestions and ‘cues and clues’ with picture and object suggestions - all aim to help unlock reminiscences and engage with the day’s Bible theme.

Music can be important for people with dementia so a specially compiled CD, produced by Gordon Lorenz, accompanies each devotional book and includes all the
hymns and songs suggested for each day.

As we talk with those with dementia, enjoy reminiscences, read much loved Bible passages, say familiar prayers together, listen to a hymn or do the ‘actions’ to an old children’s chorus together - there is an opening, for the person with dementia to find once more as Pam Rhodes writes in the Foreword to Being with God, "a real connection to faith and the God who has never stopped loving them."