As the song says, it’s once again “the most wonderful time of the year” 🎄 It’s an especially rich season to tap into long-term memories! Enjoy these dementia-friendly resources to serve elders, particularly those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, during the weeks leading up to Christmas.

ADVENT BIBLE STUDY DISCUSSION VIDEOS

Last year I recorded four Bible study discussion videos, one for each week of Advent. You can use these 15- to 20-minute videos to guide a discussion; simply pause the video when prompted. 

• Advent week 1 video discussion: Mary’s Magnificat
• Advent week 2 video discussion: Zechariah’s Blessing
• Advent week 3 video discussion: The Angels’ Gloria
• Advent week 4 video discussion: Simeon’s Song

WRITTEN BIBLE STUDY GUIDES FOR ADVENT

Use the written Bible studies for Advent to print out passages for the above videos, or to lead a discussion yourself. I’ve also included a Bible study for this week’s U.S.  Thanksgiving.

ADVENT DEVOTIONALS AND ACTIVITIES

My free Advent Devotions booklet includes short meditations and hands-on activities for each theme of Advent: hope, love, joy, and peace. Songs, too!

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Definitely check out the free downloads of 20 classic Christmas carols, all arranged for elders with dementia (slower, shorter, and in a lower key). There are YouTube versions with lyrics, too. Use them to lead a Christmas sing-along anytime, or simply enjoy them on a loop as background music.

Worship Services Coming Each Week

I’ll post the first Advent worship service on Hope this coming Thursday. A quick note: When I first recorded my Advent services, I used the order of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace … but your tradition may use the order Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Read more about my thinking here. Bottom line: Feel free to watch the Advent videos in whatever order works for you and your residents.

Peace be with you,

Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash