It's been a while since I've posted new Bible studies because I've been so focused on getting the Hymns for Alzheimer's project done. I've been developing new Bible studies all along and finally carved out some time to post them this week. So here you go: a 10-week Bible discussion series on The Ten Commandments! … Continue reading New Bible studies: The 10 Commandments
If you spend any time around me, you know I love talking about the sing-along Hymns for Alzheimer's project. Here are the completed free downloads so far. (Exciting teaser: The gospels and spirituals set is DONE and will be uploaded to the site soon!) But you may be wondering: How did I choose which hymns … Continue reading How did I choose hymns for the Hymns for Alz project?
I often like to use cultural events, such as holidays, as a "hook" for the Spiritual Eldercare worship services. I think it makes the time more interesting for the elders, including those who may not be regular church-goers. So when I realized that Chinese New Year starts on February 5 this year, I decided to … Continue reading Chinese New Year 2019: Treasure
How do elders with little to no cognitive ability access spiritual truths?
This week's eldercare worship service focused on compassion, especially as seen in the life of Mother Teresa, whose birthday was August 27. I often focus these services on some aspect of the life of faith. For this service, I printed out a large photo of Mother Teresa and held it up, asking "I wonder if … Continue reading Compassion and Mother Teresa
I've been pondering why I don't see very much spiritual care happening for people with Alzheimer's and dementia. Despite research that seniors with dementia value and benefit from spiritual care, I haven't come across very many people or places that actually provide it. Why? There are probably numerous reasons, but I think the main disconnect … Continue reading Why is spiritual care for elders with dementia so rare?
Insights from Chad Federwitz, friend and senior care director whose research focuses on spirituality and dementia.
Happy Pentecost Sunday! I really enjoyed the eldercare church services this week because we talked about the day that God sent his Spirit to the very first Christ-believers. I created a new service for Pentecost Sunday, which is now uploaded on the site. Beyond words It’s interesting to note how the writer of Acts 2 … Continue reading Pentecost Sunday: a service for those with Alzheimer’s
Without a doubt, music reaches something inside of elders that nothing else does, and it's miraculous and joyful to witness. I've seen time and again how seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia -- even people who might otherwise be nonverbal -- start singing the words to classic hymns as soon as the music starts playing. (To get a taste … Continue reading Create a hymn playlist for an elder
I promised I'd let you know whenever I post a new worship service, so here's the latest one. This week I chose the theme of Abiding. I'm not sure why I decided on this theme. Maybe it's because the old hymn "Abide With Me" has been running through my head: Abide with me, fast falls the … Continue reading Abide: new worship service for elders with Alzheimer’s
