Dementia Friendly Churches

Introduction

Heart 4 Harlow has been working with the Dementia Action Alliance to raise awareness of Dementia in churches and to resource information, training and advice to support Churches in becoming more Demetia Friendly.

Dementia Awareness Session

On Thursday 28th March 2021 we held an intitial Dementia Awareness Session for Church Leaders, if you were not able to join us then you can watch the session here.

In a friendly relaxed atmosphere, you can chat to others who may be going through similar experiences,  have a cup of coffee or tea and a biscuit and enjoy fun reminiscence quizzes, exercises and games along with singing familiar hymns and saying the Lord’s Prayer together. Having faith is very important to many people  with dementia and their carers. This coffee morning will help people affected by dementia to enjoy socialising as well as helping people to participate in activities relevant to their faith.

Dementia Connect, for advise and support 03333 150 3456

Dementia Friendly Service Tips

• Hold shorter services, perhaps half an hour long with short sermons 

• Familiar hymns, well known songs and familiar prayers and bible readings

• Designated quiet place in the church in case people are feeling restless

• Trained volunteers (Dementia Friends)  in the congregation to support people with dementia

• Review the environment of the building and access – would people know the location of the toilets?   Is the building  well-lit because dementia can cause visual disorientation and shadows can cause alarm.

• Minimum distractions – limit noise so church leaders can be heard clearly.

• If a person decides to walk around the church, walk with them, comfort and reassure them.   If they don’t wish to return to their seat, it doesn’t matter.

• Memory Boxes in church buildings so that people can use them if feeling unsettled.

• Practicalities of communion may be difficult for people with dementia – people may have difficulties swallowing, maybe a spoon or blessing may be easier for them.

• Relaxed and enjoyable delivery of service

Demetia Friendly Church Resources.

For some examples of Dementia Friendly Worship Sessions from Julie Peek, Highlands Methodist Church Older Peoples worker and Memory Worship Facilitator the click here.

For a presnetation by Julia Barton Jones about Anna Chaplaincy click here.

For a video about building Dememtia Friendly Churches click here.

Funding

Paul & Nick Harvey Fund - Application Guidelines - Music for Dementia.  Deadline for applications 26/2/20.