Susan Kirkbride - Worshipping with people with dementia 'Making connections'

1. Making Connections
Worshipping with people with dementia
5th Annual Conference on Spirituality and Ageing 2013
Susan Kirkbride
Minister, Saughtonhall Church, Edinburgh

2. Agenda
 Value of worship
 My story
 Involving others
 Some practicalities
 Questions

3. Why bother
 Worship provides a way for people to
express their spirituality.
 Meaningful activity
 Improved mood/wellbeing
 Being able to participate
 Give
 Interact
 Reduces challenging behaviour

5. Sharing worship
in public settings
 Care Home
 Day Care
 Hospital

6. Worship
The word that became flesh
has become word again!

7. Music
Music is THE key
 Familiar hymns
 Slow and low
 Piano playing

8. Evolving a different style of
worship
 Visual

9. I lift my eyes to the hills

10. All things
bright and
beautiful…

11. I am the good shepherd…

12. Evolving a different style of
worship
 Visual
 Non-verbal
 Acting out readings
 Stimulating other senses
 props

13. Alternative „visuals‟ / use of senses
 Bread
 Bulbs
 Flowers
 Fish
 Christian Aid

14.  The Olympics

16. God does not grow tired
Isaiah 40

17. Some practical „learnings‟

18. Realising this is “church”
 Visual cues
 Collar
 Physical layout
 Podium with bible
 Linen cloth
 Flowers
 Candle

19. Realising this is “church”
 Non verbal cues
 Playing music as they
come in and leave
 Greeting
 Smiling
 Eye contact
 Sitting down with someone

20. Words in Worship
 Repetition
 The message has to be brief and slow but
not trite
 Scripture in a familiar version; get
someone to read?
 Hymns printed out
 „singing through gritted teeth‟
 Prayer
 Off by heart – or clear structure

21. Brief prayer
An appropriate prayer – to be said very slowly
 Prayer of approach Thank you God, that you
have always loved
the world you have made.
 Confession How ever far
we may stray from you
 Assurance of pardon Your love is always there
to welcome us
 Thanksgiving Thanks be to God

22. Making it happen
 Staff support is key
 Help preparing the venue
 Good opportunity for involvement from
Congregation
 Regularity
 Music
 Have some sweets!

23. Listening
 “I have not been to church in such a long
time”
 Being present
 Taking them seriously
 They are fed by the experience

24. Summary
 Connections
 Senses
 Paced
 Simplicity
 So why bother?

25. Questions

26. I lift my eyes to the
hills

41. My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth

42. My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth

43. © Susan Kirkbride 2013