Religion and the Alzheimer’s Patient

“The minister’s wife came to visit me,” Mother exclaimed, when I visited her at the nursing home.  “She read to me from the Bible.  We prayed.”

This meant a great deal to Mother, who had attended church regularly.  The minister and his wife from a nearby church conducted a service at the nursing home Sunday afternoons.  Sometimes the minister’s wife visited during the week and talked with the residents.

Many churches do provide services at nursing homes for the residents.  The frequency of these services depends on the church, their proximity to the nursing home and the number of members who can visit.  Often during religious holidays, there will be special events.

             Questions often arise concerning some of the rituals conducted by various religions and whether the Alzheimer’s patient can participate or needs to understand why they’re participating.  An answer to a question concerning communion was considered, in a column the Pocono (PA) Record.

Consult with someone in your church or whom you consider knowledgeable when it comes to providing answers and solutions for your Alzheimer’s family member.