Helping Christians to respond to
dementia patients' needs

By PATRICK KEE

A WORKSHOP to help Christian caregivers understand and respond to the needs of persons with dementia from a Christian perspective was held on July 22, 2006 at Sophia Blackmore Hall at Methodist Centre.


The workshop was facilitated by Ms Kwok Sian Yee, Executive Officer of the Bethany Home Help Service, and conducted by Ms Sigi Hetzler, an occupational therapist who is providing rehabilitation, therapy and training services to nursing homes.


To allow for group work, the number of participants had to be limited to 80 but interest was high. We had 86 participants and had to turn away about 40 others who had wanted to attend.


The participants looked at the different types of dementia such as Alzheimer's Disease and vascular dementia. Some of the myths about dementia were debunked and the importance to understand fears such as loss of control and loss of significance was addressed.


Participants were led to see that the behavioural problems in dementia are a result of the effect of the disease process on the body, soul and spirit, and the need to help patients overcome these effects by understanding their internal needs and to touch their hearts through loving actions.


The workshop was organised following a meeting of the Central District of the TRAC Board of Outreach and Social Concerns where the need to develop a ministry for patients with dementia was discussed. During the workshop, it was clear that there is a need to cater to different groups of caregivers separately - e.g., a strictly family caregivers group and another for lay volunteers. Talks on dementia will also be helpful.


We had several participants from St Luke's Community Hospital as well as St Andrew's Community Chapel. In addition to generating awareness of the problem of dementia, the Lord has opened our eyes to the need for unity in the Christian community in outreach and social concerns so that we will be a more effective witness of His amazing love.

Dr Patrick Kee is the Chairman of the TRAC Board of Outreach and Social Concerns.

A group of participants deep in discussion. - TRAC picture.