The Peace With Dementia Rosary by Matthew Estrade
Matthew Estrade with Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond at a Catholic healthcare conference.“ The Catholic Aging ministry fills a unique need in bringing hope and support for families experiencing any number of diseases causing dementia.
Matthew’s book, videos, and prayer wall connect families to encouragement and tips for caregiving each day. .”
Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond
Archbishop of New Orleans
June 27, 2022
Imprimatur
Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond
Archbishop of New Orleans
June 6, 2019
You will learn:
- What is the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?
- What you might expect on the dementia journey with its ups, downs, and turns.
- The advantages of visiting a doctor when experiencing memory or other cognitive issues.
- What is ‘ambiguous loss’ that so many dementia caregivers experience?
- Why should “problem behaviors” really be viewed by us as are “behavioral expressions” and why is that so important?
What are readers saying?
Hope began to flood in as I read the book cover to cover in a day and gained new insight..new hope and embraced the truth that life is not over..simply changed…and that it is possible to experience hope and even have joy in the midst of facing dementia. My husband found profound consolation in my reading the meditations aloud to him and comfort in knowing he is not alone. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for breaking the silence of this confusing illness and providing the words to guide our prayer into a place of consolation and peace.
A.S., Spousal Care Partner
I would suggest to any care partner, let the Holy Spirit show you how to use this book. Before going to visit your partner, ask for guidance to find the appropriate prayer that would come in handy for that time. Use the resources and suggestions found in the appendices. Whenever possible, make time to say at least some of the mysteries with your partner. Thank you, Matt, for the labor of love that shows the face of Christ and gives a cool cup of water to Care Partners and their loved ones living with dementia.
Deacon Julius Laurent
Matt Estrade’s “Peace with Dementia Rosary” is a treasure. Estrade prays with the reader through all four sets of mysteries, providing a brief practical lesson along with a relevant reflection for each of the mysteries, inviting the reader to unite their experience of being affected by dementia with the life of Jesus. I also must note that this book and its reflections are meant for both the person living with dementia and their loved ones. I love how Estrade uses the term care-partners to describe all parties in the relationship, emphasizing the active role of the person with the diagnosis. Beautiful and highly recommended!
Practical Tips and Advice
“The rosary reflections alone make this a great resource, however, the author further supplements the book with excellent worksheets that help facilitate conversations around personalize spiritual care for the person living with dementia (all backed by research), and includes a ton of suggested books, readings, and resources for support. These appendices make this book thoroughly practical in addition to inspirational, because let’s face it: we need both on this journey. This reader is left with a sense of encouragement, empowerment, and hope in reading this book.”
-Catholic Healthcare Chaplain
Find worksheets on:
When friends dry up
Maintaining dignity in dementia
Assessment of personal music preference (Dr. Linda Gerner, Stanford University)
Positive aspects of caregiving
Preserving family traditions
Farrington Leasure Interest Inventory (online)
Who will love The Peace with Dementia Rosary?
- Caregivers (called ‘care partners’ in the book)
- Persons living with most dementia-types who enjoy reading or being read to
- Priests, Deacons, and Religious to learn and recommend to Parishioners
- Hospital, Long-term care, and hospice Chaplains
- Professionals in eldercare
- Doctors, Nurses, Social workers and other professionals
Consider sponsoring a box of books for your Parish, Ministry, or Facility!
Contact Matthew about purchasing 25 or more books at a discount.
Who should consider sponsoring a box of books?
- Knights of Columbus
- Catholic Daughters of America
- Knights of Peter Claver
- St. Vincent DePaul
- Prayer and Healing Ministries
- Those visiting the home-bound and long-term care facilities
- Many others
More Feedback from Readers:
I love how you related the intentions of the mysteries to dementia. The mysteries now have new meaning to me. Before, I would state the mystery and try to think about that specific one during the decade. Now, I can concentrate more specifically on how it relates to me and my bride of 55 years and her disease. You were truly touched and inspired by Jesus and Mary when writing this book Your inspiration has been passed on to others like me. Matt, I really appreciate all you have done for the group and for me personally. I could not have asked for anyone that is more kind, more caring, or more attentive to others. I feel blessed having you guide me through “the journey.” You have discovered your ministry. God Bless You.
Joe B., Spousal Care Partner
Matt, Your very special rosary is just a great idea. Well done!!! The appendices in the back are great resources and very informative. Thanks so much! I’m sure of the book’s success and its contribution to those lives touched by the dementias. Congrats!
Patty Z, Occupational Therapist
I highly recommend “The Peace With Dementia Rosary” by Matthew Estrade. Do not let the title fool you. It is not a “Catholic only” book. I’m Baptist and I found the book inspirational as well as educational, informational and useful. This book has a wealth of information for care partners of all denominations. It was full of extra resources that included recommended books, websites, articles and guide sheets. The scripture that is sprinkled throughout the book gives us insight into what we can learn about God’s plan, about ourselves and about our experiences. It’s a reminder that you are not alone.
“Fear not, for I am with you: be not dismayed, for I am your God.” Isaiah 41:10.
J.D.
As a caregiver to my spouse for the last decade I have read many books . I must say this book is quite unique . I was able to bring our adult children together at our home to participate in “The Peace With Dementia Rosary” while learning at the same time more about Dementia. No one had to worry about what to talk about we simply prayed the Dementia Rosary and it actually gave us a sense of peace and comfort . A book with a lot of helpful information for the caregiver and several list of outside resources for dementia .To Matthew Estrade , you are a young author with uplifting and refreshing ideas . I truly enjoyed this book especially with our children . It gives me hope to know I will be praying the dementia rosary again and again with many others and will buy several to gift to my community.
C.B.
What is in the The Peace with Dementia Rosary?
