This article was written specifically for the Nation Catholic Partnership on Disability on September 1, 2020. Below is an excerpt with a link to the NCPD website. Please check out this great organization.
______
Meet Mr. J, who was very active in ministry at his Catholic parish. He can be very loud and repeats the same three phrases when you meet him, but is joyful as he sings all of the right words to each hymn in Mass. When Mr J, who is living with dementia, had issues performing his ministry duties, he was left off of the schedule without any notice. Rightfully upset for not being informed, his wife who is his caregiver, spoke with the leader and Mr. J officially resigned from that ministry.
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a group of chronic symptoms that may include: memory impairment disrupting everyday life; diminished judgment; inability to plan; challenges with words and communication; disorientation of time and place; and other symptoms. Dementia can be caused by Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, vascular dementia, frontotemporal degeneration, and traumatic brain injury. Persons living with Down syndrome have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
While dementia is a disability, it is often thought of as an invisible condition because it can be difficult to sense that someone has it. In passing, persons who are living with the early stages of dementia may look like anyone else. If you spend more time with them, you may notice challenges in finding the right words, following a complex conversation, or planning the route home. The fact that others may not be able to “see” dementia can cause a unique stress on caregivers. When family and friends do not sense an issue, it is easy for others to do the same. Hence, the challenges of the caregiver go unrecognized – no phone calls or prayers or help are offered.
Read the entire article at: https://ncpd.org/dementiafriendlyparish
_______
Support this ministry and get help at the same time. Visit MyCatholicDoctor.com to schedule a consultation with Matthew, join a Living with Dementia Support Group, or join a Dementia Caregiver Support Group.
If you do not need services but want to help, you can also support us at: https://www.patreon.com/PeaceWithDementia
Join the weekly email newsletter and receive new articles when they are available. Click HERE.
