Dementia Program

It seems that every week, there is at least one story in the media focusing on the impact of dementia in our society. It is widely recognised as a significant and growing issue for Australian society with an estimated 195,000 Australians over 65 years of age having dementia.

Dementia is a term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses, which cause a progressive decline in the ability to remember, to think and to learn. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. The main characteristics of dementia are memory loss, confusion and changes in personality. These changes affect the physical, social, functional and emotional life of the person with dementia, family and friends.

I commenced as Pastoral Associate (Dementia Services) in January 2004 and work primarily with the residents at St Joseph's Village, Auburn who have been diagnosed with dementia or significant memory loss issues. Prior to this I had been involved in primary education in schools in NSW and Queensland for twenty years. As well as my initial teaching qualifications, I have Graduate Diplomas in Religious Education, Christian Leadership and more recently Ageing and Pastoral Studies.

The project evolved from a group of staff at St Joseph's recognising the need to provide appropriate Pastoral Care to an increasing number of residents within the facility with dementia. My appointment was a commitment by the village to assist those with significant memory loss in their search for purpose and meaning.

Spiritual reminiscence, story telling or compiling a life story of the resident (through talking with the resident, family and friends) are some of the ways I use in coming to 'know' my residents. I have become a custodian of their story and assist them "to remember" when they can no longer do it for themselves.

Spiritual reminiscence involves a way of telling a life story with an emphasis on what gives meaning to life; what has given joy or brought sadness. Through these sessions, I guide them to discover times and places where they have encountered God along life's journey. During one session, I asked the question "What are you searching for in your life?" Responses from residents with dementia included, "Peace"; "Happiness" and then after a pause one responded "Meaning …have you ever thought how empty life would be if Jesus had never been born?" Another time, when talking about prayer, a resident recalled his experience of praying in the jungles of New Guinea during World War ll.

Each week, the residents at Carinya (secure dementia unit) have the opportunity to participate in Prayer and worship and a Scripture Reflection Group. They respond quite spontaneously to Scripture and Music. One of the Care Staff, recognising the positive response of residents to these times, offered to lead the residents in a time of prayer each Sunday. Here my role is now one of preparing suitable resources for her.

Through my regular visits; the residents have come to recognise me as 'part' of their life and warmly welcome me. At one time, a resident took to gathering the other residents for prayer each time I came through the door, saying, "the lady who prays is here."

Sometimes I use a Memory Box, which gives the residents an opportunity to touch familiar religious objects and to respond to them. Items within a Memory box might include a Bible, missals, prayer books, cross, rosary beads, holy pictures etc. Sometimes other objects can be used to stimulate recall of significant and meaningful events of one's life.

I also offer support and reassurance to resident's families and staff at the facility. Feedback from residents and families and staff have indicated that the introduction of a planned regular program of pastoral care has significantly enhanced renewal and upholding of faith for the residents with dementia. I have truly been enriched and blessed through this privileged ministry.

Sr Judith Lythall sm.