Helping Those Affected by Dementia

In this episode, host David Nakhla is joined by OPC member and dementia care advocate Lizette Cloete to explore how deacons and their churches can better care for congregants and families affected by dementia. Lizette explains what dementia is, how it differs from Alzheimer’s disease, and why many worldly approaches to dementia care can be misguided. Drawing from both personal and professional experience and a biblical worldview, she challenges churches to see those living with dementia not primarily through the lens of loss, but as image bearers of God who retain their value and place within the covenant community.

Lizette focuses especially on the role that deacons and churches can play in supporting both dementia sufferers and their caregivers. She offers a few proactive care strategies to help the church; from respite care to meal support, transportation, and companionship, helping families remain connected to worship. As the number of families affected by dementia continues to grow, churches and deacons have a unique opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s care through intentional mercy ministry.

Referenced in this episode:

• thinkdifferentdementia.com
• Email Lizette Cloete (for advice, encouragement and speaking engagements)
• Dementia Caregivers Support for Christians podcast
• Dementia: Living in the Memories of God by John Swinton
• Blame It on the Brain by Edward T. Welch

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