“Many caregivers report feeling abandoned by their church families.  Once they are unable to get to church on Sunday, they can feel forgotten.  One pastor noted, “Sometimes I think the church has an Alzheimer’s of it’s own,” referring to our tendency to forget those who are no longer present on Sunday.  Many caregivers long for the church to journey with them through this difficult stage of life. Stay present.  Check in.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you as you listen and care for them.”

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregiver Month.  As the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s diseases continues to surge, our systems of care have struggled to meet the need.  After the initial diagnosis, care often moves out of the doctor’s office and into the community—giving Christians and churches both the challenge and opportunity of responding to this question: How can I love my neighbor with dementia?

We can start by learning about Alzheimer’s disease and build upon that by living out the gospel in their care.  Here are 10 things to remember about Alzheimer’s and caregiving.

1. Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, and there is no cure.  The memory problems only get worse and eventually other functions of the brain are affected including judgment, decision-making, communication and problem solving.
2. Not surprisingly, Alzheimer’s is one of the most feared medical conditions among older people and many baby boomers.
3. People with Alzheimer’s disease and the family members who care for them (caregivers) experience the pain of Alzheimer’s disease differently but equally.  Many caregivers feel a mix of weariness, burden, depression and grief.   We should care for both the person diagnosed and their caregivers.
4. People with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias continue to feel the same spiritual and emotional needs as the rest of us.  They have need for faith, hope and love. Indeed, perhaps their greatest need is love.
5. Loneliness is one of the major challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.  Even when your loved ones can no longer remember your name, they still need your friendship and presence in their lives.
6. Many caregivers report feeling abandoned by their church families.  Once they are unable to get to church on Sunday, they can feel forgotten.  One pastor noted, “Sometimes I think the church has an Alzheimer’s of it’s own,” referring to our tendency to forget those who are no longer present on Sunday.  Many caregivers long for the church to journey with them through this difficult stage of life. Stay present.  Check in.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you as you listen and care for them.

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