Ship of Fools: Aged care chaplaincy

Thread: Aged care chaplaincy Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.

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Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :

As part of my training for ordained ministry I will shortly be visiting residents in aged care facilities. Some of them are dementia patients.

I kind of get the whole "chaplaincy" thing in theory but I'm wondering if those of you with experience might share some specific prayers or scripture readings that you have found helpful in these situations (if/when the need arises).

The context is ecumenical.

Any other advice for a noob welcome too.

Thanks!

Posted by art dunce (# 9258) on :

I was a lay pastoral care minister for quite a while and spent a great deal of time with those with dementia and Alzheimer's and interestingly they all remembered the Lord''s Prayer. It was so ingrained that even the ones who had no idea why I was there or what was going on would temporarily brighten and remember almost every word. It was powerful.

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :

I spent the latter part of the 1980s working residentially with older people and agree with what art dunce says above - and I wouldn't worry too much about what you say, I think you will find that will come to you. What you need to do is be with them, be present and listen to the people you are with and hold a hand or put a hand on a shoulder - as people age they get less and less physical contact and in a care facility a lot of the contact that is given is maintenance contact.

If you have time read a little bit about Diversionary Therapy so if an elderly woman, for instance, talks about going home to her mother to cook the tea take it as a cue to ask her about her mother or her memories.

Be patient and listen and I think you will it rewarding.

ETA: these people are a great source of living history, I know that working with the elderly, whilst it had its frustrations, taught me a heck of a lot.

[ 05. November 2012, 01:15: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]

Posted by deusluxmea (# 15765) on :

Hello Evensong,

I agree with the above poster that it is amazing how the mind remembers certain things like the words to the Lords Prayer. Depending on the context, hymns may work in a similar fashion. My dad volunteered running a choir in a nursing home and said that even the most comatose-looking people would come "alive" and sing all the words to popular songs.

When I did clinical pastoral education, I found that senior patients quite liked having the Bible read to them. I'd let them pick a passage. Felt a bit useless with the patients suffering from dementia, but some just wanted to hold my hand, which was okay too.

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :

listen listen listen listen. They want to be heard. they want to not be disregarded. They may not know where or when they are, but they know OH SO MUCH. listen to the stories and you will both be transformed. forget any goals or needs on your part and let them lead.

and on another note - if you have hospice volunteers down there, go talk to them. hospice is an amazing program.

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :

quote:
Originally posted by deusluxmea:
Hello Evensong,

I agree with the above poster that it is amazing how the mind remembers certain things like the words to the Lords Prayer. Depending on the context, hymns may work in a similar fashion. My dad volunteered running a choir in a nursing home and said that even the most comatose-looking people would come "alive" and sing all the words to popular songs.

Seconded, from some experience. Bring a few people to play a piano and help the singing along and this works a dream. Keep it to about half an hour though. Little and often seems to be best.

Posted by Spike (# 36) on :

I take a service at a local nursing home on a regular basis where most of the residents suffer from dementia. I find familiar prayers (i.e the Lord's Prayer) work very well. Avoid anything with responses as they won't join in. I also find Bible Stories aimed at children very good as opposed to actual readings from scripture.

Above all else, don't be upset or offended if they appear to be ignoring you.

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :

Thanks folks. Some great tips. [Smile]

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :

Use an old, traditional version of the bible, eg King James.

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :

Another good tip!

And in terms of the Lord's Prayer, I suspect I should dredge up how to say it the old way (trespasses) instead of how it has been revised in the Anglican prayerbook.....

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :

The awkward thing is trying to find the right balance when doing a service in an aged care facility. I take a service in one every fortnight - some patients are dementia care, but there are quite a few others who are very lucid, are able to assist with prayers etc. The balance is providing something for everyone.

I support totally using the BCP version of the Lord's Prayer, the connection of the otherwise disconnected is often astounding; but I use the NRSV for the gospel reading and find it works well. Where possible, have a service for the whole of rhe gathered community - which includes staff (praying for them and giving thanks for their work and any issues in the facility,; for family members, and for the 'sick' of the community who are unable to attend the service.

I print out a simple order of service for them - in large font: those who can read and follow it; and take the copy back to their room and I know some of them use the reading, prayers etc during the next fortnight.

And yes, yes - do use music - I take a CD player with sung hymns on it - old time favoutites - while when our Pastoral Assistant takes a service, he plays for them.

I find it a VERY rewarding experience, and has opened up many pastoral opportunities: I've been asked to take residents funerals, I have been asked to take the baptism of staff's grandchildren etc.

Posted by Roseofsharon (# 9657) on :

Not an answer to the OP, but as an encouragement to those who do this ministry amongst the frail elderly:

Our local rector took the communion service this morning at the Elderly Care Home where I used to work. A lady he hadn't seen before came along, and wept throughout the service.
It seems that she had been housebound for a long time before moving into residential care and this was the first time she had taken communion in ten years.

Posted by Amos (# 44) on :

Remember that you have a mix of people. Some suffer from dementia. Some have wonderfully clear minds, but are physically very frail. I take a service at a nursing home here, and echo the advice to use old, familiar forms of service. I have one lady (of 99) in my congregation who knows the whole BCP service by heart and loves to say it very quietly with me.

Remember that the people who get wheeled into your service may well include those with decades of experience as elders in the church. Churchwardens. Readers. The children, and the parents, of clergy. One of my nursing home congregation is the father of a woman in Holy Orders. He's so proud of her, and takes a huge interest in this parish so he can tell her about it when she visits.

If the staff of the nursing home seem simply relieved to pass over the care of some of the residents to you for half an hour--as if you were leading a class in zumba or yoga--don't take it amiss. They trust you. They may well be drained. Good nursing home staff really care about the people they look after, and the job is draining. Pray for them too.

Posted by Mark Wuntoo (# 5673) on :

Which leads me to suggest - don't ignore the care home staff. On the one hand, they are probably under great pressure to get things done (tasks) rather than to relate to residents (people-centred) and a good ear will be welcomed by them. On the other hand, some will need a good kick up the proverbial (care homes in UK often pay low wages to untrained staff who consequently sometimes lose their initial enthusiasm to care). As a visitor (not a chaplain) I have become involved in all manner of stuff and some of it is difficult to manage, for me.
I would echo that being with people who are confused, agitated, asleep (!) can be most rewarding - look for the flashes of memory and inspiration.

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :

One of the reasons I love this ship so much is the wealth of experience and insight you all have to offer.

I attended my first visit alone today. I saw two nonagenarians. I think they went well.

My husband is a Geriatrician so he has provided lots of insight as well but your insights were invaluable.

Thank you. [Angel]

I see my supervisor tomorrow (a priest) and will discuss what happens next.

It is certainly an area of need.

[Votive]

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