By Paige Gurgainers –
The Columns Assisted Living and Memory Care is looking to partner with local churches to offer free educational seminars focused on creating dementia-friendly church communities.
The Dementia-Friendly Church educational seminars will be offered at no cost and are designed for pastors, church leaders, ministry volunteers, congregation members and others who want to better understand dementia and learn practical ways to support individuals experiencing memory loss and the family members caring for them.
For many older adults, their church is an important part of their lives, providing faith, friendship, routine and a sense of belonging. When Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia enters the picture, however, changes in memory, communication and behavior can sometimes make remaining involved in church more difficult.
The Columns hopes the seminars will help local congregations better understand those challenges and provide simple tools that can make their churches more welcoming and supportive.
During the educational seminar, participants will learn more about dementia and memory loss, including common signs and behaviors they may encounter. The discussion will cover ways to communicate with someone experiencing memory loss, how to respond to confusion or changes in behavior, and practical steps churches can take to create a more comfortable environment.
The seminar will also focus on the family caregiver. Participants will discuss ways churches can recognize caregiver strain and provide meaningful support to families navigating dementia.
The goal is not to make church members experts in dementia care. Instead, the seminar is intended to increase awareness, encourage understanding and give congregations practical information they can use when a member of their church family begins experiencing memory loss.
Time will also be available for questions and discussion, allowing participants to talk about situations they may already be encountering within their own congregations.
The Columns is offering the free seminars as part of its effort to serve as an educational resource for seniors, caregivers and families throughout the communities it serves.
There is no cost for churches to participate or host a seminar. Churches interested in scheduling a Dementia-Friendly Church educational seminar are encouraged to contact Paige Gurgainers, Director of Digital Growth & Strategy for Valiant Communities, at paige@valiantcommunities.com.
The Columns will work directly with interested churches to coordinate a date and format that works best for their congregation.
Through the program, The Columns hopes to help start conversations that allow individuals living with dementia and the people who care for them to remain connected to their churches and continue experiencing the fellowship, support and sense of belonging that their faith communities provide.