Friday 22 August 2008

As our society ages, parish priests and parish workers are increasingly being called upon to minister to people with varying stages of dementia. For some, this can be a confronting experience. For others, rewarding and uplifting.

In response to calls from priests, religious and parish workers, Catholic Health Australia (CHA), the peak body representing Catholic health, aged care and community care providers in Australia, has launched a booklet, 'Ministering to people with dementia: a pastoral guide'.

Developed in partnership with Alzheimer’s Australia and in consultation with priests, nuns and theologians, the booklet provides guidance to help those in our parishes support the spiritual journey of people with dementia.

Copies of the booklet have been sent to parishes across Australia, where one of the priests involved in reviewing the booklet, Fr Tony Doherty, Parish Priest of Rose Bay and Dover Heights in NSW, hopes it will serve as a useful resource.
 
"The booklet is both practical and inspiring. I’ve been surprised at how helpful it is in underlining the larger issues of ageing and reminding us of simple strategies for relating to people with dementia," Fr Tony Doherty said.

"The stories and visuals provide a potent connection to the world of aged people … the personal stories it includes are both moving and a reminder to those of us ministering of the complex human being in front of us.

"I believe this publication will be of great use to parish ministers and families experiencing dementia in one form or another … and offer my conviction that it will find a receptive parish need."

Commenting on the launch of the booklet, CHA CEO, Mr Martin Laverty, said it was a privilege to be involved in this project.

"In developing this booklet, CHA was extremely fortunate in being able to draw on the wealth of experience and wisdom found among our members who work everyday with people with dementia in both community and residential aged care settings," Mr Laverty said.

"We hope it serves as both a practical guide and inspiration."

The booklet also has the backing of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC).

"I commend all priests and parishes in Australia to make constant reference to this timely publication," ACBC President Archbishop Philip Wilson commented. "It is a sensitive and comprehensive contribution to pastoral ministry."

For more information about the booklet, Ministering to people with dementia: a pastoral guide, or to order copies, please contact Julia Trimboli at CHA t:02 6260 5980, e: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.cha.org.

Dementia facts & statistics*

1. While the risk of dementia increases with age, dementia is not a natural part of ageing
2. There are more than 100 conditions that cause dementia
3. Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia, accounts for between 50% and 70% of all cases
4. A person with dementia will live for an average of four to eight years, depending on their age at diagnosis
5. In Australia, there are currently 227 300 people with dementia, with the number expected to be 731 000 by 2050 unless there is a medical breakthrough
6. Dementia can affect younger people—currently over 9600 Australians under the age of 65 have younger onset dementia
7. In 2002, over 5000 Australians died from dementia
8. About half of people with moderate to severe dementia live in the community either in their own homes, or in the home of their carer—the other half live in residential facilities

*Source: Alzheimer’s Australia, www.alzheimers.org.au/upload/StatisticsMar08.pdf