Finding Grace In The Face Of Dementia

There Is Hope . . . When a patient is diagnosed with dementia, it impacts not only the patient but also those who care for them. It can be devastating to watch loved ones lose the independence, personality, and abilities that once defined them, knowing there is no cure. How should Christians respond to a diagnosis of dementia? Experienced geriatrician Dr. John Dunlop wants to transform the way we view dementia—showing us how God can be honored through such a tragedy as we respect the inherent dignity of all humans made in the image of God. Sharing stories from decades of experience with dementia patients, Dunlop provides readers, particularly caregivers, with a biblical lens through which to understand the experience and challenge of this life-altering disease. Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia will help you see God's purposes as you love and care for those with dementia.

A diagnosis of dementia in a loved one can be both frightening and frustrating. Only a biblical foundation fuels a Christian response that both honors the patient and glorifies God. Drawing on years of professional experience working with Alzheimer's patients, Dr. John Dunlop wants to transform the way we think about dementia. Rooting his vision of care in the inherent dignity that stems from the fact that all people are made in the image of God, he explains biblical principles, describes the experience of dementia, and answers common questions about the condition. With a plan for how to care for patients with compassion and respect, this book helps caregivers, family members, and anyone else affected by dementia honor God as they improve the quality of care to patients.

Winner of the Michael Ramsay Prize 2016 Dementia is one of the most feared diseases in Western society today. Some have even gone so far as to suggest euthanasia as a solution to the perceived indignity of memory loss and the disorientation that accompanies it. Here, John Swinton develops a practical theology of dementia for caregivers, people with dementia, ministers, hospital chaplains, and medical practitioners as he explores two primary questions: • Who am I when I’ve forgotten who I am? • What does it mean to love God and be loved by God when I have forgotten who God is? Offering compassionate and carefully considered theological and pastoral responses to dementia and forgetfulness, Swinton’s Dementia redefines dementia in light of the transformative counter story that is the gospel.

For the weary dementia or Alzheimer's caregiver If you are a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, you carry a heavy load. On top of having to watch someone you love suffer, you are probably losing sleep, growing frustrated, and struggling with loneliness or even depression. With little to no help and no time for a break, this unrelenting stress is hard to carry. Whether that’s you or someone you know, the caregiver needs care, too. Grace for the Unexpected Journey: A 60-Day Devotional for Alzheimer’s and Other Dementia Caregivers provides that support. Each daily devotion: Is short, ideal for demanding schedules Reflects on a relevant Scripture passage Features a relatable caregiving story Offers a key Scripture for meditation Debbie Barr is a speaker, health educator, and the author of multiple books, including Keeping Love Alive As Memory Fades (coauthored with New York Times bestselling author Gary Chapman). As a health educator with a deep concern and compassion for dementia caregivers, she saw their need for faith-based encouragement. With compassion and understanding she uses Scriptures to address their practical hardships and spiritual concerns. When the struggles seem insurmountable, this devotional offers strength. When stress floods in, it points to peace. And when darkness falls, it illuminates hope. Caregivers walk a long, difficult road. This devotional gives grace for their journey.

This practical book explains why Christians are called to care spiritually for people who may not be able to show their response. It assures us that once we commit our lives to Christ, His Holy Spirit comes to live in us, and He has promised never to leave us. This is true hope for weary caregivers and good news for sufferers.

What happens to faith when Christians get dementia? Here, the unique voices of Christians who live with this illness bring insight and prompt theological reflection on the profound questions that dementia asks of faith. Within the boundaries of a biblical agenda, these questions are explored using a model of orientation, disorientation, and reorientation (reminiscent of Brueggemann’s scheme), to seek deeper understanding of faith experience and practice. Arising from the research, fresh theological insights and challenges for the church call for new, creative practices to enable the faith nurture of disciples of Jesus living with this disease. Counterintuitively, the study reveals a growing, positive experience of faith in the light of dementia highlighting the significance of Christian hope. Faith does not end with diagnosis of this illness.

2022 Grand Prize Winner CWFL (Christian Writer's for Life) Book Award What is dementia and how does it differ from Alzheimer’s? What are the signs of dementia and how will my loved one progress along the path? What changes in the brain cause the behaviors? This book is your guide for the journey. Dementia Caregiving from a Biblical Perspective: Your Guide for the Journey contains information about the four main types of dementia and is illustrated by stories. It will help prepare you for the future, recognize pitfalls, as well as highlight the joys of each stage of dementia. Drawing from a Biblical perspective, it points to God’s sustaining grace in the midst of a difficult season. One person can make a difference—the most effective care is nurturing love.

GET CONFIDENCE, GIVE COMPASSION, FIND JOY AS A CAREGIVER What do you do first if someone you love gets a dementia diagnosis, and you’re their main caregiver. Where do you get help and what should you do first? What if you make mistakes and hurt them instead of help? What about the cost – do they have the resources to pay for care? And your family, friends, and boss – will they understand the new demands on your time and support you? Or will everything fall apart? CAN YOU REALLY DO THIS? Life Giving Dementia Care guides you to be a confident, compassionate caregiver for your loved one and for yourself. It’s like chatting with a friend who has “been there and done that,” candidly sharing their own fears, pain, joys, and lessons learned as a caregiver. Part how-to, part memoir, this book shows you step-by-step what to expect and how to plan from early symptoms and diagnosis through estate settlement. Inside, you'll learn about: Symptoms & Diagnosis Learning to be a Caregiver Medical, Legal & Financial Planning Taking Care of Yourself Adding Care Professionals Hospice & End-Of-Life Settling the Estate Healing Yourself Sometimes poignant, sometimes laugh out loud funny, Life Giving Dementia Care will help you develop confidence, strengthen your compassion and lead you to find joy in this tough journey called Caregiving. With patience, understanding, and a dedicated support community...YES, YOU CAN DO THIS!