Overview

"Encouragement and guidance for ministering to those with dementia Millions of Christians suffer from dementia diseases such as Alzheimer's, making ministry to them difficult as they lose memories and the ability to communicate. Drawing on her years of experience as a long-term care chaplain, Kathy Berry provides practical information and tools to equip ministers and lay leaders to meet the spiritual and pastoral needs of those living with dementia. Chapters cover vital topics, including these: Identifying those who may be showing signs of dementia and learning how to support them as they seek a diagnosis Communicating with dementia patients as their language skills decline Meeting the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of people with dementia--and the needs of their caregivers An invaluable resource to meet a growing need for congregations around the country, When Words Fail equips readers to answer Christ's call to minister to ""the least of these."""

Full Product Details

9780825445590

Table of Contents

Reviews

Dementia ministries are needed in every congregation around the world, for it touches every single church out there. Kathy Fogg Berry gives practical solutions and guidance for pastors, older adult ministers, and caregivers alike. Informational and inspirational. -- (06/29/2018) Faith communities are on the front lines of the dementia crisis in this country. So often those living with dementia and their families turn first to faith leaders for solace and support. Kathy Fogg Berry is a leading voice on the vital importance of continued spiritual life of those with dementia. Based on her decades of experience and success in improving quality of life and continuing spiritual engagement, Berry offers practical advice for communities of all faiths to ensure that those impacted by dementia and their care partners can continue faith practices as valued members of their communities. -- (06/29/2018) In my work with United Methodist Churches in the Virginia Conference, I often hear from congregations who want to strengthen their caring ministries with older adults. In those conversations, more than one person will say they want to expand their visitation ministry with members who have dementia and other challenges with memory. However, most will add that they have no idea what to say or do during those visits. Their fears keep them from maintaining the connection between the faith community, the individuals and their care partners. When Words Fail offers practical advice and simple steps that can encourage every person to join in this vital area of ministry. What a tremendous resource Rev. Kathy Fogg Berry provides for the local church. -- (06/29/2018) Vibrant and honest, When Words Fail addresses major concerns of a person with dementia and their loved ones, focusing especially on the spiritual. Kathy Berry's years of experience as a chaplain to elders serve to provide effective approaches and words to say, recognizing that these change across the stages of dementia. Words may fail the person with dementia, but those around her can learn to use effective words! Addressing churches directly, Berry provides a roadmap for developing a dementia ministry using many resources they already have. I especially enjoyed the section on the use of music for coping with dementia, considering rhythm, movement and breathing. Kathy Berry is a mentor to us all in this effort to help those with dementia maintain a connection to God and to help the Church minister through the end of life. Berry emphasizes the power of listening, and that is exactly what we should do in reading this book. -- (06/29/2018) One of the biggest challenges to improving the lives of people with dementia is helping family, friends, and community members to feel comfortable interacting with the person with dementia. We are a language dependent society. Kathy understands this and opens the doors to understanding why language is difficult for someone with dementia. She teaches us how to change our behaviors, how to connect with the individual based upon their retained communication skills: living in the present, listening, touch, offering experiences that appeal to the senses, music, and valuing people for who they are. This easy to read, handbook has become a staple in my dementia care library. -- (06/29/2018) As a primary caregiver for someone with dementia, and facilitator of a support group for caregivers, I have found Kathy Berry's book When Words Fail a valuable help. Her clear, user-friendly language resonates with caregivers who need such a help in their thirty-six-hour day. Her division into the three stage of dementia and helpful case studies offers the kind of help caregivers need. An added help are worship services and devotions applicable to any situation. Berry's conclusion are guides for visitors: 'Enter into the reality of the person you are visiting, help them access their faith, and never be afraid to visit someone.' If I could suggest one book for caregivers, it would be this one. -- (06/29/2018) Do all the good you can; In all the ways you can; To all the people you can. This excerpt from John Wesley's poem describes the essence of Kathy Fogg Berry's book. Her insightful and caring approach will enable others to provide friendship, inclusion, and spiritual ministry for people living with dementia and their caregivers across all stages of their journey. With understanding borne from years of experience, she offers readers practical pathways and resources to successfully guide them on their journey of doing all the good they can to all the people they can. -- (06/29/2018) All of us are only a few degrees of separation from someone living with dementia among our family, friends and spiritual circles. Kathy Berry's pastoral experience and theological knowledge as a chaplain in a senior living community gives her a rich and valuable perspective to address this crucial issue. In her book, When Words Fail, she explains dementia in understandable ways and encourages readers like us to take action with compassion and hope. Read this book, keep it close and refer to it often. You'll find an invaluable resource that will help you lean in and support those with dementia and their care partners. -- (06/29/2018) When Words Fail reflects the loving way residents with memory challenges are cared for at Westminster Canterbury Richmond. Through the leadership of Kathy Fogg Berry and our Pastoral Care staff, our residents, their families and our employee caregivers, are grounded in the sure knowledge that each of us is loved and remembered by God throughout every moment of our lives. This firm foundation provides the day-to-day strength to offer interactive and appropriate care to each of our residents, knowing that our residents benefit regardless of their ability to respond. It is my hope that others will be reassured of this truth and learn from this resource new ways to offer care to those with dementia and to support their families and caregivers. -- (06/29/2018)

Dementia ministries are needed in every congregation around the world, for it touches every single church out there. Kathy Fogg Berry gives practical solutions and guidance for pastors, older adult ministers, and caregivers alike. Informational and inspirational. -- (06/29/2018) Faith communities are on the front lines of the dementia crisis in this country. So often those living with dementia and their families turn first to faith leaders for solace and support. Kathy Fogg Berry is a leading voice on the vital importance of continued spiritual life of those with dementia. Based on her decades of experience and success in improving quality of life and continuing spiritual engagement, Berry offers practical advice for communities of all faiths to ensure that those impacted by dementia and their care partners can continue faith practices as valued members of their communities. -- (06/29/2018) All of us are only a few degrees of separation from someone living with dementia among our family, friends and spiritual circles. Kathy Berry's pastoral experience and theological knowledge as a chaplain in a senior living community gives her a rich and valuable perspective to address this crucial issue. In her book, When Words Fail, she explains dementia in understandable ways and encourages readers like us to take action with compassion and hope. Read this book, keep it close and refer to it often. You'll find an invaluable resource that will help you lean in and support those with dementia and their care partners. -- (06/29/2018) In my work with United Methodist Churches in the Virginia Conference, I often hear from congregations who want to strengthen their caring ministries with older adults. In those conversations, more than one person will say they want to expand their visitation ministry with members who have dementia and other challenges with memory. However, most will add that they have no idea what to say or do during those visits. Their fears keep them from maintaining the connection between the faith community, the individuals and their care partners. When Words Fail offers practical advice and simple steps that can encourage every person to join in this vital area of ministry. What a tremendous resource Rev. Kathy Fogg Berry provides for the local church. -- (06/29/2018) Vibrant and honest, When Words Fail addresses major concerns of a person with dementia and their loved ones, focusing especially on the spiritual. Kathy Berry's years of experience as a chaplain to elders serve to provide effective approaches and words to say, recognizing that these change across the stages of dementia. Words may fail the person with dementia, but those around her can learn to use effective words! Addressing churches directly, Berry provides a roadmap for developing a dementia ministry using many resources they already have. I especially enjoyed the section on the use of music for coping with dementia, considering rhythm, movement and breathing. Kathy Berry is a mentor to us all in this effort to help those with dementia maintain a connection to God and to help the Church minister through the end of life. Berry emphasizes the power of listening, and that is exactly what we should do in reading this book. -- (06/29/2018) One of the biggest challenges to improving the lives of people with dementia is helping family, friends, and community members to feel comfortable interacting with the person with dementia. We are a language dependent society. Kathy understands this and opens the doors to understanding why language is difficult for someone with dementia. She teaches us how to change our behaviors, how to connect with the individual based upon their retained communication skills: living in the present, listening, touch, offering experiences that appeal to the senses, music, and valuing people for who they are. This easy to read, handbook has become a staple in my dementia care library. -- (06/29/2018) As a primary caregiver for someone with dementia, and facilitator of a support group for caregivers, I have found Kathy Berry's book When Words Fail a valuable help. Her clear, user-friendly language resonates with caregivers who need such a help in their thirty-six-hour day. Her division into the three stage of dementia and helpful case studies offers the kind of help caregivers need. An added help are worship services and devotions applicable to any situation. Berry's conclusion are guides for visitors: 'Enter into the reality of the person you are visiting, help them access their faith, and never be afraid to visit someone.' If I could suggest one book for caregivers, it would be this one. -- (06/29/2018) When Words Fail reflects the loving way residents with memory challenges are cared for at Westminster Canterbury Richmond. Through the leadership of Kathy Fogg Berry and our Pastoral Care staff, our residents, their families and our employee caregivers, are grounded in the sure knowledge that each of us is loved and remembered by God throughout every moment of our lives. This firm foundation provides the day-to-day strength to offer interactive and appropriate care to each of our residents, knowing that our residents benefit regardless of their ability to respond. It is my hope that others will be reassured of this truth and learn from this resource new ways to offer care to those with dementia and to support their families and caregivers. -- (06/29/2018) Do all the good you can; In all the ways you can; To all the people you can. This excerpt from John Wesley's poem describes the essence of Kathy Fogg Berry's book. Her insightful and caring approach will enable others to provide friendship, inclusion, and spiritual ministry for people living with dementia and their caregivers across all stages of their journey. With understanding borne from years of experience, she offers readers practical pathways and resources to successfully guide them on their journey of doing all the good they can to all the people they can. -- (06/29/2018)

Dementia ministries are needed in every congregation around the world, for it touches every single church out there. Kathy Fogg Berry gives practical solutions and guidance for pastors, older adult ministers, and caregivers alike. Informational and inspirational. -- (06/29/2018) Faith communities are on the front lines of the dementia crisis in this country. So often those living with dementia and their families turn first to faith leaders for solace and support. Kathy Fogg Berry is a leading voice on the vital importance of continued spiritual life of those with dementia. Based on her decades of experience and success in improving quality of life and continuing spiritual engagement, Berry offers practical advice for communities of all faiths to ensure that those impacted by dementia and their care partners can continue faith practices as valued members of their communities. -- (06/29/2018) All of us are only a few degrees of separation from someone living with dementia among our family, friends and spiritual circles. Kathy Berry's pastoral experience and theological knowledge as a chaplain in a senior living community gives her a rich and valuable perspective to address this crucial issue. In her book, When Words Fail, she explains dementia in understandable ways and encourages readers like us to take action with compassion and hope. Read this book, keep it close and refer to it often. You'll find an invaluable resource that will help you lean in and support those with dementia and their care partners. -- (06/29/2018) Vibrant and honest, When Words Fail addresses major concerns of a person with dementia and their loved ones, focusing especially on the spiritual. Kathy Berry's years of experience as a chaplain to elders serve to provide effective approaches and words to say, recognizing that these change across the stages of dementia. Words may fail the person with dementia, but those around her can learn to use effective words! Addressing churches directly, Berry provides a roadmap for developing a dementia ministry using many resources they already have. I especially enjoyed the section on the use of music for coping with dementia, considering rhythm, movement and breathing. Kathy Berry is a mentor to us all in this effort to help those with dementia maintain a connection to God and to help the Church minister through the end of life. Berry emphasizes the power of listening, and that is exactly what we should do in reading this book. -- (06/29/2018) When Words Fail reflects the loving way residents with memory challenges are cared for at Westminster Canterbury Richmond. Through the leadership of Kathy Fogg Berry and our Pastoral Care staff, our residents, their families and our employee caregivers, are grounded in the sure knowledge that each of us is loved and remembered by God throughout every moment of our lives. This firm foundation provides the day-to-day strength to offer interactive and appropriate care to each of our residents, knowing that our residents benefit regardless of their ability to respond. It is my hope that others will be reassured of this truth and learn from this resource new ways to offer care to those with dementia and to support their families and caregivers. -- (06/29/2018) In my work with United Methodist Churches in the Virginia Conference, I often hear from congregations who want to strengthen their caring ministries with older adults. In those conversations, more than one person will say they want to expand their visitation ministry with members who have dementia and other challenges with memory. However, most will add that they have no idea what to say or do during those visits. Their fears keep them from maintaining the connection between the faith community, the individuals and their care partners. When Words Fail offers practical advice and simple steps that can encourage every person to join in this vital area of ministry. What a tremendous resource Rev. Kathy Fogg Berry provides for the local church. -- (06/29/2018) One of the biggest challenges to improving the lives of people with dementia is helping family, friends, and community members to feel comfortable interacting with the person with dementia. We are a language dependent society. Kathy understands this and opens the doors to understanding why language is difficult for someone with dementia. She teaches us how to change our behaviors, how to connect with the individual based upon their retained communication skills: living in the present, listening, touch, offering experiences that appeal to the senses, music, and valuing people for who they are. This easy to read, handbook has become a staple in my dementia care library. -- (06/29/2018) As a primary caregiver for someone with dementia, and facilitator of a support group for caregivers, I have found Kathy Berry's book When Words Fail a valuable help. Her clear, user-friendly language resonates with caregivers who need such a help in their thirty-six-hour day. Her division into the three stage of dementia and helpful case studies offers the kind of help caregivers need. An added help are worship services and devotions applicable to any situation. Berry's conclusion are guides for visitors: 'Enter into the reality of the person you are visiting, help them access their faith, and never be afraid to visit someone.' If I could suggest one book for caregivers, it would be this one. -- (06/29/2018) Do all the good you can; In all the ways you can; To all the people you can. This excerpt from John Wesley's poem describes the essence of Kathy Fogg Berry's book. Her insightful and caring approach will enable others to provide friendship, inclusion, and spiritual ministry for people living with dementia and their caregivers across all stages of their journey. With understanding borne from years of experience, she offers readers practical pathways and resources to successfully guide them on their journey of doing all the good they can to all the people they can. -- (06/29/2018)

Author Information

Kathy Fogg Berry has served for seventeen years as a chaplain in long-term care and hospice settings. She has also served as a trainer for the Alzheimer's Association and has taught graduate courses in spirituality and aging. She regularly offers When Words Fail seminars and speaks on spirituality and dementia around the country.

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