Deacon Dr. Cecelia Travick-Jackson

Dementia and the Church

Counseling, Grief & Mental Health

“Church congregations are aging. The aging process brings with it unique opportunities and some very specific challenges for churches. The opportunities are endless and include wisdom, a lived history, amazing stories, and an endless desire to help. One of the challenges of aging for both the congregation and the pastors and deacons who serve in congregations is the illness of dementia. Mary McDaniel Cail has not only given us a glimpse and a firsthand account of dementia in all its forms, but she has also presented us with a blueprint and model for what she refers to as "compassionate care." This book gently guides the reader through the caring process for caregivers and for those who receive the care. This book is very practical in that it offers the definition of dementia, as well as the realities of those living with dementia and of those who care for someone with dementia. She guides the reader through the process of creating a caring ministry, including educating the congregation and preparing leaders and volunteers to carry out this important work. She provides vocabulary, programs, and activities that work. She even includes a comprehensive bibliography for additional study. As someone who was a caregiver for a parent and a spouse, I highly recommend this book to all congregations, pastors, deacons, and anyone else caring for someone with dementia. This book is well on its way to becoming a seminal piece of literature for caring ministries.”