A Guide to the Spiritual Dimension of Care for People With Alzheimer s Disease and Related Dementia: More Than Body, Brain, and Breath (Paperback)

by Eileen Shamy (Author) "During the autumn of 1988 my mother died..." (more)
Key Phrases: care home lounge, dementia illness, failing mental powers, New Zealand, Robert Davis, Lord's Prayer (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
In this sensitive and informative book, Eileen Shamy, a pioneer of ministry to people with Alzheimer's disease, discusses how pastoral work can help to develop holistic care for those suffering from dementia and related conditions - care which involves understanding of their spiritual as well as physical needs.

From her years of experience as a clergywoman working with older people in care settings, the author provides guidelines for pastoral visits to people with dementia, showing how to empathise with, understand and support individuals during a visit. She discusses what constitutes spiritual well-being in individuals and suggests ways in which this can be nurtured. Emphasising the importance of retaining dignity and freedom of choice for people with dementia, she also presents practical advice about memory cueing and leading worship for those with dementia.
This book is a useful resource for a variety of people involved in pastoral care with older people, whether professionals or volunteers, from a respected author in the field of psychogeriatric care.

About the Author
Eileen Shamy was a teacher and Methodist clergywoman who pioneered ministry to people with Alzheimer's disease. This edition is edited by Albert Jewell and Mannes Tidmarsh of Methodist Homes for the Aged.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers; 1 edition (March 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843101297
• ISBN-13: 978-1843101291
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #716,361 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Revelation and/or Inspiration, November 11, 2008

By	A. Illingworth - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A friend had read this book and found it revelationary. It assisted her greatly in understanding the concepts and capturing the very real spiritual nature of people with any degree of dementia and need of this to be nurtured by well informed listeners, as it would be by people in the wider community. By the time I bought the book, I was lucky to have read quite widely and been taught both by academic and experiential learning styles. Shamy still provides inspiration and I loved reading every chapter. It affirms and validates the people we come into contact with - no hints of ageism - and provides a baseline for good practice and the benefits that can emanate from this.