The prevalence of dementia in Campbelltown is expected to increase by more than 350 percent over the next 30 years.
A workshop coming to the Macarthur region on October 14 will explore an aspect of dementia often ignored: how people living with dementia can continue to practice their faith.
However the workshop, Faith for life: Memory, worship and dementia, will also include specialist dementia advice and insights.
It will be hosted by Campbelltown Baptist Church, along with HammondCare and Bible Society Australia and will feature one of the world’s leading disability theologians, Prof John Swinton, from Aberdeen Scotland, pictured below.
“Worship is a place where we encounter God in fresh and exciting ways,’’ says Prof Swinton.
“It is no different for people living with dementia.
“These seminars are intended to provide the tools and understanding to allow all of us together to worship,” said.
“The beauty of such things as music, sacraments and presence in worship is that it allows us to worship God with all of our being.
“We may forget some things, but it is surprising what we can remember when we worship together.”
Joining Prof Swinton will be HammondCare’s head of pastoral care, Reverend Andrew Nixon, specialist dementia consultants from the Dementia Centre and experienced HammondCare pastoral care coordinators.
“As more and more people and families are affected by dementia we want to support people in finding hope and exploring possibilities, putting aside myths and stigma,” says Rev Nixon.
“For many older people with dementia, their faith, the Bible, worship and other aspects of spiritual life are a deep part of who they are and the good news is that there is much we can do to support and enrich this.
HammondCare is an independent Christian charity that provides health, aged and dementia care expertise.
“Not only will people come away with a better understanding of dementia, they will learn specific skills to assist in engaging with people with dementia including facilitating individualised faith and worship activities.”
Regarded nationally and internationally as one of Australia’s most innovative health and aged care providers, HammondCare offers hospital care, residential care and community services.
Faith for life: Memory, worship and dementia will be held at Campbelltown Baptist Church, located on the corner of Lindesay and Chamberlain Streets, on Saturday, October 19 from 2.15pm to 4.45pm.
Faith for life resources will be available on the day. Cost for the vent is $15 and registrations are available here: https://events.biblesociety.org.au/event/ffl–campbelltown
