Episode 85: Bringing Spirituality into Dementia

(38 minutes)

Be sure to check out the show notes below for links to resources mentioned in this episode.

Episode Archive on Together in This (1-78)
Episode Archive on Dementia Sherpa (79-ongoing) 

The Alzheimer’s Podcast:
Navigating Rough Terrain with the Dementia Sherpa

Welcome to Episode 85 of The Alzheimer’s Podcast, where we’re all about bringing The Good Stuff (that’s respect, kindness, love, empathy, and compassion) for people living with dementia, their families, and the professionals who support them. I’m Christy Turner, AKA The Dementia Sherpa. I’ve enjoyed the privilege of working with over 1,500 people living with dementia and their families so far, including multiple experiences in my own family.

In the course of my career, I’ve transformed from total trainwreck on my first day as a professional, to local go-to expert, speaker, trainer, and consultant. And if I can go from scared spitless to confident care partner, you can too!

In This Episode

When we’re talking about dementia, it’s often centered around practical how-to’s, physical abilities, or planning for the future. Something that’s often missed is the role of spirituality, which I believe is just as important as all the other things we focus on when we’re discussing dementia.

And that’s why I’m excited to have Dr Sarah Bartel as our guest on the show this week. She’s an awarding-winning columnist, co-host of the popular Enduring Love radio show on Sacred Heart Radio, holds a Ph.D. in moral theology, and is co-editor of the new book A Catechism of Marriage and Family Life.

In this episode of Navigating Rough Terrain with the Dementia Sherpa, Sarah and I talk about the role of faith communities in dementia; where dignity comes from; the importance of rituals; and Sarah explains what catechism means for the non-Catholics among us.

Even if organized religion has left a bad taste in your mouth, I think you’ll enjoy listening in as Sarah brings the Good Stuff and shares it with joy.

Episode 85 Show Notes

Further information and resources related to topics mentioned in this episode:

• Reading:
  • A Catechism for Family Life: Insights from Catholic Teaching on Love, Marriage, Sex, and Parenting, Edited by Sarah Bartel and John S. Grabowski (on Amazon)
  • Or get the book direct from the publisher
  • Sirach 3:12-14
  • The Nurses’ Study

• Radio show:
  • Enduring Love Radio archives and show times. Streaming available when it airs live.

• Award-winning column:
  • Subscribe to Dr Sarah’s column on her website.

• Resources:
  • Belong to a community of people who understand what you’re going through. Join the private Dementia Sherpa Facebook group Tips, Tricks, and Tools for Dementia Care Partners and/or find a support group near you.
  • Join the Dementia Sherpa tribe & grab your complimentary Communication Tips for Dementia Care Partners download bundle.
  • Episode 85: Transcript
  • Subscribe to The Alzheimer’s Podcast

Dementia can last for up to 20 years or more. That's a long time to fly by the seat of your pants, struggling through trial and error! If you're ready to
step into the life you and your loved one deserve, schedule your complimentary Dementia Caregiver Strategy call with Christy.

Christy Turner is a speaker and consultant, host of The Alzheimer’s Podcast, founder of DementiaSherpa.com, and creator of the online programs Memory Care at Home and The Dementia Sherpa’s Guide to Moving into Memory Care. She’s enjoyed the privilege of working with over 1,500 people living with dementia and their families so far, including multiple experiences in her own family.