Spiritual Care for People Living with Dementia Using Multisensory Interventions: A Practical Guide for Chaplains

by Richard Behers

Overview

This innovative and sensitive guide to providing spiritual care to people with dementia features original methods drawn from the author's experiences of working with over 1,000 individuals with dementia. It provides creative new ways for chaplains to connect with patients whose spiritual needs are all too often neglected.

Ranging from the author's personal experience, factual information about different kinds of dementia and the challenges of pastoral care, it provides instructions for staging a multi-sensory spiritual care intervention with patients. Included are links to exclusive online resources of the author's video presentations and photographs for use in treatment.

This insightful work will prove an essential resource for all chaplains working with people living with dementia, and will enable them to achieve both exceptional patient care and a sense of personal accomplishment.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781785928116
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	07/19/2018
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Richard Behers is an experienced hospice chaplain and Spiritual Care Program Manager who has worked with over 1,000 patients with dementia. He lives in Florida, USA.

Table of Contents

Preface; Introduction. 1. The Dementias. 2. Pastoral Care Challenges. 3. Frequently Asked Questions. 4. The Multi-Sensory Intervention. Conclusion.

Editorial Reviews

It is with great pleasure that I highly recommend Spiritual Care for People Living with Dementia Using Multisensory Interventions. Dr. Behers has done a tremendous amount of research in preparing this book. I have been honored to be able to assist him by photographing the needed pictures. With sight, combined with the other senses, many have come and will come to an awakening in this life.

Carol A. Gilmore

"This is a good day to be alive". There is no greater reward than to hear those words coming from an end stage dementia patient. This book is a must-read for anyone in the spiritual care field. Rich Behers is calling us to action, his book provides the tools to make the difference.

Orlando Rodriguez

Chaplain Richard Behers provides a deep understanding of the challenges of communicating with Alzheimer's patients, particularly in the late stage of the disease. His ability to recognize their limits and develop a method for effectively reaching deep into their being, and extracting their excitement and interactions is extraordinary.

Kathleen M. Winters

Increasingly, spiritual caregivers will serve those with dementia. However, few of us have training to do this demanding work. Having been there, Chaplain Behers has gifted us with a wonderful book that helps us bring compassion and presence to these people who are often so difficult to reach. A must-read.

The Rev. George Handzo

With the diagnosis of dementia increasing daily, Behers' offers a must-read book for clergy and caregivers. The reader is provided insight into minds of those with dementia as well as exceptional tips for intervening and offering meaningful care. As the writer so aptly reminds us - dementia care attitude is everything.

Dr. Dallas E. Speight