Dementia Friendly Congregations Workshop

Dementia Friendly Congregations Workshop

Spiritual Care for those with Alzheimer's and Dementia

The number of people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia grows every day…they are in our pews right now.

Learn how to support and provide specialized care to families and people in our congregations living with dementia.

Two identical workshops will be presented:

Saturday, September 22, 2018
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (check-in at 8:30 a.m.)
St. Mark's Church, 728 River Road, Chenango Bridge/Binghamton.

Saturday, October 6, 2018
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (check-in at 8:30 a.m.)
St. Paul's Church, 310 Montgomery Street, Syracuse.

The registration fee of $10 will defray the cost of lunch.

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About the workshop

Become a designated “Dementia Friendly Congregation.” Congregation receives a “Dementia Friendly” facility logo provided by the “Dementia Friendly Massachusetts” initiative, which can be placed in a church window or entryway.

Certificates can also be provided to individuals upon request.

Workshop includes:

• Stories of this ministry at work and why it matters;
• discussion on God’s presence in the life of those living with dementia;
• why reconnecting with faith can improve quality of life;
• a “Dementia 101” informational guide;
• practical tips and tools for visiting, living with, praying with, and interacting with people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia;
• ideas for congregational engagement.
• a demonstration of a “dementia friendly” worship service that can be used in congregations or in facilities;
• tips on making church facilities safe for parishioners with dementia;
• pastoral conversations for supporting family members.

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Workshop Leader

The Rev. Colette Wood is the author of “Do This Remembering Me: Spiritual Care of those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia,” rector at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Whitman, Massachussets, and serves as a chaplain in a senior living facility with a memory care unit. She is a former hospice chaplain, has trained with Dementia Friendly Massachusetts, is a certified dementia specialist through Positive Approach Dementia Care, is a clergy member of the Dementia Friendly Masachusetts Initiative and has taught workshops around the country through the Church Pension Group. The Rev. Ms. Wood, whose father died from complications of dementia, has been featured on Alzheimer’s Radio network, Age Right blog and currently works with faith communities to encourage dementia awareness.

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This workshop is presented by the Bishop's Pastoral Deputies for Retired Clergy & Spouses of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York, with support from the Diocese of Central New York and the Legacy Fund of the Southern Tier East District of the Diocese.