Love Your Neighbor (Dementia Friends)…

Love Your Neighbor – No Exceptions is a statement seen on the St. Timothy’s Episcopal (SE Cincinnati, OH) electronic sign. The number of neighbors experiencing dementia is growing and the great news is these precious ones can continue enjoying quality of life. Yet, many with willingness to help also need assistance to overcome self-imposed obstacles to visiting those experiencing dementia.

Enter groups like Dementia Friends and Alzheimer’s Association. These organizations provide wonderful materials and human resources to help us love these neighbors.

Know someone in your midst who might be experiencing dementia? Not quite sure how to start visiting? The 1-pager HERE provides helpful details on these 5 steps:

CONSIDER INVITING/TAKING A FRIEND ALONG
STEP INTO THEIR REALITY
GO WITH THE FLOW
MINIMIZE COMPLICATIONS
COME PREPARED BY CREATING, ASSEMBLING AND TAKING A “MEMORY CAREBAG”

Why choose today to do this particular post? It’s the birthday of brother Andy, who was a “dementia friend” to our Aunt Eleanor well before most of us had all these resources available. Thanks, Andy, for being such a good example of a dementia friend, and in many other ways too (oh, and Happy Birthday!)

POTENTIAL ACTIONS: Let it be our goal today to

include a HELP moment with God for a friend or family member experiencing dementia
add a HELP prayer for strength when opportunities arise to be a helper in a difficult situation
identify a WOW moment and share your THANKS to God

PRAYER: Great Creator, we all need help, even in the midst of showers of blessings. May we feel a stirring to experience you in wonderful new ways by reaching out to someone experiencing dementia or with other needs that may be a stretch for us to meet. Help. Thanks. WOW! Amen.

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!