Review by Mary Moffett of a publication from Church Army & The Leveson Centre
The subtitle of “Practical suggestions for Local Churches” says it all really! It is in fact that – an intensely practical guide, put together by some of the most knowledgeable people in the field – Michael Collyer, Claire Dalpra, Alison Johnson, James Woodward under the print umbrella of the Church Army & the Leveson Centre.
In part one there are excellent training modules to help interested groups or congregations shaped up their ideas on ageism, engaging with older and practical ideals for evangelism with older people. These are workshop outlines and are full of good ideas and material to work with.
Part two covers the practical application and has excellent guidelines and examples such as a service suitable to care home settings, how to run a “holiday at home” event, insights into “living with loss and pain” and one I particularly like on “holding a special service celebrating age”.
Perhaps now is the moment to plan ahead to have an element of celebrating the fruits of age for harvest time – get the book and get planning.
I can thoroughly recommend this publication as a really useful handbook on the topic, as does John Sentamu in the foreword.
The publication costs only £10 including postage and packing. Orders enclosing a cheque payable to The Foundation of Lady Katherine Leveson should be sent to the address below: Alternatively copies can be ordered on line using a credit card on the Leveson Centre website www.levesoncentre.org.uk
or send an email to: leveson.centre@virgin.net
The Leveson Centre, Temple Balsall, Knowle, Solihull B93 0AL
Tel: 01564 778022 Fax: 01564 778432
Quotes…. M Goldsmith
We need to “shift the attention from us to God… it is not what we do, it is not what we believe which is important, it is what God does! What God does is that he remembers us and the fact that he remembers us means that we are of immense worth. Our spiritual life does not depend on our remembering, it does not even depend on our believing, it depends on God’s love and mercy alone.”
& from Scott Peck … “one of the characteristics of a genuine Christian community is that a group of diverse individuals or subgroups learn to transcend what makes each of them different.”
Tuesday 30 December 2008
Care Home Project
What gives meaning to our lives? How can I reach the ‘spark’ that marks us out as individual? How do we reach out between different generations? These are the kind of questions we will be addressing in our project within care homes.
The aim of the project is to work with staff to develop a stronger understanding of the spiritual needs of older people and to find ways of working along side the residents to help them meet these needs. This individual spirit can be fulfilled in many different ways from the enjoyment of music, being creative, through friendship and family and a faith.
As part of the daily routine we will be encouraging care staff to take the time to talk with and listen to and simply be with the residents who might want to reflect on the past; their joys and sorrows; put their personal affairs in order and be able to talk about the prospect of death openly. We recognise the pressures on staff to achieve a multitude of physical tasks but by working together we hope to find ways in which daily routines can encompass the spiritual dimension.
This pilot project will take place in a care home in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stonehaven and has been funded by the Scottish Government.
_____________________________________________________________________
Faith in Older People is dependent upon the support of Trusts, public funding and individual donations. We are very grateful for all the support we have received from the Robertson Trust, Waterside Trust, Russell Trust, Church in Society Committee of the Scottish Episcopal Church, Preston Trust, Scottish Government and a family Trust and many individual donations.
The aim of the project is to work with staff to develop a stronger understanding of the spiritual needs of older people and to find ways of working along side the residents to help them meet these needs. This individual spirit can be fulfilled in many different ways from the enjoyment of music, being creative, through friendship and family and a faith.
As part of the daily routine we will be encouraging care staff to take the time to talk with and listen to and simply be with the residents who might want to reflect on the past; their joys and sorrows; put their personal affairs in order and be able to talk about the prospect of death openly. We recognise the pressures on staff to achieve a multitude of physical tasks but by working together we hope to find ways in which daily routines can encompass the spiritual dimension.
This pilot project will take place in a care home in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stonehaven and has been funded by the Scottish Government.
_____________________________________________________________________
Faith in Older People is dependent upon the support of Trusts, public funding and individual donations. We are very grateful for all the support we have received from the Robertson Trust, Waterside Trust, Russell Trust, Church in Society Committee of the Scottish Episcopal Church, Preston Trust, Scottish Government and a family Trust and many individual donations.
Voicing the Spiritual
The aim of this project which was undertaken by Dr. Harriet Mowat, Revd Jim Simpson and Fran Faulkes was focused on the spiritual needs of people with dementia and their carers. Spiritual needs include religious needs and they adopted the definition of spiritual care used by the multi faith NHS working group.
Spiritual needs may not always be expressed within a religious framework. It is important to be aware that all human beings are spiritual beings who have spiritual needs at different times of their lives.
Although spiritual care is not necessarily religious care, religious care, at its best, should
always be spiritual (Association of Hospice and Palliative Care Chaplains, 2003).
The following are brief extracts from the full report of the project which was part of the Mental Well Being in Later Life Programme supported by NHS Health. The project is important to Faith in Older People as it influenced our current project within care home settings on ‘Voicing the Spiritual’. We have deliberately chosen to use the same title in order to show progression and the fact that the collaborators in the current project include those from the previous project.
“It is important to note at the outset that we have taken the position that we are all on a spiritual journey, we are all ageing and we are all vulnerable to cognitive impairment. This means that carers, cared for, professional health and social care staff are all involved in the same human processes. This project and the spiritual care agenda generally is not concerned to “do” spiritual care to others, more it is concerned to share spiritual journeys and learn from each other. It was in this spirit that we embarked on the project. This approach was welcomed and supported by all involved.”
“People do not generally embark on discussions about the meaning in their lives, or their understanding of the spiritual as a discrete and identifiable process. Instead spiritual matters, insights and anxieties “pop up” as a consequence of other discussion. The spiritual carer needs to be mindful of the sporadic, fragmented nature of spiritual discussion, its apparently ad hoc and surprising appearance and the presence of serendipity. This is not unique to people with dementia. Indeed it is possible that people with dementia are better able to speak about spiritual matters as they set aside some of the more restraining forms of social control and manners. The framework suggested here takes into account this typical presentation of spiritual matters. The framework is not faith specific. It works for those of any faith, and for those of no faith. It assumes we are all spiritual beings.”
A copy of the full report can be obtained from Mowat Research or from the Faith in Older People website.
Spiritual needs may not always be expressed within a religious framework. It is important to be aware that all human beings are spiritual beings who have spiritual needs at different times of their lives.
Although spiritual care is not necessarily religious care, religious care, at its best, should
always be spiritual (Association of Hospice and Palliative Care Chaplains, 2003).
The following are brief extracts from the full report of the project which was part of the Mental Well Being in Later Life Programme supported by NHS Health. The project is important to Faith in Older People as it influenced our current project within care home settings on ‘Voicing the Spiritual’. We have deliberately chosen to use the same title in order to show progression and the fact that the collaborators in the current project include those from the previous project.
“It is important to note at the outset that we have taken the position that we are all on a spiritual journey, we are all ageing and we are all vulnerable to cognitive impairment. This means that carers, cared for, professional health and social care staff are all involved in the same human processes. This project and the spiritual care agenda generally is not concerned to “do” spiritual care to others, more it is concerned to share spiritual journeys and learn from each other. It was in this spirit that we embarked on the project. This approach was welcomed and supported by all involved.”
“People do not generally embark on discussions about the meaning in their lives, or their understanding of the spiritual as a discrete and identifiable process. Instead spiritual matters, insights and anxieties “pop up” as a consequence of other discussion. The spiritual carer needs to be mindful of the sporadic, fragmented nature of spiritual discussion, its apparently ad hoc and surprising appearance and the presence of serendipity. This is not unique to people with dementia. Indeed it is possible that people with dementia are better able to speak about spiritual matters as they set aside some of the more restraining forms of social control and manners. The framework suggested here takes into account this typical presentation of spiritual matters. The framework is not faith specific. It works for those of any faith, and for those of no faith. It assumes we are all spiritual beings.”
A copy of the full report can be obtained from Mowat Research or from the Faith in Older People website.
Finding Sanctuary
I found Finding Sanctuary a really helpful book. It is written by Christopher Jamieson, Abbot of Worth Abbey, featured in the TV series The Monastery.
The first part of the book looks at the origins of our “busy-ness” and then offers “a way into sanctuary - a door through which we can enter sacred space”. He tells us that “before he could offer sanctuary he had to find it”.
The book is very well structured, based on the rules of St Benedict and offers ways to apply these monastic steps to everyday life. One quote tells us that “virtue is necessary in professional life today and traditional virtues are now being taught to executives … and are being written into codes of practice”.
There are chapters on Silence, Contemplation, Obedience, Humility, Community, Spirituality, and Hope. These are the tools needed to build our sanctuary.
There is an acknowledgement of the difficulties we are likely to encounter in doing this. The rules included lots of practical help – even St Benedict faced such challenges and had a chapter “On the Presumption of Striking another monk”!
Each chapter of this book ends with a reference to a website and another book to read.
I recommend Finding Sanctuary - it is full of sensible and realistic advice based on a good understanding of humanity.
Websites
Sacredspace.ie
Centeringprayer.com
Mertonfoundation.org.
Worthabbey.net/bbc
Laybenedictines.org
Anamchara.com
Findingsanctuary.org
Books
Silence & Honey Cakes – The Wisdom of the Desert
Reading with God: Lectio Divina- David Foster
Seeking God: The Way of Benedict
Truthful Living – Michael Casey
Prayer & Community – Columba Stewart
The Cloister Walk – Kathleen Norris
Crossing the Threshold of Hope
The first part of the book looks at the origins of our “busy-ness” and then offers “a way into sanctuary - a door through which we can enter sacred space”. He tells us that “before he could offer sanctuary he had to find it”.
The book is very well structured, based on the rules of St Benedict and offers ways to apply these monastic steps to everyday life. One quote tells us that “virtue is necessary in professional life today and traditional virtues are now being taught to executives … and are being written into codes of practice”.
There are chapters on Silence, Contemplation, Obedience, Humility, Community, Spirituality, and Hope. These are the tools needed to build our sanctuary.
There is an acknowledgement of the difficulties we are likely to encounter in doing this. The rules included lots of practical help – even St Benedict faced such challenges and had a chapter “On the Presumption of Striking another monk”!
Each chapter of this book ends with a reference to a website and another book to read.
I recommend Finding Sanctuary - it is full of sensible and realistic advice based on a good understanding of humanity.
Websites
Sacredspace.ie
Centeringprayer.com
Mertonfoundation.org.
Worthabbey.net/bbc
Laybenedictines.org
Anamchara.com
Findingsanctuary.org
Books
Silence & Honey Cakes – The Wisdom of the Desert
Reading with God: Lectio Divina- David Foster
Seeking God: The Way of Benedict
Truthful Living – Michael Casey
Prayer & Community – Columba Stewart
The Cloister Walk – Kathleen Norris
Crossing the Threshold of Hope
Kate Allan and John Killick
We believe that in work with people who have dementia, communication is the key to everything. And of course communication is not all about words. As well as talking, communicating can be sitting in silence, holding hands, making marks on paper, walking together, smiling and laughing, looking at pictures, arranging objects or moving to music. Whenever we truly communicate with another individual we are making real our commitment to their uniqueness and value as a person, and this works both ways. By connecting in a genuine way we also receive affirmation at an emotional and spiritual level which can renew our energy and passion, and remind us about what is really important.
Our understanding of the central place of communication in supporting persons with dementia has recently been deepened by lessons from the new field of positive psychology. Positive psychology is about learning about how individuals, families and whole communities can thrive, about “what makes life worth living”, in the words of its founder psychologist Martin Seligman.
Whilst this may not seem to have obvious relevance to the situation of those living with dementia, we are excited by how much potential it has to offer. For example, we need to find out more about how experiencing positive emotions like joy, contentment and interest might be able to offer benefits beyond just feeling good. The capacity to be ‘in the moment’ in a profound way seems crucial to being able to get into the shoes of the person with dementia and to make the most of the shared present. And there is a great need to focus on the strengths of the individual in order to support wellbeing and help people to connect, for example by exercising gratitude, appreciating beauty or being playful and humorous.
We are running a one-day course which will explore some of these ideas and offer suggestions which can be used in the course of work with persons with dementia. It will take place on ….
Our understanding of the central place of communication in supporting persons with dementia has recently been deepened by lessons from the new field of positive psychology. Positive psychology is about learning about how individuals, families and whole communities can thrive, about “what makes life worth living”, in the words of its founder psychologist Martin Seligman.
Whilst this may not seem to have obvious relevance to the situation of those living with dementia, we are excited by how much potential it has to offer. For example, we need to find out more about how experiencing positive emotions like joy, contentment and interest might be able to offer benefits beyond just feeling good. The capacity to be ‘in the moment’ in a profound way seems crucial to being able to get into the shoes of the person with dementia and to make the most of the shared present. And there is a great need to focus on the strengths of the individual in order to support wellbeing and help people to connect, for example by exercising gratitude, appreciating beauty or being playful and humorous.
We are running a one-day course which will explore some of these ideas and offer suggestions which can be used in the course of work with persons with dementia. It will take place on ….
From Divali to Candlemas
As the seasons turn from the plenty of harvest, to the apparent wasteland of winter, and increasing darkness shortens the days, we begin to realize the archetypal power of flame as a source of and inspiration in the darkness. Bonfires, fireworks, oil lamps or candles, many faiths use the power in the imagery of light in these dark winter months.
In pre-Christian times the Celtic peoples' year started with this coming of the darkness in the festival of Samhain on the last day of October. They celebrated with fires, and candles lit to remember the dead,( and treats to placate them ,should the come knocking on the door !) and our turnip lanterns, bonfires and candle lit All Souls services all echo these ancient traditions.
This year the Hindu festival of Divali, which like Easter is calculated by lunar calendar and so moves, fell at the end of October with the climactic 4th day, the "New Year" coinciding with Halloween on the 31st. The story of the return from exile by Rama and Sita, as told in the Ramayana, celebrates the triumph of good over evil and is marked with fireworks and by the lighting of hundreds of small oil lamps both in and outside homes.
As we move through December the blurred pagan, current faith or secular reasons for "winter lights" all merge: the Christmas tree and yuletide painted candles, the Advent wreathes, and the city lights all lift our spirits.
The Jewish festival of Hanukkah, this year, coincides with midwinter, starting at dusk on the 21st December. The word means dedication in Hebrew, and the festival celebrates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem in 165 BCE. The Greek king of the Syrian Empire, Antiochus Epiphanes , had tried to force the Jews to worship a statue of him and after many years of revolt, Judah Maccabee recaptured the Temple and destroyed his image. As part of the rededication the sacred candelabra, The Menorah needed to be lit, but only one small flask of sanctified oil could be found, but as Talmudic legend recalls it miraculously lasted the 8 days it took to replenish stocks. Each year, in homes round the world, the Hanukkah candles are lit, with appropriate blessings.
The pagan Celtic festival of Imbolc, marked on the 2nd February, a quarter of the year after Samhain, celebrated the return of the light, the birth of new lambs and was the feast day of Brigid, the goddess of fire, fertility and healing,( though she herself was deemed to remain ever virgin).
The Christian festival of Candlemas, set 40 days after Jesus birth, falls on the same day. Luke's Gospel tells how his parents, as the time for Mary's purification was due, brought him to the temple, and Simeon recognizing him as The Messiah calls him a " light to lighten the gentiles".
All candles have a finite existence, and none of us last for ever; as we light our candles throughout this winter season, for whatever reason, sacred or secular, let us enjoy them and perhaps think of them as a reflection of the human spirit, capable of shedding light in the darkness.
In pre-Christian times the Celtic peoples' year started with this coming of the darkness in the festival of Samhain on the last day of October. They celebrated with fires, and candles lit to remember the dead,( and treats to placate them ,should the come knocking on the door !) and our turnip lanterns, bonfires and candle lit All Souls services all echo these ancient traditions.
This year the Hindu festival of Divali, which like Easter is calculated by lunar calendar and so moves, fell at the end of October with the climactic 4th day, the "New Year" coinciding with Halloween on the 31st. The story of the return from exile by Rama and Sita, as told in the Ramayana, celebrates the triumph of good over evil and is marked with fireworks and by the lighting of hundreds of small oil lamps both in and outside homes.
As we move through December the blurred pagan, current faith or secular reasons for "winter lights" all merge: the Christmas tree and yuletide painted candles, the Advent wreathes, and the city lights all lift our spirits.
The Jewish festival of Hanukkah, this year, coincides with midwinter, starting at dusk on the 21st December. The word means dedication in Hebrew, and the festival celebrates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem in 165 BCE. The Greek king of the Syrian Empire, Antiochus Epiphanes , had tried to force the Jews to worship a statue of him and after many years of revolt, Judah Maccabee recaptured the Temple and destroyed his image. As part of the rededication the sacred candelabra, The Menorah needed to be lit, but only one small flask of sanctified oil could be found, but as Talmudic legend recalls it miraculously lasted the 8 days it took to replenish stocks. Each year, in homes round the world, the Hanukkah candles are lit, with appropriate blessings.
"Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe,
Who has kept us alive, and preserved us,
and enabled us to reach this season"
The pagan Celtic festival of Imbolc, marked on the 2nd February, a quarter of the year after Samhain, celebrated the return of the light, the birth of new lambs and was the feast day of Brigid, the goddess of fire, fertility and healing,( though she herself was deemed to remain ever virgin).
The Christian festival of Candlemas, set 40 days after Jesus birth, falls on the same day. Luke's Gospel tells how his parents, as the time for Mary's purification was due, brought him to the temple, and Simeon recognizing him as The Messiah calls him a " light to lighten the gentiles".
All candles have a finite existence, and none of us last for ever; as we light our candles throughout this winter season, for whatever reason, sacred or secular, let us enjoy them and perhaps think of them as a reflection of the human spirit, capable of shedding light in the darkness.
Technology And Design
Design and Technology Suite
The Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) has been at the forefront of dementia-friendly design, and the launch of the new design and technology suite at the Iris Murdoch Building in March 2008 ensures that this will remain the case. The suite contains a number of rooms set out to enable the visitor living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom designed especially to support the everyday living needs of older people and people with dementia. Visitors to the suite can try out the specially adapted equipment. An audio tour guide means that they can explore the rooms at their own pace, learning about each aspect of the design in detail.
Good design for people with dementia often means making small changes that improve the safety and comfort of everyday surroundings. A new pack from DSDC contains revised reprints of Designing Gardens for People with Dementia and Designing Interiors for People with Dementia and two new booklets on Designing Lighting for People with Dementia and a Dementia Design Checklist.
Best Practice in Design for People with Dementia (pack of four publications) £35 from www.dementia.stir.ac.uk or 01786 467740
The Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) has been at the forefront of dementia-friendly design, and the launch of the new design and technology suite at the Iris Murdoch Building in March 2008 ensures that this will remain the case. The suite contains a number of rooms set out to enable the visitor living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom designed especially to support the everyday living needs of older people and people with dementia. Visitors to the suite can try out the specially adapted equipment. An audio tour guide means that they can explore the rooms at their own pace, learning about each aspect of the design in detail.
Good design for people with dementia often means making small changes that improve the safety and comfort of everyday surroundings. A new pack from DSDC contains revised reprints of Designing Gardens for People with Dementia and Designing Interiors for People with Dementia and two new booklets on Designing Lighting for People with Dementia and a Dementia Design Checklist.
Best Practice in Design for People with Dementia (pack of four publications) £35 from www.dementia.stir.ac.uk or 01786 467740
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