Chaplain Sharon Edgar leads a devotional and hymn singing with residents living with dementia. “No matter what we talk about or what we sing, it’s simply a joy to be with them,” she says. Studies of people living with dementia have shown that music can be an important therapeutic and spiritual practice.

Caring for a person living with dementia is, first and foremost, simply caring for the person—getting to know them as an individual, their personal history, their likes and dislikes, what brings them meaning and joy, their struggles. It is an opportunity to build a relationship with them by connecting in the moment and creating a supportive, caring environment.

Chaplains journey with people from different backgrounds, perspectives, interests, and needs. Our goal is to meet people where they are and walk alongside them wherever they are going. For people living with dementia, this can mean singing old familiar hymns, listening to the same story every day, and being a companion who reminds you that you are loved. To support the pastoral care program at Wesley Woods, visit below: