The Silent Epidemic

There is a sobering but worthwhile article in the latest United Church Observer about the growing number of Canadians living with dementia in its various forms. The cover has the headline The Silent Epidemic and notes that a new case of dementia is diagnosed every five minutes in Canada and that in 25 years it will be every two minutes. In the article we're told that in 2008 the estimated cost to the health care system was $8 billion and by 2038 it will be 92 billion.http://www.ucobserver.org/features/2012/03/silent_epidemic/

We're asked how congregations will deal with this crisis. At St. Paul's we realize the growing reality of dementia in our culture and congregation. We probably have two dozen or more members who are dealing with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. I visit them, as does our pastoral care worker, Beth. And Beth has done an excellent job of setting up pastoral volunteers who visit these folk, and many others.

We make a point of reading scripture and praying during our visits, even if individuals seem to be unresponsive. I have shared stories with you of persons who tell family I have been in to visit even though they seem not to be mentally present when I am with them. We also try to support family members who feel the strain of providing care.

I agree, though, that our United Church and individual congregations need to develop a strategy for addressing this unique and growing pastoral care reality. While this never comes up in conversations about amalgamating congregations, surely we can provide more effective ministry to our elderly members if resources are brought together. There are an increasing number of part-time ministries and those clergy simply won't be able to keep up with the pastoral load.

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