Why people with dementia should be involved in worship

An interesting leaflet from MHA (the mainly Methodist organisation for housing and care for older people) and the CCOA (Christian Council on Aging) which I picked up while passing through a Methodist Home (this is what they call themselves; they seem to have dropped the word that the 'A' in the name originally stood for).

It is about worship and people with dementia, and is one of a number of leaflets about spirituality; the CCOA has a huge variety. The point is that although people with dementia may not have the same sophistication of appreciation of their Christianity that they once had, they can often appreciate the involvement in ritual that has been present for important parts of their lives. Worship for people with dementia, according to the leaflet, should be fairly brief, involving, use familiar materials and use well-known symbols, such as candles. Don't close your eyes when praying - it makes people feel cut off. the leaflet suggests suitable hymns and readings for particular themes.

Link to the leaflet on the MHA website (scroll down for downloads).