I’m a care assistant working in a nursing home for people who have dementia. When you first go into a nursing home environment it can seem as if the old people are just sitting there in armchairs and a lot of them seem unable to interract. However, when you tune in you notice all of the tiny interractions between people. Even the people with the most advanced dementia, unable to communicate verbally or to control their limbs can communicate in some way, with a smile or a wink or a noise or a touch. There is always something.

Being in the home has shown me the value of community, of people being together. Each day brings a multitude of things – laughter, tears, hugs, anger, verbal and physical aggression, confusion, sadness, exuberance, sudden outbreaks of peace! I see God at work in and through these frail people every day. It is not what I bring to them but what they give to me. It’s a place full of love.

Your just being there, spending time with the people, listening to them, laughing with them, hearing their stories, is ministering to them. And generally speaking the old people all know the old traditional hymns and enjoy singing them.

Don’t be afraid that it’s not one of your strengths. You just have to turn up and let God do his stuff. Rob and God, teamwork. Be good to know how it goes.

Love
Mary xx