No Act of Love is Ever Wasted: The Spirituality of Caring for Persons with Dementia

by Jane Marie Thibault, Richard L. Morgan

With more than 6 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer's disease and more than 11 million Americans providing unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's or other dementias, addressing the concerns of these elders and their caregivers is a matter of increasing importance. Relying on their many years of experience in this area, gerontologist Jane Marie Thibault and Richard L. Morgan offer this book to provide a fresh, hopeful model of dealing with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
Caregivers have two basic affirmation that their caregiving is not in vain and reassurance that the lives of those for whom they care are not without purpose. Care receivers need more than medical attention--they need tender care, involvement in the community, and a sense of connection with a loving God. When care receivers and caregivers are able to view their relationship as a mutual spiritual path, each plays a role in deepening the spiritual life of the other.
Addressing topics such as communicating with and providing meaningful worship experiences for loved ones suffering from memory loss, Thibault and Morgan offer creative approaches to ensure care for both elders and caregivers. They also recommend ways churches can minister more effectively in this arena.
In addition to being an excellent resource for individuals caring for loved ones, No Act of Love Is Ever Wasted is a helpful resource for counselors, support group leaders, pastors, and other professionals. Besides offering practical ways to help, this book serves as a reminder that every act of love brings positive transformation to the recipient, the giver, and the world.

176 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jan Hames · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in preparation for a 5-day spiritual formation retreat. The message is clear: ministering to persons with dementia (distinct from ministering to their caregivers), paying particular to their distinct spiritual needs, is essential. There are actually two authors: Jane Marie Thibault and Richard L. Morgan. Though they were careful to identify who was "speaking" in each chapter, I found that switching authors was distracting. Knowing the professional backgrounds of each author, the reader can discern which author is telling a story. Their experiences have been different, but their points and recommendations share commonality.

[Cammie Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are facing the heartache of having a loved one going through Alzheimers or dementia this book if for you. It gives advice on how to be a loving caregiver when times get tough.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thoughtful approach to caring for a loved one. We can learn so much about physical care and so forth, but what about the feeling that one has lost the individual with dementia? This provides a way to reframe the caregiving jouney.

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very touching book, filled with help and encouragement on how to care for and minister to people who are special to us and important to God. Quick read, well-written about a topic many of us are ill-prepared for and may feel nervous about going into.

[Joann]

an honest personal insight into trying to keep church, spiritual life, dignity for those with failing memories. has a list of resource suggestions.