Home > Online Magazine > Online Magazine: Edition 80 - Winter (Jun-Aug) 2024

Online Magazine: Edition 80

Winter (Jun-Aug) 2024

Welcome to the Eightieth Edition of the Online Magazine of the Thornleigh Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Articles

Editorial - Dementia and Aged Care

Welcome to the Winter edition of our online magazine.

I have been distressed by the recent news reports of the interaction between police and dementia patients, where one resident was tasered [1] and another handcuffed [2]. I was equally as disturbed with the results of the Royal Commission into aged care that was published in 2021. Aged care is not easy and particularly so for those suffering with dementia. Dementia is an evil and insidious disease that brings with it, disorientation, confusion, anxiety, loss of control, and loss of personal identity. Now that I am in the situation of having a relative of the age and physical and mental circumstances that require the extra assistance that an aged care facility can provide, I am far more sensitive to any media about such facilities.

The psalmist expresses his distress at potentially being cast aside when he is old and at his most vulnerable

"Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone." (Psalm 71:9, NIV)

The Bible is full of our obligation, as Christians, to the vulnerable in our society, and specifically to the plight of widows. For example:

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress … " (James 1:27,NIV)

Jesus, when on this earth, spoke about the rewards for those who looked out for the vulnerable and, on the flip side in Exodus, there are some heavy consequences for those who take advantage of the vulnerable.

" "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' I was a stranger and you invited me in. " (Matt 25:34-36, NIV)
Exodus 22:22-24 (NIV) "Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless.

One of the characteristics of the early church was the provision of care to their old members.

"In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. … Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them" (Acts 6:1-3, NIV)

It is quite appropriate then, that many aged care providers have their root in religious organisations, and our community and loved ones are blessed by their service. However, if you were to ask your local aged care facility, how many of their residents do not receive regular visits or the numbers of those who do not have family actively advocating for them, I think you might be disturbed by the statistics.

We may not be able to solve all the aged care issues by ourselves but, perhaps, to make a difference for just one nursing home resident is enough.

Our first priority, and depending on available time sometimes our only priority, is for our family members.

Keep the visits and phone calls up, as best you can.
Try not to be disheartened when they forget that you have even visited. We live in the moment, for the difference that we make in the time that we are present.
Don't worry about repeating circular conversations. In their head it may be the first time for them, so just pretend that it is the first time for you too. Again, we are living in the moment.
Depending on what is happening in their heads at the time, learn to talk absolute nonsense. It does not have to make sense. It is about where they are at and how it makes them feel.
Understand that out of character bouts of aggression may be more about the disease and not so much about who your loved one is. Get yourself a good geriatrician.
Don't beat yourself up when it comes to the stage that you are no longer able to provide for all their needs. It is okay to have help. Leave the guilt behind so that you can enjoy the time that you have left.

A friend of mine, who is a highly motivated dog trainer, has put her dog through "delta" therapy training [3] and can now visit nursing home residents with her pooch. Interactions with animals seem to cut through so many barriers and is a real way to make meaningful contact and to lift spirits.

It is important to keep in touch with elderly residents who were once local church attendees. A home baked biscuit run is always a good "excuse" to drop in.

I am sure that you can come up with your own ideas of how you can make a difference, and I encourage you to do so.

How great it is to make a small difference, even in the life of just one person. "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35, NIV)

For anyone who might want to know more about dementia. The following web site may be of assistance.
<https://www.dementia.org.au/>

[1] 95yo great-grandmother in hospital after being tasered by police at Cooma aged care home - ABC News <https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-18/cooma-aged-care-home-police-woman-in-hospital-taser/102361018>

[2] Family of elderly woman handcuffed by police at Sydney nursing home wants more accountability - ABC News <https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-22/elderly-woman-handcuffed-by-nsw-police-nursing-home-in-2020/102374334>

[3] <https://www.deltasociety.com.au/>

In this Edition

Pastor's Piece -- Pr. Andy

In this edition, Pr. Andy reflects on the warmth of grace filled community.

The Right Thing to Do - Stenoy (Steve) Stephenson

Stenoy reminds us of the importance of standing up for what you believe is right even though the path may not always be easy.

The Kingdom of God in Good Measure - Erica Green

Erica introduces us to the Kingdom of God on earth, it's abundant nature and it's boomerang like properties.

Making Sense of the ID movement - Lynden Rogers and Ewan Ward (writing for Signs of the Times)

Lynden Roger and Ewan Ward, writing for "The Signs of the Times", walk us through the complexities of the intelligent design movement. They are part of the faculty of the science and mathematics department of Avondale University of Australia.

Book Review - Disrupting Mercy by Matthew C Clarke with Annabella Rossini-Clarke

Our resident book reviewer shares with us a book that was short listed for the Australian Christian Book of the year awards 2023. This book is thought provoking and will challenge your understanding of the concept of Mercy.

Vegetarian and Vegan Recipes - Erica Green

Our recipe column for this edition takes us to India.

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