Do we truly believe that an individual with dementia can be fully alive? I think most of us would answer a resounding, YES!, but do our actions back that “yes” up? I think we fall short on that “yes” time and time again. Heck, replace “dementia” with “older adult,” and I think we fail yet again to back up that “yes.” How can we support the chapters at the end of life?

We bend over backward to make sure our children are provided the best opportunity educationally, medically, socially, clinically. We help young adults through a series of professional organizations, mentor programs, internships, and social events. We have ministries and organizations dedicated to those with young children. And what do we do for the older adult? The neighbor living with dementia so that they too can have those same opportunities that lead to a life fully alive?

I invite you to think about how you support those in your family, your neighborhood, your place of business to live fully alive through the opportunities of education, medical expertise, social programs and connections, and clinical support. What other ways can you help a person living with dementia live fully alive? What can your church do, your bible study, your prayer group, your faith community do to help everyone live fully alive, for the Glory of God.