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

Even if you NEVER assume the role of primary caregiver for someone with dementia, this book is great for understanding just what society does to make life harder for both those with the affliction and those dedicating themselves to their care. It should be required reading for anyone who knows, ever encounters, or interacts in any way with persons with dementia and with their caregivers. Both suffer greatly from isolation, frustration, fatigue - and depression. We can all help to relieve those burdens with just a little compassion.

Great book for anyone who is dealing with someone who is mentally different than the general community, not just for caretakers of people with dementia. The book makes a great, sad point about how religious leaders ignore the dementia/Alzheimer's population for a variety of reasons: e.g., dementia patients may not realize who a minister/priest is; may be disruptive at group services; can't participate fully in services, etc. It makes sense that religious personnel need to think about who they spend their time with in terms of serving the congregation, but for too long, the elderly, mentally compromised population has been ignored. It's time to find a way to minister to this population so that they can stay connected to their faith/religion. The authors propose some ideas/accommodations that religious personnel or just those who care for this population can do to keep them involved in their faith. Well worth a read.

I just received this book and have only scanned it quickly but know it will be a great resource for me as I walk through this season of life with a husband in Moderate Alzheimer's. Chapter 7: Where is the church in all of this is especially interesting to me as I am dealing with some of the issues presented. All clergy should read this book and visitation and Stephen Ministers should be trained by knowledgeable people, preferably those from Alzheimer's Association or Dementia Friendly Communities. Do Not Hesitate to get this book.

A very nice book for caregivers. I wish I had this years ago. It is not a “how-to” manual, there are other books like “Thirty-six Hour Day” that contain a wealth of specific points. Instead, this book addresses spiritual and emotional aspects in a very real and sustaining manner.

This book met my expectations. It gave a Christian perspective to dealing with someone who has dementia, and their caretaker. The authors used their research and experience to provide good explanations and ideas to help the rest of us understand the situation.

Excellent book. After reading this myself, I gave it to the caregivers that help me with my parents. I highly recommend this book to EVERY caregiver... even those caring for individuals without dementia.

I really loved this book. The two authors offer a humble look into the anxieties related to dealing with family members suffering dementia. They also give us tools for reaching into the lonely world our loved ones are trapped in. Trapped both as one with dementia, and as caregivers. Loneliness is huge!This is a MUST read for pastors, elders and deacons and their wives. This area of ministry will grow dramatically over the next decade...and we all need to step to the plate. This book will make it so much easier.

A great resource for pastors and lay people when caring for individuals living with dementia. I have led several small group studies of this book and they have all been well received. Strongly recommend.

Written by experts in the field who also have loved ones living with dementia. Tackles an oft neglected side of the issue normally ignored, i.e. the spiritual dimension. Some amazing insights given and a great reference for anyone caring for someone with dementia, including pastors and ministers.