Kathy Fogg Berry - When Words Fail: Practical Ministry to People with Dementia and Their Caregivers

Do all the good you can; in all the ways you can; to all the people you can. This excerpt from John Wesleys poem describes the essence of Kathy Fogg Berrys book. Her insightful and caring approach will enable others to provide friendship, inclusion, and spiritual ministry for people living with dementia and their caregivers across all stages of their journey. With understanding borne from years of experience, Berry offers readers practical pathways and resources to successfully guide them on their journey of doing all the good they can to all the people they can.

Jackie Pinkowitz, Board Chair, Dementia Action Alliance

When Words Fail reflects the loving way residents with memory challenges are cared for at Westminster Canterbury, Richmond. Through the leadership of Kathy Fogg Berry and our Pastoral Care staff, our residents, their families, and our employee caregivers, are grounded in the sure knowledge that each of us is loved and remembered by God throughout every moment of our lives. It is my hope that others will be reassured of this truth and learn from this resource new ways to offer care to those with dementia and to support their families and caregivers.

John D. Burns, President and CEO, Westminster Canterbury Richmond

As a primary caregiver for someone with dementia, and facilitator of a support group for caregivers, I have found Kathy Fogg Berrys book, When Words Fail, a valuable help. Her clear, user-friendly language resonates with caregivers who need such a help in their thirty-six-hour day. Her division into the three stages of dementia and helpful case studies offer the kind of help caregivers need. An added help are worship services and devotions applicable to any situation. Berrys conclusions are guides for visitors: Enter into the reality of the person you are visiting, help them access their faith, and never be afraid to visit someone. If I could suggest one book for caregivers, it would be this one.

Richard L. Morgan, caregiver, and coauthor of No Act of Love Is Ever Wasted

One of the biggest challenges to improving the lives of people with dementia is helping family, friends, and community members feel comfortable interacting with the person with dementia. We are a language-dependent society. Kathy Fogg Berry understands this and opens the doors to understanding why language is difficult for someone with dementia. She teaches us how to change our behaviors, and how to connect with the individual based upon their retained communication skills: living in the present, listening, touch, offering experiences that appeal to the senses, music, and valuing people for who they are. This easy-to-read handbook has become a staple in my dementia-care library.

Megan Bakan, Education and Volunteer Manager, Alzheimers Project, Inc.

In my work with United Methodist Churches in the Virginia Conference, I often hear from congregations who want to strengthen their caring ministries with older adults. In those conversations, more than one person will say they want to expand their visitation ministry with members who have dementia and other challenges with memory. However, most will add that they have no idea what to say or do during those visits. Their fears keep them from maintaining the connection between the faith community, the individuals, and their care partners. When Words Fail offers practical advice and simple steps that can encourage every person to join in this vital area of ministry. What a tremendous resource Kathy Fogg Berry provides for the local church.

Martha E. Stokes, Director, Church and Community Relations, Pinnacle Living

Dementia ministries are needed in every congregation around the world, for it touches every single church out there. Kathy Fogg Berry gives practical solutions and guidance for pastors, older adult ministers, and caregivers alike. Informational and inspirational.

Hess B. Doc Hall, Jr., Director of Older Adult Spiritual Formation Programs of The Upper Room

Vibrant and honest, When Words Fail addresses major concerns of people with dementia and their loved ones, focusing especially on the spiritual. Kathy Fogg Berrys years of experience as a chaplain to elders serve to provide effective approaches and words to say, recognizing that these change across the stages of dementia. Words may fail people with dementia, but those around them can learn to use effective words! Addressing churches directly, Berry provides a road map for developing a dementia ministry, using many resources they already have. I especially enjoyed the section on the use of music for coping with dementia, considering rhythm, movement, and breathing. Kathy Fogg Berry is a mentor to us all in this effort to help those with dementia maintain a connection to God, and to help the church minister through the end of life. Berry emphasizes the power of listening, and that is exactly what we should do in reading this book.

Janice Hicks, coauthor of Redeeming Dementia: Spirituality, Theology, and Science

Faith communities are on the front lines of the dementia crisis in this country. So often, those living with dementia and their families turn first to faith leaders for solace and support. Kathy Fogg Berry is a leading voice on the vital importance of continued spiritual life of those with dementia. Based on her decades of experience and success in improving quality of life and continuing spiritual engagement, Berry offers practical advice for communities of all faiths to ensure that those impacted by dementia and their care partners can continue faith practices as valued members of their communities.

Virginia Biggar, Executive Director, Faith United Against Alzheimers Coalition

All of us are only a few degrees of separation from someone living with dementia among our family, friends, and spiritual circles. Kathy Fogg Berrys pastoral experience and theological knowledge as a chaplain in a senior living community gives her a rich and valuable perspective to address this crucial issue. In her book, When Words Fail, she explains dementia in understandable ways and encourages readers like us to take action with compassion and hope. Read this book, keep it close, and refer to it often. Youll find an invaluable resource that will help you lean in and support those with dementia and their care partners.

Cynthia Ray, Executive Director, PAHSA: Presbyterian Association of Homes & Services for the Aging

When Words Fail: Practical Ministry to People with Dementia and Their Caregivers

2018 by Westminster Canterbury Foundation, 1600 Westbrook Ave, Richmond, VA, 23227.

Published by Kregel Ministry, an imprint of Kregel Publications, 2450 Oak Industrial Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

Published in association with the literary agency of WordServe Literary Group, Ltd., www.wordserveliterary.com.

Photographs by Eric A. Futterman. Used with permission.

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