Social Death

This article seeks to draw comparisons between the social death and extreme isolation of the Gerasene demoniac, with the social death and social isolation experienced by those with dementia who are taken into care homes and other such environments. Arguably, whether the Gerasene was possessed by demons or not, his isolation and removal from society hastened and worsened his condition. Parallels can be drawn with the worsening of dementia when the person concerned does not receive meaningful contact with others. An exploration of both conditions is detailed below, and care-focussed solutions are offered to those who wish to maintain contact with those in their community who have a diagnosis of dementia. The underpinning care given to both the Gerasene and those with dementia derives from the compassion and love God has shown to us. It is then argued that our duty as the beloved children of God is to share this love with others, in this particular case, those with dementia

Compassion · Dementia · Duty · Parallels · Social contact · Social isolation · Biblical Studies and Interpretation · Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues · Theology and Philosophy of Evil