Presence and Personhood

Investigating Christian Chaplaincy Care in Two Residential Dementia Units

Bibliographic Data

ID3228887
AuthorsAnnabel Hawkes (University of Otago), Lynne Taylor (0000-0002-4197-8799, University of Otago, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume15
Issue6
Pages704
Publication date2024-06-06
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel15060704
OpenAlexW4399389429
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited13

Dementia is a growing global health issue, particularly in developed countries with high and increasing life expectancies. Often, health care and social approaches problematise and see as defective people with dementia; they are viewed in terms of their deficiencies. The concept of personhood helps provide a theological framework of inherent worth, regardless of physical or cognitive capacity. This paper takes a case study approach and considers how the notion of personhood impacted the motivations and practice of two chaplains working in Aotearoa New Zealand residential dementia care settings. These chaplains offered a ministry of personal and sacramental presence. They provided simple ecumenical services, comprising elements that were familiar to the residents. They were motivated by and acted with love and compassion. The article concludes by noting implications for chaplaincy practice, including the importance of being personhood-affirming, acting out of love, and being expectant of and attentive to the discipleship and spiritual formation of residents

Dementia · Disease · Epistemology · Personhood · Sociology · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Medicine · Philosophy · Psychology · Religion, Society, and Development · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Internal Medicine

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