Our Friendship Team has been exploring ways in which we might be able to minister more effectively to people with dementia. They have been looking at the work of the Living Well Project Cafés in Bridge of Don and Bucksburn which have been developing ways of helping people with dementia and their families and carers to find a safe and friendly space.

With this in mind, a friend happened to post on facebook the video above today. I had seen it before, but it powerfully reminded me why supporting people with dementia is such a valuable act of love.

In this profound video, Naomi Feil, a Jewish woman and founder of Validation Therapy, sings Christian hymns for Gladys Wilson, who has had Alzheimer's since 2000 and was unable to speak. Watch what happens at the end, when Mrs. Feil opens her heart and gives Gladys what she needs so deeply.