"With long life I will satisfy them and show them my salvation." Psalm 91:16
Lifespan Ministry with Older Adults is a ministry to meet the growing and diverse priorities of aging adults, their care partners and their congregations. Building on the work of the now completed Cape and Islands Mission Hub, and in response to a resolution adopted by the 2017 Diocesan Convention, Lifespan Ministry with Older Adults is devoted to supporting age inclusivity in our communities of faith. Lifespan Ministry with Older Adults participants are ready to listen to the needs of faith communities in order to engage with and support ongoing development of a tool kit of relevant presentations and services.
Resources for congregations
Here are some presentations currently offered or under development by this ministry:
• Becoming an Age-Friendly and Dementia-Friendly Congregation (Download the workbook below)
• Continuing Faith Enhancement
• Developing a Listening Presence
• Supporting Care Partners
Resource-sharing during COVID-19
During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the increase of online program offerings and resources offered by many faith-based and social service entities serving those involved in the support of older adults, the Lifespan mission team is open to accepting, for distribution to its network, information about related nonprofit institutional offerings and resources. Those interested in receiving such communications are invited to join the Lifespan Ministry's e-mail list by sending their e-mail address to philflaherty@outlook.com with the subject line “join the list.” Those wishing to have relevant information shared should likewise send it to that same address. Lifespan Ministry reserves the right to filter content for appropriateness.
Lifespan Ministry with Older Adults contacts
For additional information or to schedule a presentation, contact the deacons serving as missioners for the Lifespan Ministry:
The Rev. Phil Flaherty, Missioner, at philflaherty@outlook.com or 617-257-8169
The Rev. Marilee Comerford, RN, Associate Missioner, at comerfordmarilee@gmail.com
Additional community resources
Lifespan Ministry is working in collaboration with other faith-based and secular organizations dedicated to providing support to older adults. Here are some additional resources:
- Elder Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 800-922-2275
- Executive Office of Elder Affairs information about reporting abuse and neglect
- Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) are organizations operating under the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs that serve specific geographic areas of Massachusetts and work in collaboration with local councils on aging and other resources to meet the needs of older adults: Aging Services Access Points state website
- Aging Services Resources by Town *
- Massachusetts Councils on Aging
- Alzheimer's Association
- Dementia Friendly America--Massachusetts
- AARP
- AARP’s “framework”: What makes a community age friendly and dementia friendly
- Age & Dementia-Friendly Church resources:
- Suggested Reading:
- A Guide to the Spiritual Dimension of Care for People with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia, Shamy, E.
- Dementia-Friendly Worship, Everman, Wendorf, et al.
- Do This, Remembering Me: The Spiritual Care of Those with Alzheimer's and Dementia
- Stolen Memories: An Alzheimer’s Stole Ministry and Tallit Initiative, Everman, Wendorf, et al.
- Thoughtful Dementia Care: Understanding the Dementia Experience, Ghent Fuller, J.
- Dementia-Friendly Evaluation Guide, AARP-Alz. Assoc.
- National Center on Law and Elder Rights
- The Family Caregiver Handbook *
- www.nextavenue.org: A nonprofit journalism website produced by Twin Cities PBS
- National Council on Aging Falls Prevention
- Episcopal Diocese Affiliated Rehab Care & Long-Term Care at Sherill House
- Safe Havens interfaith partnership against domestic violence and elder abuse
* Aging Services Resources by Town and The Family Caregiver Handbook are a compilation of resources developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.