Dementia Friendly Parish
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Brain Health & Dementia Series
Dementia affects not only those diagnosed but also the people who support them—within our families, friendships, neighborhoods, and faith communities. Do you feel uncomfortable because you don’t understand? Do you not know what to say or do? Are you curious to learn more about dementia and what it entails?
Speaker: Carolyn Klaver, R.N., Faith Community Nurse and Dementia Care Specialist
Join us for free sessions that will feature a main topic with plenty of time for Questions and Answers. All sessions will be held in person at St. Odilia Catholic Church, 3495 Victoria St. N, Shoreview and will be live-streamed. No reservation necessary. If you missed any sessions, see the live streams below!
- April 15, 2026 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. What is Typical Aging? Brain Health Tips - details for Cognitive Health and how faith and spirituality fit in.
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Parishioners Experiencing Memory Loss and Their Caregivers
We are a Catholic community of faith that welcomes every person. We want to encourage individuals experiencing any form of dementia or memory loss, and their caregivers, to feel welcome in our parish. As a dementia-friendly parish, we:
- Accept and value people regardless of cognitive abilities,
- Focus on their strengths and abilities and are open to what they have to offer,
- Offer opportunities for both spiritual and pastoral support in order that everyone may enjoy being a part of a worshiping community, and
- Understand that being a dementia-friendly parish is always a work in progress.
Our parish is trying to be responsive to the needs of people experiencing memory loss and the needs of their caregivers.- If you provide care to someone with some form of memory loss, please notify Deacon Jim by calling him at (651) 415-3354.
- If you know of a church member who cares for someone experiencing memory loss, or know of a church member who is experiencing memory loss, please ask them if it is OK for you to inform Deacon Jim. We need to know who in our congregation could be helped so we can serve them.
As soon as we know of a caregiver or care recipient, we will contact them to see how we can be of assistance to them.
Articles and Publications
Pastoral Care article on Dementia/Alzheimer's/Memory Loss Affecting Parishioners
- Accept and value people regardless of cognitive abilities,
- Focus on their strengths and abilities and are open to what they have to offer,
- Offer opportunities for both spiritual and pastoral support in order that everyone may enjoy being a part of a worshiping community, and
- Understand that being a dementia-friendly parish is always a work in progress.
- If you provide care to someone with some form of memory loss, please notify Deacon Jim by calling him at (651) 415-3354.
- If you know of a church member who cares for someone experiencing memory loss, or know of a church member who is experiencing memory loss, please ask them if it is OK for you to inform Deacon Jim. We need to know who in our congregation could be helped so we can serve them.
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Community Resources
Community Services through Lyngblomsten
Lyngblomsten Community Services is here to help you on your caregiving journey. Our staff provide ongoing, individualized support and resources to family caregivers over the phone, in person, via email, and virtually. Connect with us to learn more about:
- Local Resources: Information tailored to meet caregivers’ unique needs
- Memory Loss Caregiver Support Groups: Virtual and in-person options
- Educational Opportunities: Virtual and in-person trainings
- Respite Programming: Includes The Gathering—a group enrichment program for people with memory loss that provides a four-hour break for their caregivers
Not sure what you need? Our Caregiver Social Worker is here to listen and will help you take the next step on your journey. Give us a call at (651) 632-5320 or email us at [email protected]
Alzheimer's and Dementia information from the City of Roseville
Activities, Support Groups, Educational and Community Events include:
- Monthly calendars of events
- Social Work Assistance
- Respite & Adult Day Services
- Memory Cafe'
- Memory Minder Resources
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