(This is an extract from the full feature in the May 2026 edition of Methodist Message.)

In dementia ministry, there could be a tendency to attend only to the people with dementia, inadvertently overlooking their caregivers who are impacted in varying ways. For example, when a person with dementia becomes homebound, their caregivers would tend to be homebound too. They may not be able to attend church, miss out on fellowship, and consequently, their spiritual needs would be unmet.

In 2023, caregivers who brought their recipients of care to Barker Road Methodist Church’s (BRMC) Shalom Dementia Care Fellowship asked for support beyond the few hours of respite at each monthly session. Between each session, they shared their psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs as they journeyed with their loved ones. Seeing this gap, BRMC invited Mindfull Community to equip their caregivers with emotional awareness training. They also started a caregiver-for-caregiver support group in 2025, to run at the same time as the dementia fellowship every month.

Caregiving is physically, mentally, and emotionally difficult, with the added challenge to adapt to ever-increasing needs. Family members who witness a loved one’s condition deteriorate over time experience what is called ambiguous grief. Caregivers often mourn about who the person used to be, while having uncertainty about the future. Churches can support caregivers in their congregations by recognising the complex struggles they face and creating safe spaces for them.

The monthly Shalom Dementia Care Fellowship runs on 3rd Saturdays of the month and is a part of the CONNECT Seniors Ministry.

Please get in touch with Chang Chong Tian at the church office for further details if you are new to BRMC or the fellowship.