'Is Grandma Still There?' A Pastoral and Ethical Reflection on the Soul and Continuing Self-identity in Deeply Forgetful People. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Post, Stephen G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of pastoral care & counseling. Volume 70:Number 2(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 148
• Page End: 153
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: Alzheimer's disease -- caregivers -- deeply forgetful -- dementia -- meaning -- pastoral care -- post-materialism -- soul; Pastoral theology -- Periodicals; Pastoral care -- Periodicals; Pastoral counseling -- Periodicals; 253.5
• DOI: 10.1177/1542305016644739
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1542-3050

Abstract

This metaphysical and pastoral reflection focuses on a question that over several decades has been posed to me by many family caregivers for deeply forgetful people (persons with dementia). The question may take different forms: Is my loved one still there underneath all of this confusion? Is my loved one's soul still present? Will she come to rest fully intact in the arms of a Supreme Being? Could she be 'gone' but already somewhere experiencing the fullness of divine love? This reflection provides a pastoral response to this big question that has to do with the need to find meaning in caring for deeply forgetful people.