43. A Proactive Perspective in Dementia Care

Aging Angst Alleluias

Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly, the visionary Founder and Executive Director of Veranda Ministries, has added a new dimension to her impactful work in senior care with the release of her latest book, A Proactive Perspective in Dementia Care: A Relationship-Based Approach, on November 2, 2023. The book is now available in paperback and ebook version on Amazon.

In her book, Oglesby-Sutherly draws upon her extensive experience as a certified dementia practitioner and her role as a leader in senior care advocacy. A Proactive Perspective provides a unique and empowering approach to dementia care, emphasizing the importance of proactive strategies in fostering meaningful relationships with individuals facing cognitive challenges.

A Proactive Perspective invites readers to ponder a deeper meaning to personhood, challenge stigmas surrounding dementia, and celebrate enduring human connections. Oglesby-Sutherly encourages caregivers, family, and individuals involved in experiencing dementia to live a more vibrant and connected life with each other. Oglesby-Sutherly founded Veranda Ministries, an accredited non-profit organization offering dementia care, and The Veranda, a respite program for aging adults.

Podcast producer, Sue Duffield, praises the relevancy and biblical necessity of “The Kingdom principle" as definitively described in scripture. According to Leviticus 19:32, to ‘Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God.’ Mary-Anne says it best: 'Sadly, instead of a refuge to run to as we age, church has become more of a place to run from.' Something is horribly lost when our local church stops considering the aging members of their congregation as part of their community. Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly, and her diverse ministry of caring for those with dementia, teaches and facilitates churches, via conferences and outreaches on how to understand the need for congregations to embrace generational care and its benefits.”