Using a Multiple-Case Study Design to Explore the Worship Experiences of Black Families Affected by Dementia

ABSTRACT

Objectives

The purpose of this multiple-case study was to report on the worship experiences of Black families affected by dementia.

Methods

Data were collected through participant observations of family caregivers (n = 4) and persons living with dementia (n = 4) during worship services and semi-structured interviews with the family caregivers over six months. Data were initially analyzed case-by-case, then across-cases.

Results

Four overarching themes emerged: Welcoming church culture, Community support from the church, Engagement during worship service, and Connectedness between the caregiver and their family member living with dementia. Family caregivers reported that their family member with dementia was attentive and expressed moments of clarity during and immediately after worship services.

Conclusions

Worship services can be tailored to support families affected by dementia and can promote engagement of the person living with dementia with church activities and family members.

Clinical Implications

Health practitioners are encouraged to acknowledge the influence of religious practices within Black families affected by dementia and integrate them into interdisciplinary care plans and programs.

KEYWORDS:

• African American
• Alzheimer’s disease
• religion
• faith communities
• engagement
• religious practices

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the participating churches and church leaders for offering dementia-friendly worship services. The authors would also like to acknowledge the families for their time and participation.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Alzheimer’s Association Research Grant-Diversity [Alzheimer’s Association AARG-18–56229(F.E.)]. The authors would like to acknowledge this work resulted from the development plan and activities of a career development award through the National Institute on Aging, a division of the National Institutes of Health to Dr. Fayron Epps [K23AG065452] and a career development award through the National Institute on Aging, a division of the National Institutes of Health to Dr. Glenna Brewster [K23AG070378]. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH or the Alzheimer’s Association.