Living with or caring for someone with dementia is one of life’s hardest journeys—but also one filled with moments of unexpected grace. In this episode of 'Courageous Retirement,' host Vona Johnson sits down with chaplain Ben Boland to share stories of faith, love, and loss after both recently walking with their fathers through dementia.
Together, they discuss:
✅ Recognizing early signs of dementia
✅ Finding peace and strength as a caregiver
✅ Why Christians view suffering, life, and death differently than the world
✅ The comfort of knowing our value is in God, not our abilities
Whether you are caregiving, grieving, or walking alongside someone with dementia, this heartfelt conversation offers encouragement and hope.
00:00 Introduction to Dementia
00:18 Meet the Guest: Ben Boland
00:48 Courageous Retirement Podcast
01:04 Personal Stories and Experiences
02:03 Challenges Faced by Dementia Patients
05:31 Recognizing Early Signs of Dementia
11:38 The Importance of Family Support
15:28 Self-Care for Caregivers
18:08 Ben Boland's Journey
19:25 Bible College Beginnings
20:07 Passion for Elderly Care
20:26 Finding Resources and Connections
21:09 The Christian Perspective on Euthanasia
25:58 Faith and Dementia
29:26 Personal Reflections on Faith
30:30 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections
34:45 A Personal Loss and Reflection
35:51 The Purpose of Prayer
38:29 Final Thoughts on Dementia and Faith
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Quotes from the show:
"We are created by God, and wherever we are alive, we are called to be valued there." Ben Boland
"Becoming a Christian is not simply a cognitive exercise. It's a work of God, and spirit speaks to spirit, and God saves people living with dementia and...
Praise the Lord!" Ben Boland
" People living with dementia are loved by God and we are called to love them too." Ben Boland
Scripture:
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT

Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rev-ben-boland-b4572a108
Order Ben's book titled 'Priceless People: Loving Older People and People Living with Dementia'
https://amzn.to/3JUZW4p

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