CANADA: Scriptures for Vulnerable Elderly
Restore My Soul
In recent months, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the deep spiritual, social and personal needs of Canada’s elderly in long-term care have come into focus. Many face high anxiety and loneliness as they live out the last chapters of their lives. As their body begin to impose significant limitations on strength and movement, their spirit also come under siege.
Yet almost no one is truly beyond reach. For hundreds of thousands of elderly people in Canada, the CBS launched a national program aimed at providing support through Scriptures and music, presented in ways highly accessible to a range of frail elderly. Those supports take the form of audio Scriptures and music delivered through specialized audio devices and selected print materials.
1 IN 4
Approximately 1 in 4 persons aged 85+ in Canada are diagnosed with dementia.
87%
87% of residents in long-term care homes have some form of cognitive impairment.
4,000
4,000 residents of long-term care homes will be reached by CBS by the end of 2021.
Audio Bibles for our Elderly
Life can be quite challenging for older adults, especially for those in long-term care homes. Dementia and sensory declines add to their frailty and often, they feel discouraged, disconnected, and lose hope. Due to their health situation, it may not always be possible for them to read from a Bible.
To bring hope to them, in 2020, CBS launched a national program that provided them Scriptures and music delivered through specialized, easy to operate audio devices called the Mega Voice.
Chaplains and care workers are now reporting that Mega Voice is contributing to the mental well-being of elderly residents and the spiritual care strategies of staff and chaplains. “Mega Voice really is a life-saver,” says Rev. Donna Knight, Chaplain, ThorntonView LTC, Oshawa.
In this video, a long-term care resident and a long-term care chaplain share their experience of using the Mega Voice. Thank you for helping our elderly hear God speak.
Why Audio and Music?
As people age, some continue to be able to physically hold a book and read. However, at some point many begin to find this too challenging.
That is why, audio Scripture passages, familiar Christian music, and beloved hymns can add greatly to the spiritual and emotional well-being of the elderly.
“I would often read Scripture with my dad, who suffered dementia. He would listen intently. Psalm 23 was a favourite. He especially liked the verse, ‘He restores my soul.’ He would look up and smile and say, ‘that’s rich.’ That verse spoke to him exactly where he was at, and it was evident. It happened multiple times, and I believe God was speaking directly to him through His Word.”
~ Carol Wright
“At 90 years old, Mr. Gélinas was telling me how difficult reading has become for him, even with a magnifying glass. I told him I had something which could help him, called a MegaVoice. He was thrilled to hear about it! The following day, he was eager to meet me. He knocked on my door, and I made him a coffee. He said: ‘Can you show me what you were talking about, yesterday?’ As I started showing him how to use it, realizing that he would now be able to listen to God’s Word at any time, tears of joy streamed down his face. Tears welled up in my eyes too seeing him so happy and joyful. We talked about Lord Jesus for two hours and when he got up to leave, I hugged him and he said, still crying with joy: ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you very much.’”
~ Patrick Larouche, évangéliste, Quebec
Your generous gift today will help elderly people experience comfort and hope, from God’s Word.