CHURCHES and faith groups should do more to make services dementia friendly, according to campaigners.

With figures showing that 42% of churchgoers are over 65, experts say places of worship provide a crucial support network for patients and carers.

Professor June Andrews, who works independently to improve dementia care, has been carrying out research in Ireland, which will form the basis of a new book.

She says there is already some good practice in place but more could be done to support people with dementia, such as improving the design and layout of buildings, adjusting the length of service as well as dementia training for priests and ministers.

Springburn Parish Church in Glasgow has introduced dementia-friendly colour schemes, large signs on every door of the church and big screens showing the words of hymns. Services are also kept as simple and familiar as possible and there is a weekly singing group.

Professor Andrews said: “For someone with dementia, the shorter the service the better, with more old fashioned familiar hymns, and prayers with just one or two lines and the Lord’s Prayer which many older Scottish people learned at school.

“Some church buildings are a bit dark and gloomy.

“It helps with dementia if you increase the light level, when you are doing any refurbishment.

“Being a carer for someone with dementia is really tough at times, and you might not get to services yourself because of your caring duties, so think about how you can help that, for example taking care of the person affected so their partner or child can get out to church.

“Lots of old people in care homes never get to church, so have a serious think about what might help.

“Can you collect and take them? Or can you have a service in the care home? How can people from minority faiths be supported to continue their faith when they are surrounded by people who might not know a lot about their traditions and practices?

“Faith groups often have meetings that involve eating and drinking so knowing something about nutrition in dementia is really useful, and a meal is a great place for people to meet up and feel fellowship from their faith community.”

Figures show the number of people who regularly attend church services in Scotland has fallen by more than half over the last 30 years, according to a new survey.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, call the Scottish 24 hour Dementia Helpline: 0808 808 3000