Includes bibliographical references (p. 286-294) and indexes.

Part 1: Building the evidence for spiritual reminiscence: Research and theory -- 1. An introduction to spiritual reminiscence -- 2. Current understandings of dementia and implications for care -- 3. Investigating spiritual reminiscence -- Part 2: Listening to those with dementia: The findings -- 4. Autonomy and the older person with dementia -- 5. Resilience and transcendence -- 6. 'You've got to laugh!' -- 7. Wisdom and insight -- 8. People with dementia in multicultural settings -- 9. Hope and despair among those with dementia -- 10. Grief is part of life -- 11. A theology of dementia -- Part 3: Practice of spiritual reminiscence -- 12. Maximising effective communication -- 13. Making connections -- 14. Ritual, symbol and liturgy -- 15. Designing a program for finding meaning -- 16. Changing attitudes and empowering people with dementia.

"This groundbreaking book is based on the findings of the first major study of spiritual reminiscence with people with dementia. The authors present the efficacy of spiritual reminiscence with this group, and draw on real examples to demonstrate the many ways in which it can benefit those with the condition. Specific practice issues are addressed, including how to maximise communication, how to nurture connections and how to design an effective spiritual reminiscence program, and transcripts of sessions are included throughout the book, providing unprecedented insight into how people with demetia experience reminiscence and encouraging reflective practice. The book closes with a set of questions and discussion topics which can be used as the basis of a six-week programme."--Cover.