Title: Priceless People: Loving Older People and People Living with Dementia
By: Ben R. Boland
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 104
Vendor: Christian Focus

Publication Date: 2025
Dimensions: 7.8 X 5.1 (inches)
Weight: 6 ounces
ISBN-13: 9781527112681
Stock No: WW7112680

Publisher's Description

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A practical guide to meaningful ministry

Discover how to effectively share Jesus’ love with older people and those living with dementia in this practical and compassionate guide by experienced chaplain Ben Boland. Drawing from over fifteen years of ministry experience, Boland provides valuable insights, biblical wisdom, and hands–on strategies for meaningful spiritual care.

Priceless People addresses crucial topics including:

Biblical foundations for ministry to older adults
Effective communication strategies for people with dementia
Practical approaches to pastoral care and discipleship
Creative ideas for multisensory ministry and worship
Guidance for navigating end–of–life care
Tips for conducting dementia–friendly church services

Written for both professionals and volunteers, this accessible resource equips readers with the knowledge and tools needed to overcome common challenges in elder care ministry. Boland combines theological depth with practical applications, offering clear guidance while addressing sensitive topics with wisdom and grace.

Whether you’re a pastoral care worker, church leader, family member, or church member, Priceless People will inspire and equip you to share Christ’s love more effectively with older adults and people living with dementia. Learn how to honor, value, and minister to these precious members of God’s family.

Author Bio

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Rev Ben Boland MDiv, Grad Dip (Ageing & Pastoral) has served as an older person’s chaplain in Australia for over 15 years. Ben speaks, writes and lectures globally about Christian ministry with older people and people living with dementia.

Editorial Reviews

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Ben Boland has a real heart for people living with dementia and a genuine love for Jesus. In this book he brings both together in a way that is open, accessible and has the potential to help us care for one another more fully and more faithfully in the time of dementia. This is a lovely contribution to an important area of human life.

~ John Swinton

Ben has written a valuable, accessible and practical book on ageing, dementia and pastoral care. It will be of immense help to those who work closely with older people ... It is a book that is thoroughly Jesus focused, as it honours the recipient of care and the caregiver.

~ Elizabeth MacKinlay

With a key focus on praying with and for older people as well as spending time with them, in this book Ben Boland acknowledges that without relationship, good pastoral care is impossible. In Priceless People, Boland uses his experience as a chaplain to show how we can honour and respect older people whilst meeting their spiritual needs.

~ Karen Martin

An easy read and valuable ministry resource, which benefited us and we recommend for all Christians as it combines Ben’s experience, practical insights and obvious compassion for older people.

~ David and Maxine Cook

A must-read not only for those interested in ministry with older people and people living with dementia, but all Christians who want to love their neighbours.

~ Harold G. Koenig

Anyone taking worship to older people will find much good advice in this book to shape their services, aid their listening, and join in the ways God continues to enjoy us – however frail or confused we may become – and to cherish us throughout our lives.

~ Debbie Thrower

Ben has written a clear, wise, practical, theologically accurate and culturally sensitive book that I wish I had when I started ministering to older people and those living with dementia.

~ David Tyndall

Ben writes clearly and with warmth and enthusiasm, giving readers valuable insights into the joys and challenges of ministry to people in the later years of life.

~ Christine Brain

... a compassionate, practical guide to sharing Jesus’ love with older adults and those living with dementia. Full of biblical wisdom, real-life insights, and hands-on ministry tools.

~ Faith in Later Life