Singing is so key in a dementia friendly service as often it is a place where you see those living with dementia coming alive. These hymns/songs need to be familiar, with familiar tunes and if there are lots of verses don't be afraid to just sing the first verse and chorus. These should be provided on a large print song sheet.
Below is a list of suggested hymns and, although not a definitive list, should give you an idea of the kind of hymns that are good for those living with dementia.
Abide with me
All things bright and beautiful
Amazing Grace
And can it be
At the Name of Jesus
Be Thou My Vision
Blessed assurance
Dear Lord and Father of mankind
Give me joy in my heart
Great is thy faithfulness
Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer
Here I Am, Lord (I, The Lord Of Sea And Sky)
How great thou art
Immortal, Invisible, God only wise
Jerusalem
Just as I am
Lord of the dance
Love divine, all loves excelling
Morning has broken
Now thank we all our God
O God, our help in ages past
O love that wilt not let me go
O when the saints
Praise my soul the King of heaven
Rock of ages
Tell out my soul
The Lord’s my shepherd
The old rugged cross
There is a green hill
Thine be the glory
We plough the fields and scatter
What a friend we have in Jesus
When I survey the wondrous cross
Ye servants of God
More information about putting together a dementia friendly church service can be found in our resource booklet that can be downloaded from here
