Saints' Discussion Forums

Does anybody have any suggestions for something comforting or inspiring I could read, a few minutes at a time, to my elderly father? His mind is failing. Sometimes he has the understanding of an adult, but more and more his mental capacity resembles that of an infant. As a rule, he remembers what he has heard for less than a minute, so whatever I read to him should be something that he can benefit from if he hears just a little of it.

Well if he can't retain information, it makes sense to me to recommend to him a book of prayers so that he could pray without ceasing because God will remember his prayers and prayers do not require a high mental capacity to understand.

One book I got from the library recently that is quiet nice though it may not be very long is called "As It Is In Heaven: A Collection of Prayers for All Ages" the description on Amazon says "Éric Puybaret’s atmospheric paintings illuminate classic Christian prayers, drawn from over two thousand years of faith. Selections include the Apostles’ Creed, the Magnificat, and the Lord’s Prayer, as well as prayers from St. Francis, St. Augustine, and St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Each contemplative pairing of text and art invites readers to find new meaning in familiar words. This book is an opportunity to introduce—or rediscover—words that have been prayed by people around the world for centuries."
It is a picture book with a familiar prayer and a calm colorful illustration pair next to it.

Any book of prayers I feel would be the most beneficial given that God does not forget even the smallest act of devotion.

You have my heartfelt sympathy. It is so heavy a cross to bear, may the Lord console your father and you and your family.

Alzheimer's runs in my family, my grandmother and great grandmother both had it. Even now I am praying for my for my mother, hoping it will pass her by as I notice signs of forgetfullness and hope it is not the beginnings of what it may be. May the Lord have mercy on her please.

He chooses our crosses for us. There is no better one to choose our crosses than Our Lord however hard they are to bear. May God have mercy on your father and help him through this time.

I will look a little to recommend a book to you shortly, God willing, please look in your message box here.

Perhaps take up the practice of repeating with love the Holy Name of Jesus, and short prayers and aspirations with the Holy Names of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

INFANT JESUS PRAYER (http://saintsprayers.net/Selected%20Prayers%20-%20The%20Child%20Jesus.htm)

Infant Jesus meek and mild
look on me a little child.
Pity mine and pity me,
suffer me to come to Thee.

Heart of Jesus I adore Thee,
heart of Mary I implore thee,
heart of Joseph pure and just,
in these three hearts I place my trust.

I ordered a copy this evening. Thank you for the suggestion.

I'll take a look; thanks for the suggestion.

I will keep you both in my prayers, and I suggest reading from one of the Saint of the Day books.  Over the years I've been given a dozen or more, and almost every day I read a page or two  short summary of the life of at least one Saint.  Most of the books are very interesting, although the book by Fr Leonard Foley has too much skepticism and too little devotion.  A few books list a Saint for every day, but most list only the Saints from the US or Roman Missal.
My Mom passed away with severe dementia, but usually with a cheerful spirit.