temple worship and the elderly/disabled

[dahlia]

I was looking at some temple sites and started thinking - considering my own memory issues and temple worship, I got to thinking - what happens when people are very elderly and have mobility or other issues, but assuming the mind is still working, and want to go to the temple? Does there come a point where people just stop going because it is too difficult physically or mentally?

I'd hate to think there might come a point where I couldn't go to the temple, just because I might need a walker or wheel chair. And now that I think about it, what if you needed an attendant, but could still do the ritual? I guess you'd have to get an endowed attendant?

What if you were physically unable to participate? For example, I've run into a few quadriplegics in my time. Brain function is all there, but obviously they couldn't do what they needed to in the temple. Could they never become endowed? Hmm...

[Guest]

I think for their own ordinances, they'd get help and modifications could be made. But I don't know about proxy work.

My husband has a very hard time doing endowment sessions for health reasons. So he tries to do initiatory work instead. There are a lot of things people can do to help with the work. Maybe they can sit for proxy confirmations or sealings. Maybe they can help with extractions. Maybe they can answer phones in the temple office, or help in the family history library. I think there's plenty of work to be done to find a job for anyone to do. :)

[Guest]

I think for their own ordinances, they'd get help and modifications could be made. But I don't know about proxy work.

My husband has a very hard time doing endowment sessions for health reasons. So he tries to do initiatory work instead. There are a lot of things people can do to help with the work. Maybe they can sit for proxy confirmations or sealings. Maybe they can help with extractions. Maybe they can answer phones in the temple office, or help in the family history library. I think there's plenty of work to be done to find a job for anyone to do. :)

[annewandering]

Sometimes you do have to stop. My uncle keep passing out in the temple so that didnt work very well for him. If possible I am sure they will do all they can. I have seen a quadriplegic person who had to be on a gurney for some reason there. I know one woman with Alzheimer who was able to do her temple work. It was tricky but during part of the day, early morning, she was well enough so they took her then. It was a wonderful experience for everyone there and she was so happy!

Edited December 31, 2012 by annewandering

[pam]

My dad had Alzheimers before he passed away. There came a point in time where he couldn't go anymore.

[annewandering]

This lady and her family were blessed that she was able to do this. She died not long after so it was a good memory for them all.

[Anddenex]

I'd hate to think there might come a point where I couldn't go to the temple, just because I might need a walker or wheel chair.

This would not be a worry. There are people who attend the temple in wheelchairs all the time.

There are provisions within the temple to assist this, and the temple patrons are very helpful.

I worked as a veil worker with members who were in this situations in life. They even have provisions for people who do not have right hands, or that their right hand is paralyzed.

[Blackmarch]

I was looking at some temple sites and started thinking - considering my own memory issues and temple worship, I got to thinking - what happens when people are very elderly and have mobility or other issues, but assuming the mind is still working, and want to go to the temple? Does there come a point where people just stop going because it is too difficult physically or mentally?

I'd hate to think there might come a point where I couldn't go to the temple, just because I might need a walker or wheel chair. And now that I think about it, what if you needed an attendant, but could still do the ritual? I guess you'd have to get an endowed attendant?

What if you were physically unable to participate? For example, I've run into a few quadriplegics in my time. Brain function is all there, but obviously they couldn't do what they needed to in the temple. Could they never become endowed? Hmm...

Im sure there is a limit for when one is to frail or weak to attend but having said that, yes they should be able to have individuals and equipment for for those who may need them. If not i'm sure that there could be some sort of arrangement that could be made... you probably should check with the nearest temple services, and you can probably get tthat info from your bishop or stake president.

[mnn727]

I've seen people in wheelchairs there before.

[Magen_Avot]

Not too long ago a man in a wheelchair was brought in and placed next to me on the front row. He could only move his left arm and his wheelchair was motorized to lift him up/down and forward/backwards. I honestly didn't know what to do so I left it to the temple workers and paid no attention,... which was not that easy with his oxygen going and all, but I respected the man deeply for being there when it was obviously difficult for him. At one point he requested help which was difficult to understand as it was apparent he could barely talk. At one point a piece of his wheelchair moved and I was going to put it back and he rather pointedly moved my hand away. I looked at him and he was smiling broadly and moved the piece of wheelchair back where it was when I interfered. Anyway at the end he was wheeled out just before the rest of us started to get up for the last part. I don't know what happened then but you can feel sure that those who have mobility challenges are cared for as they go through the temple.