Pat Otwell

Pat Otwell served as chaplain for fourteen years (1983-1997) in three nursing facilities located in Paris, TX. Although she had the rare opportunity of writing her own job description, she did not include "ministry to persons affected by Alzheimer's disease" since there was little awareness of the illness at that time and relatively few people were affected by it. Yet, ironically, Alzheimer's ministry became such a significant and rewarding aspect of her total ministry.

She is privileged to have been on the cutting-edge of this specialized ministry and gained experience in virtually all aspects including nursing facility placement and adjustment; day-to-day pastoral care to residents; crisis ministry to residents, families, and staff; organizing and facilitating the Alzheimer's support group; and officiating at funerals. Since numerous variables do not present "tried and true" formulas for Alzheimer's ministry, she relied on the "trial and error" approach.

Alzheimer's ministry is, perhaps, one of the most-needed yet most-neglected ministries within the church setting. Through her book, Guide to Ministering to Alzheimer's Patients and Their Families, Pat shares with clergy, church leaders, seminary students, and health care professionals some of what she learned in an attempt to help them improve the quality of life of those affected by this devastating disease.

Dr. Otwell is a retired Clinical Member of the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education and a retired Associate Chaplain of the Association of Professional Chaplains.