Aging and Life Enhancement
By Kathryn Kilpatrick, M.A.
Many libraries in Northeast Ohio are now making available for you to borrow one of their collections of memory care kits designed for people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, memory loss or even mild cognitive impairment.
- If you are looking for activities to enhance a visit with a homebound adult, or someone in a facility, check out these resources.
- Each themed kit is designed to stimulate the mind and encourage positive, engaging interactions between an individual and their care partners/ friends, family and even those hired to provide care or supervision.
- While encouraging cognitive stimulation, these kits may also promote some opportunities to provide more moments of engagement and lift their spirits. You may even learn something you had not been aware of before.
NOTE : All of the kits contain items to promote reminiscing. Each library will likely have different topics for their kits as well as a different variety of items, such as books, puzzles, games, videos and music in that particular kit.
THINGS TO CONSIDER:
- Take into consideration the person’s level of memory, hearing and/or vision loss along with their interests when selecting a particular topic.
- A few items may have more appeal than others, and can provide you with ideas for other activities for future visits.
- Share with others what you noticed were of interest so you can expand on that topic in the future with other related resources.
- It is important to remember there will often need to be some modifications for enhancing engagement, especially when there are vision, speech and hearing limitations.
“Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us.” ~Oscar Wilde
Consider keeping a notebook to jot down some of the things you learned so others will now have some ideas for a conversation starter. It can also be helpful when someone cannot recall a specific word or fact during your interactions.
In some libraries, there may be DVD and CD players available to borrow, if needed to fully appreciate all items in the kits. Also, ask about their collection of picture books for seniors.
Your local library can be a phenomenal resource. Check with the reference desk to see if they have some KITS available and the themes at their location, and how to go about borrowing them. Keep in mind, your library may not have some of these options and that you will have to go to another library to borrow and return the kits.
When taking advantage of borrowing these kits, you are likely to learn what might have the greatest appeal to your family member or friend, and can seek out some other resources on your own.
Whether they are gifts that can become a collection that will be available for visitors or just something to share during a visit, enhancing the connection has a significant impact on the quality of time spent with an older adult experiencing cognitive decline.
NOTE: Available memory kit themes vary from one library to another. Here are some other themes you might find at another library or you may be inspired (perhaps with the help of others) to gradually create one using a theme below.
Some Memory Topic Ideas:
- The Arts
- The Night Sky
- Backyard Birds
- Travel
- Gardening
- The 1940s
- Office Life
- Working with Tools
- In the Kitchen
- Cats
- Dogs
- Cars
- Sewing
- Cleveland or another city of interest
“We do not remember days, we remember moments.” ~Cesare Pavese
Note: If you have not used your local library before for these types of materials, ask them what other appropriate resources they might have available. Some libraries will have picture books on a certain theme.
There are also several locations that sponsor a Memory Café. It is a relaxing and comfortable gathering for people living in the early stages of memory loss and their caregivers to connect, socialize and build support networks. Registration requested. Enjoy meaningful activities that promote social interaction, companionship and learning.
“We can all make a difference in the lives of others in need because it is the most simple of gestures that make the most significant of differences.” ~Miya Yamanouchi
