Memory care is becoming a huge topic in libraries around the world. How do we support seniors and their caregivers affected by conditions such as Alzheimer's or dementia? This session explores tools, tips, and program ideas to enable your library to include these groups and empower them to use the library in a safe and inviting way.

1. Community Health &
Welfare: Seniors & Memory
Care
Brian Pichman
Bruce Barnet

2. Tech Time Travel:
A Journey
Through the Ages

3. Communication
• Slow Dials to Voice Commands
• Remembering Phone Numbers
• Texting (txt) versus calling
• “delayed communication”
• Social Media

4. Library Programs on
Communication
• Education on Security and Privacy
• Finding “friends” and “those probably aren’t friends”

5. Memory Picture Phone for Seniors
https://www.mindcarestore.com/memory-picture-photo-phone-seniors-p/mc-0030.htm

6. Music
• Vinyl to Cassettes to CDs to iPods to Streaming
• Therapeutic benefits of Vinyl
• Music is now easier to get to at our fingertips with
a click of a button – can it be simplified?

7. Simple Music
Player
• Playing familiar music greatly
enhances the cognitive clarity of those
with dementia.
• It's widely acknowledged by experts in
dementia and Alzheimer's care.
Research supports the positive impact
of providing easily accessible, nostalgic
music to dementia patients, leading to
improved quality of life, mental well-
being, and independence.

8. Library Programs
on Music
• Using AI to create music –
lyrics and sound!
• Hosting concerts or festivals
(or VR concerts …)

9. Gaming
Gaming has evolved from
classic arcade games to
massive online games

10. Library Gaming Ideas
• Purchase Arcade Games
• They make classic arcade game
consoles
• There are lots of local enthusiasts
who would love to bring their
games in
• Board Games
• More on this later ;)
• Puzzles
https://www.mindcarestore.com/puzzle-36-piece-p/mc-0410.htm

11. Learning Differences
• Alzheimer’s
• Dementia
• Dyslexia
• ADHD.

12. Task Management
Rosie 2.0 Voice Controlled Alarm Clock vs an
Alexa/Google Home
Program your own “Google Kit” loaded with library
related questions and answers
https://www.mindcarestore.com/rosie-voice-controlled-alarm-clock-p/mc-0044.htm

13. Wall Clocks
Simplified clocks for senior rooms
https://www.mindcarestore.com/Alzheimers-day-date-flip-clock-p/mc-0048.htm

14. Pets In The Library?!
• Using dolls or animated pets
like teddy bears can reduce
stress, agitation, and
depression in these
individuals.
• Caregivers can use pet
therapy to reintroduce
responsibility, care, and
structure into the lives of
those with dementia.
• Introduction of realistic dolls
or pets should be done
carefully in a controlled
environment.
• Dolls and pets can help non-
verbal individuals initiate
speech.
• Pet therapy provides joy and
companionship, particularly
for those with Alzheimer's,
dementia, or severe anxiety.

15. Examples
https://www.mindcarestore.com/doll-pet-therapy-dementia-s/1516.htm

16. Interactive Memory Recall
•These boards offer a sense of purpose and
engagement by providing familiar activities.
•Activities like latches, laces, clasps, zippers, and
locks are both enjoyable and mentally
stimulating.
•The therapy board combines everyday items
into a portable and dignified activity for loved
ones with memory loss.
•It respects the dignity of aging adults and is
suitable for anyone who enjoys hands-on tasks.
https://www.mindcarestore.com/Busy-Work-Activity-Board-Alzheimers-p/mc-0207.htm

17. Fiddle Mitts
• Fur Fiddle Muff: Designed for Alzheimer's,
Dementia, and Autism.
• Features include furry exterior, sensory
gadgets, and ID tag.
• Promotes sensory stimulation, reduces anxiety
and depression, and fosters social interaction.
• Enhances independence and emotional
expression.
• Easy-to-clean, high-quality materials.
• Encourage personalization and engagement.

18. Setting Up These Programs
• Circulation:
• Let people borrow them for a
month loans
• Provide instruction cards for care
or use
• Caregivers' vs Users are important
and will have different directions
for each
• In Library Events
• Set up a quiet space and have
these items on display for use
• Library program where people sit
in a circle and pass around items
and talk about them

19. Other
Engagement Ideas
Learning New Languages

20. Accessibility Defined
• Text to Speech
• Larger Text
• Voice Control
• Should these things be easy to use AT
your library (computers, displays, etc)
• How can you teach patrons how to set
these things up for their personal use?

21. Conversation Game:
Call To Mind
• Enhances Library Programs:
Promotes meaningful
conversations and understanding
among library visitors, including
those with Dementia.
• Intergenerational Engagement:
Facilitates interaction between
different age groups, making it an
inclusive and enjoyable library
activity.
https://www.mindcarestore.com/conversation-game-for-alzheimers-p/mc-h012.htm

22. Interactive Memory
Game: Thumball
• Enriching Library Programs: Enhances
dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and
promotes physical activity.
• Engages Library Visitors: Encourages
group discussions and interaction by
prompting questions and sharing
answers.
• Options for Variety: Available in
IceBreakers or Move Your Body
Thumball, catering to diverse interests
and needs in library settings.
https://www.mindcarestore.com/thumball-memory-activity-p/mc-h009.htm

23. Memory Game: Shake
Loose A Memory Game
• Promotes Memory Recall: Designed for
seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's,
featuring simplified life-questions.
• Inclusive and Positive: Encourages
discussion and sharing without keeping
score, fostering success and recalling
positive memories.
• Ideal for Library Programs: A great
addition to library activities for seniors,
fostering engagement and
reminiscence.
https://www.mindcarestore.com/shake-loose-a-memory-game-p/mc-0339-0004.htm

24. What Else
Can We Do?

25. Caregiver Support
• Legal Classes / Workshops
• Power of Attorney
• Wills
• Support Workshops
• Emotional Support
• Public Resources Available
• Supportive Community

26. Resources and
Information
• Make use of your collection
• Often this is a sensitive topic so
suggesting private bags of books
when requested
https://www.alzstore.com/alzheimers-dementia-dvds-s/2065.htm

27. Books

28. Serenity
Rooms
What should this room look
like?

29. Q and A
• Brian Pichman
• bpichman@evolveproject.org
• mindcarestore.com/Libraries