Check Out an Enjoyable Way to Connect with Adults with Dementia
January 27, 2017 — Stories for Life is a program of the Springfield-Greene County Library District that provides simple "reminiscing" activity kits that caretakers can share with adults or loved ones with dementia.
Stories for Life kits provide materials to help caregivers and program leaders who work with individuals and groups to evoke memories. Kits provide a meaningful way to connect with loved ones; activities directors can use them to provide one or more enrichment activities at their facilities.
The kits are available for checkout with a library card from the Springfield-Greene County Library District.
Each of the 25 kits are based on general themes such as history, animals, baseball and universal experiences such as school days. Since engaging the senses help trigger memories, the kits are multi-sensory. Kits may include a videodisc, books, thematic plastic models, sets of laminated information sheets for the activities leader to follow, and other olfactory items.
Each kit was designed and developed by following the principles of person-centered care, which aims to respect the dignity of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, and reflect their varied interests, life experiences and current abilities.
Some of the themes available now or in development: Animals, Birds, Christmas, Classic Commercials & Print Ads, Cowboys & Outlaws, Culinary, Fall, Family Vacations, Frisco Railroad, Fun & Games, Grandma Moses, History of Springfield Baseball, Orphan Trains, Ozarks Music, Pioneer Days, Remembering the 1950s, Remembering the 1960s, Route 66, Rural Medicine, School Days, Space Race, Spring, Summer, Wedding and Winter
Volunteers are also needed to host Stories for Life programs at more residential facilities in Greene County. Each kit contains a sample program with all the materials to host a successful visit. It's a ready-to-go solution for the volunteers. Volunteers wishing to give back to the community or get more details may contact Tysha Shay at the Library Station, 865-1340.