The Chinook Arch Regional Library System in Lethbridge, Alberta and the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories have developed memory kits to support those living with dementia.
Initially, they developed 13 memory kits to supply more than 30 libraries across southwestern Alberta.
Now, with the help of a $5,000 grant from the COVID Community Roots Program through Alberta Blue Cross, a few dozen more will be added.
Christene Gordon, the provincial lead in client services and programs at the Alzheimer Society, says one of the main purposes of the memory kit is to connect family and friends through the act of reminiscing.
Genealogists, who have asked relatives about their family memories and used a list of suggested questions and prompts, will recognize some elements in the memory kits and may be inspired by some of the topics.
According to a Global News report, “The kits contain activity booklets that accompany various video episodes with music, bonus audio CDs, as well as information folders from the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories.
“The incoming kits will feature a variety of topics, with titles including school days, train rides, joy of food, Halloween, songs of England, favourite things (spring, summer, fall and winter), county fairs, and work life.”
Ms. Gordon says, “They’re really conversation starters. Being able to have mom, dad, the kids, all kind of connect with maybe grandma’s past experiences, [it’s] a great way to prompt that.”
Kit topics also include farm days, Christmas, automobiles, birthdays, pets, and remembering the fifties and sixties.
The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories’ website has a section, Reminders of the past, on helping people remember their distant past. The key is to find a way to help trigger those memories. Suggestions include talking about the past together, while looking at old family photos or listening to music.
