Cognitive Care Kits
Vaughan Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Cognitive Care Kits are collections of targeted resources and activities that are designed to help support those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Each kit contains an instruction sheet on how to introduce activities, and caregivers receive training on how to use the kits for the best outcomes.
Challenge/Opportunity
The cognitive care kits fill a pronounced gap in VPL's collection by providing activities intended for customers living with Alzheimer’s and dementia to use with their family, friends, and caregivers. In order to properly develop and implement kits, key staff were required to participate in two-day DementiAbility Methods training program (https://dementiability.com/shop/?wpf_filter_cat_0=63).
Key Elements of Innovation
VPL offers kits for thr stages of Dementia: Early, Mid, and Late Stage
- The kits stimulate the skills that the disease has not yet affected, including: fine and gross motor skills; reading and speaking; memory; spelling; and sorting.
- Cognitive Care Training will also provide techniques which stimulate engagement, cognitive activity, and memory.
- Caregivers learn the following skills:
- Social engagement
- Initiating activity
- Fine and Gross motor skills
- Building confidence
- How to evaluate success in dementia
Achieved Outcomes
Kits began circulating in January 2022. Interested families were provided with training to prepare them for using the kits effectively. In the first year, the 12 kits have circulated a total of 93 times. The kits have been promoted during appropriate programming and outreach. Vaughan Public Libraries has also opened a library branch in the new Mackenzie Health Vaughan Hospital which has targeted stroke and seniors programs, and these kits provide specific support to patients and their families in those programs.
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