Nashville Public Library has been partners with Elmcroft for several years, and we host a monthly Senior Medical University 101 program with their residents. Also, some of the mobile residents used to travel to the branch, but this became increasingly hard to do because of a decline in mobility. We noticed that whenever the monthly discussions focused on dementia or Alzheimer’s we had a full house. Because of this, we knew that our seniors were very interested in knowing how to prevent or slow down these diseases.

As a follow-up to the increased demand for programming surrounding memory loss, our librarians suggested that we do a formal story hour for the residents at Elmcroft. We explored different topics and decided that we would focus on literature from the early 1900-40s. With the topics, the residents would identify with this time period, and this engagement would foster memory. We then decided to add movies from this same time period and started Movie Night with Seniors.

After reading to the residents or showing a movie, we open up discussion and have been amazed at how the residents share stories about their childhood, families, lovelife, etc., all triggered by something they hear or see. Twice a week, we walk across the street and share a piece of history that triggers fond memories for this group of seniors. We see their faces light up each week when they remember a fond childhood moment, even if it’s only for a moment.