Remember When Caregiver Kits

Programming, Outreach, and Materials staff have been working together for the past few months to create a new resource for FCPL patrons:  memory or reminisce kits. The intention of the kits is to “trigger memories and provide a bridge for caregivers and loved ones to communicate and connect.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. More than 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Caregiving is a difficult, often thankless job, so we created Caregiver Kits to provide support for those affected by Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

We are excited to share that FCPL will soon have six of these kits available, which we are calling Remember When Caregiver Kits. Each themed kit contains books, music, DVDs, and manipulatives. For example, the “Tools” kit has:

• A Museum of Early American Tools by Eric Sloane
• A Loving Approach to Dementia Care by Laura Wayman
• The Andy Griffith Show: 50th Anniversary DVDs
• The Greatest Jazz Concert in the World music CD
• Tool Shed Puzzle (13 pieces)
• The Tool Shed Aquapaint (5 pieces, reusable paint with water sheets)

The contents are in a sturdy, clear plastic container with a handle. All contents are listed on the inside as well as replacement costs for each item and the kit as a whole. Cumming and Hampton Park will have two kits, Sharon Forks and Post Road will each get one with shelf locations determined by branch.  They will be holdable.

Once we return to business as usual, the kits are ready to be cataloged and sent to the branches. We are very excited about this new service and look forward to sharing the kits with our patrons.