COVID-19 isolation has inspired the Prince George library to create nine cognitive care kits to help stimulate brain activity in those with memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease.
Each kit is unique and tailored to help individuals with different levels of cognitive decline — and they will be available to borrow on April 15 for up to three weeks at a time.
The kits include activities, games, puzzles, and workbooks that encourage social connection and provide meaningful links to daily activities.
“The social isolation that COVID-19 has brought about is difficult for everyone, but especially for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. Through our work with Northern Health and the Alzheimer Society of BC we hope to provide support and resources for those experiencing memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease, and give our patrons a chance to connect with and care for their loved ones,” said Ignacio Albarracin, who spearheaded the project.
The kits were made possible by a partnership between the Prince George Public Library, Northern Health, and the Alzheimer Society of BC and were inspired by a similar project at Burlington and Halton Hills Public Library in Ontario.
The library and its partners received a $6,000 grant from the United Way of Northern B.C. to assemble the kits.
To brainstorm, some library staff attended a training session to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.
The training borrowed concepts from Dementiability; the same concepts were incorporated into training videos for caregivers to watch before using the kits with their loved ones.
In addition, three more kits will be housed with the Alzheimer Society of B.C.