Program Idea 21: Intergenerational Programs for Adults with Memory Issues

Title: Intergenerational Programs for Adults with Memory Issues

Description:

Intergenerational Programs: Develop intergenerational programs that bring together older adults and children or teenagers. These programs can include reading buddy programs, mentorship initiatives, or collaborative arts and crafts activities. Encourage interactions that promote socialization, understanding, and mutual support.

Potential Audiences:

1. Individuals with Memory Issues including Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Aphasia.
   1. Caregivers
      1. Family Members
      1. Healthcare Professionals including doctors, nurses, social workers, and therapists.
      1. Community Organizations and Volunteers
      1. General Public

Goal:

Connect adults with their parents and kids with their grandparents and other seniors.

Length:

90 Minutes

Agenda:

Intergenerational Programs: Facilitate interactions between seniors and younger generations through intergenerational programs. This can involve partnering with schools, daycare centers, or youth organizations to create opportunities for shared activities, mentorship, or learning experiences.

Intergenerational Storytimes: Organize intergenerational storytimes where seniors and young children come together for storytelling sessions. This promotes social interaction, mutual learning, and intergenerational connections.

Intergenerational Photography: Create generational memories. Photos, recordings, podcasts, and videos. Team creators with seniors to make and edit photos and videos to share with family and friends.

Space, Logistics, Equipment, Materials and Supplies:

Studio set-up or one-on-one set-ups.

Graphics and video/photo editing software.

Color printers

Refreshments

Potential community partners and outreach:

• Alzheimer’s Association
  • Dementia-friendly Communities
    • Memory Care Facilities and Senior Centers
    • Healthcare Providers and Social Service Agencies
    • Aging and Gerontology Organizations
    • Nonprofit Organizations
    • Community Support Groups
    • Local Universities, Colleges, and Research Institutions

When approaching these organizations, it is helpful to have a clear vision of the library’s goals and resources. Be open to discussing potential partnerships, sharing ideas, and identifying areas where collaboration can benefit both parties. Building strong relationships with these organizations can enhance the library’s capacity to serve individuals with dementia and their families effectively.

Marketing:

• Pick and test a great and non-stigmatized program title.
  • Work with your partners to communicate with potential participants and caregivers.
    • Search and engage with local networks, seniors club and residences, and social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, etc.)
    • Consider outreach and off-site programs.

Evaluation:

• Ask participants and caregivers for feedback for impact and improvement.
• Evaluate your program as a series and as an event.
• Collect feedback and testimonials.
• Engage partners and outreach sites in evaluation.

Tips: Look to the following websites for inspiration:

• Pinterest
• Association websites
• Other libraries
• MindCare: https://www.mindcarestore.com/