Program Idea 22: Outreach Programs for Adults with Memory Issues

Title: Outreach Programs for Adults with Memory Issues

Description:

Community Outreach Programs: Organize outreach programs where library staff and volunteers visit local senior centers, retirement communities, or homebound seniors to provide book deliveries, engage in conversations, or facilitate small group activities. These programs extend library services to seniors who may have limited mobility or face barriers to visiting the library.

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:

Outreach Services: Extend library services to reach individuals who may have difficulty accessing the library due to mobility or cognitive challenges. Offer home delivery services for library materials, including books, audiobooks, and memory care kits. Coordinate with caregivers or home care agencies to identify individuals who would benefit from these services.

Length:

One hour off-site

Agenda:

Any of the programs outlined in this document.

Interview the target caregivers and possibly the audiences, about what they need or are interested in.

Space, Logistics, Equipment, Materials and Supplies:

Bring the toys, games, etc.

Use program or partner staff resources.

Consider train the trainer programs to extend the impact.

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:

Outreach Resources for Services to Older Adults
Website: American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/diversity/outreachtounderservedpopulations/servicesolder
This page has guidance and resources for providing outreach to older adults.

The Power of Community Outreach Meeting the Demands of the Growing Senior Population, December 8, 2017
Website: Public Libraries Online
http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2017/12/the-power-of-community-outreach-meeting-the-demands-of-the-growing-senior-population/
This article discusses outreach when working with older adults. It includes the different challenges faced and the types of services that can be provided to meet their community needs.

MindCare Products to Consider

Date Clock	https://www.mindcarestore.com/Alzheimers-day-date-flip-clock-p/mc-0048.htm
Simple Music Player	https://www.mindcarestore.com/music-player-p/mc-2115.htm
Head Phones	https://www.mindcarestore.com/simple-headphones-elderly-p/mc-2118.htm
Art ball	https://www.mindcarestore.com/creative-activity-art-ball-p/mc-0206.htm
Busy Board	https://www.mindcarestore.com/Busy-Work-Activity-Board-Alzheimers-p/mc-0207.htm
Busy Cube	https://www.alzstore.com/dementia-sensory-tactile-busy-fidget-cube-p/0221.htm
Fidget Toy
Widget toys	https://www.alzstore.com/relish-adult-fidget-widget-toy-p/0217.htm
Fiddle Muff	https://www.alzstore.com/fur-fiddle-hand-muffs-alzheimers-activity-p/0216.htm
Maze	https://www.alzstore.com/marble-mazes-activity-for-dementia-p/0219.htm
Activity Apron	https://www.alzstore.com/fidget-busy-apron-p/0138.htm
Total Brain Health	https://www.alzstore.com/toolbox365-brain-health-training-activity-p/0082.htm
Toolbox	https://www.mindcarestore.com/activity-handyman-box-dementia-p/mc-0088.htm
Memory Cards	https://www.mindcarestore.com/conversation-photo-picture-cards-p/mc-0097.htm
Shake loose ALL	https://www.mindcarestore.com/shake-loose-a-memory-game-p/mc-0339-0004.htm
Alzheimer Proofing you Home	https://www.mindcarestore.com/complete-guide-to-alzheimers-proofing-your-home-p/mc-2149.htm
Bible Verses	https://www.alzstore.com/verses-from-the-bible-p/2153.htm
Everyday Fashion	https://www.alzstore.com/everyday-fashions-p/2206.htm
36-hour Day.	https://www.alzstore.com/36-Hour-Day-Book-for-Alzheimer-s-Care-p/2229.htm
Reusable Paint	https://www.alzstore.com/paint-with-water-coloring-sheets-p/2087.htm
Call to Mind	https://www.mindcarestore.com/conversation-game-for-alzheimers-p/mc-h012.htm
Bird Puzzle	https://www.alzstore.com/bird-puzzles-w-tray-for-dementia-p/0230.htm
Puzzle set of 4	https://www.alzstore.com/farmland-puzzles-w-tray-for-dementia-p/0330.htm
Memory Cards	https://www.mindcarestore.com/conversation-photo-picture-cards-p/mc-0097.htm
Aerobics for the mind	https://www.alzstore.com/exercise-memory-cards-p/0076.htm
Weighted body pad	https://www.mindcarestore.com/weighted-lap-body-pad-sensory-anxiety-therapy-p/mc-m008.htm
Sensor Wrap	https://www.mindcarestore.com/weighted-wrap-sensory-anxiety-therapy-p/mc-m010.htm
Puppies	https://www.alzstore.com/ambient-puppies-dvd-p/2096.htm
art	https://www.alzstore.com/ambient-art-dvd-p/2098.htm
water	https://www.alzstore.com/ambient-water-dvd-p/2099.htm
Bathing w/o battle	https://www.alzstore.com/bathing-without-a-battle-dvd-p/2059.htm
Teepa (u pick 4)	https://www.mindcarestore.com/teepa-snow-dvds-p/mc-0704.htm
Condition Cards	https://www.alzstore.com/i-have-a-condition-card-p/0342.htm
Lacing Card	https://www.alzstore.com/lacing-activity-for-elderly-with-Alzheimers-p/0213.htm
Magic Coloring book	https://www.mindcarestore.com/magic-painting-book-p/mc-2080.htm
Christmas Coloring	https://www.mindcarestore.com/Alzheimer-s-Christmas-magic-painting-book-p/mc-2082.htm
Snow Queen Coloring	https://www.mindcarestore.com/Alzheimer-s-Snow-Queen-magic-painting-book-p/mc-2084.htm
Wood Puzzles (4)	https://www.alzstore.com/wooden-puzzles-w-tray-for-dementia-p/2086.htm
Baby Doll Therapy	https://www.mindcarestore.com/dementia-baby-doll-therapy-p/mc-0501.htm
Life Station w/accessories	https://www.alzstore.com/artist-life-station-p/1100.htm
Ungame for Seniors	https://www.mindcarestore.com/ungame-for-seniors-p/mc-h010.htm
Match it Game (4)	https://www.alzstore.com/match-it-game-vintage-edition-p/3500.htm
All About Us game	https://www.alzstore.com/memory-activity-game-for-dementia-p/h014.htm
Dog Cat	https://www.mindcarestore.com/Joy-For-All-Pets-Companion-Alzheimer-doll-therapy-p/mc-0604.htm