Library Services for Patrons with Alzheimer’s/Dementia From ALA

The American Library Association offers a variety of resources to help build programs for Seniors.  Below is the reference link for the material that follows:

Overview

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a number of diseases. It isn’t a specific disease, but rather a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning. Daily functions include balancing the checkbook, keeping house, driving the car, involvement in social activities, and working at one’s usual occupation. There may also be changes in personality and emotions.

Contrary to popular belief, dementia is not a normal outcome of aging, but is caused by diseases that affect the brain. The brain can sustain permanent damage or death of the brain’s nerve cells, or neurons.

Ais the most common type of dementia.  

Tips

• Treat people with Alzheimer’s or related dementia with the same respect and consideration as other patrons.
• Allow enough time to meet the needs of patrons with memory issues.
• Be aware of the wide range of behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s and related dementia issues.
• Help increase community awareness of Alzheimer’s and related dementia with displays, programs, books, and other materials.
• Have sufficient signage to allow patrons to be independent.
• Do not share your anecdotal stories to demonstrate that you understand; this may convey the wrong message. For example, do not mention “my aunt with the same thing.” Each situation is different; please respect that difference.
• Form partnerships with agencies, professionals, and self-advocates to assess and meet the needs of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementia.
• Take care to correct negative stereotypes surrounding the disease.
• Reach out to residential care facilities, state and local aging agencies, and activity professionals.

Best Practice Resources

• 2015 National Survey of Current Practices – Excel spreadsheet
• Tales & Travel Memories – http://talesandtravelmemories.com
• Stories for Life – http://thelibrary.org/research/res_guide.cfm?aid=2562
• Memory Cafés – http://www.librarymemoryproject.org/
• Memory Care and Technology – http://www.ala.org/pla/onlinelearning/webinars/ondemand/memory
• RAILS Serving Patrons with Dementia Group – https://www.railslibraries.info/community/groups/serving-patrons-dementia-group
• Dementia Friendly America Library Sector Guide – PDF
• ACT on Alzheimer’s (MN) – Sector Guide on Libraries – http://www.actonalz.org/sites/default/files/documents/ACT-SectorGuide-Libraries.pdf
• Library Accessibility Toolkit – Patrons with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias

Other Related Guidelines

• Library Services for Patrons with Alzheimer’s/Dementia Blog
• RUSA – Guidelines for Library and Information Services to Older Adults
• IFLA – Guidelines for Library Services to Persons with Dementia
• Librarians: Serving Patrons with Dementia
• Alzheimers.gov
• Alzheimer’s Association
• Alzheimer Disease State Plans
• National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP)
• National Alzheimer’s Project Act
• National Network of Libraries of Medicine
• Dementia Friendly America