How can public libraries make sure they’re dementia friendly? Here are some suggestions about services, collection development, and physical space from Minnesota’s ACT on Alzheimer’s:
Train staff and volunteers to understand dementia.
Host programs that offer meaningful engagement for people with dementia.
Include in the collection books, audiobooks, magazines, music, and videos that can engage people with dementia.
Make sure the needs of people of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds with dementia are served.
Offer individual appointments with dementia sufferers and their caregivers to help them choose library materials.
Create memory boxes for circulation that include childhood toys, board games, crafts from previous decades, and local memorabilia for circulation.
Take library services to senior living communities and adult day care settings.
Make sure the library’s physical space includes appropriate signage, well lit entrances, non-slippery flooring, and a family/unisex restroom.
Looking for more detail? You’ll find the document Dementia Friendly Libraries on the ACT on Alzheimer’s website.
Another Reading Opportunity: Learn about the Library Memory Project.
Thank you for the great ideas!