What can/do libraries do?

[susannahthree]

Hi there.

I work in a community library and have been curious about what I might be able to do in order to help people struggling with or promote the awareness of Alzheimers. I am well aware of the disease and its effects, but I am unsure where to start in what the library can offer.
I have also been approached about organising events or resources to align with Alzheimers awareness week later in May.

Does anyone have any experience with libraries offering service to or in support of people with Alzheimers? Or have any thoughts about what can be done better in libraries in this respect?

Thanks,
Susannah

 

[Sue J]

Hi there.

I work in a community library and have been curious about what I might be able to do in order to help people struggling with or promote the awareness of Alzheimers. I am well aware of the disease and its effects, but I am unsure where to start in what the library can offer.
I have also been approached about organising events or resources to align with Alzheimers awareness week later in May.

Does anyone have any experience with libraries offering service to or in support of people with Alzheimers? Or have any thoughts about what can be done better in libraries in this respect?

Thanks,
Susannah

My library were very good in helping me to register as disabled with them so that I don't have to worry if I forget to renew my books on time, I don't get charged. I did ask if they could email to remind me when they are due, but they said it was not possible at the moment. But they are always very helpful. These are my initial thoughts in response to your post will see if I can think of anythign else.

Thanks
Sue

 

[Lindy50]

Hi there.

I work in a community library and have been curious about what I might be able to do in order to help people struggling with or promote the awareness of Alzheimers. I am well aware of the disease and its effects, but I am unsure where to start in what the library can offer.
I have also been approached about organising events or resources to align with Alzheimers awareness week later in May.

Does anyone have any experience with libraries offering service to or in support of people with Alzheimers? Or have any thoughts about what can be done better in libraries in this respect?

Thanks,
Susannah

Hi Susannah and welcome to TP

I am not a librarian - far from it - but I know that in this area some libraries stock 'Memory Books'. I understand that these are books especially accessible to people with dementia, being pithily written Some are about local history and others have lots of local photos. One of our librarians set up the catalogue marked 'M' so they are easily found in lending libraries.

Sorry if that's a bit vague but it's all I know

 

[creativesarah]

my local library have asked me to give a dementia friends talk when they have their well being event. i also had a photo exhibition in Nov and planning a new one for October

Sent from my GT-S5570 using Talking Point mobile app

 

[Trisha4]

Hi there.

I work in a community library and have been curious about what I might be able to do in order to help people struggling with or promote the awareness of Alzheimers. I am well aware of the disease and its effects, but I am unsure where to start in what the library can offer.
I have also been approached about organising events or resources to align with Alzheimers awareness week later in May.

Does anyone have any experience with libraries offering service to or in support of people with Alzheimers? Or have any thoughts about what can be done better in libraries in this respect?

Thanks,
Susannah

The librarian in our library researched the books available in the Quick Reads series and offered to order some in for my husband as he still enjoys reading. As he reads more slowly and with less understanding it takes him a long time to get through the kind of books he used to read. Her attitude towards him and his needs was excellent. A very positive experience!

 

[Saffie]

I work as a volunteer in a Patient help and information room and there is a service here called 'Books on Prescription'.

The idea is that the GP recommends books about anything relevant to a patient's condition and the library will obtain what it can from a designated list.

We found that our GPs were not doing this so we have taken it a stage further and we work in liaison with our local library. The library have all the books on this list and we recommend people to go to the library for these books which can provide further information and/or support.

The next stage will be for us to recommend other books to add to their collection.

 

[legolover]

My local library runs monthly "reminiscence " sessions where the librarian shows pictures, books, etc of byegone days and encourages conversation. My mil is taken there with a small group from her day centre. apparently she really enjoys it and has lots to contribute to the chat. Perhaps you could do something similar.

 

[Jess26]

I have nothing to add to the thread. I just wanted to say how great it was to read of positive experiences.

 

[Trisha4]

In East Riding of Yorkshire no-one over 60 pays library fines if their books are overdue.