Introducing Our New Memory Care Collection

Millions of individuals live with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, which significantly impact memory, thinking, and behavior. We are excited to announce the start of our new “Memory Care Collection” at the Park City Library, a collection meant to provide appropriate reading resources for individuals experiencing dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other cognitive conditions.

Features of the Memory Care Collection

• Launchpads – easy to use tablets with brain games
• Wonderbooks – books that will read aloud to you as you read along
• Fiction & non-fiction books with large print, illustrations, and/or photos centered on a similar theme
• Memory Reminiscence kits – created to help those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia by triggering special memories of life experiences
• Board games – games that involve memory and conversations about life experiences, feelings and values while building closer relationships.

What are Memory Reminiscence Kits?

Memory Reminiscence Kits are designed to facilitate conversation and spark memories between people living with forms of memory loss and their loved ones. They operate on the principle that powerful connections can be forged by sharing images of memories and personal interests. Through reminiscence, we evoke joy, happiness, and comfort by focusing on an individual’s favorite things.

Each Memory Reminiscence kit features themed items such as 5×7 physical photo cards and DVDs containing high-quality photographs, videos, and background music. Some kits also include companion activity cards with engaging options like Q&A, trivia, and conversation starters. A single picture in a video or on a photo card has the potential to open a conversation, creating a bridge to the past.

Reminiscence not only benefits those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease but also those without, as when we recount our life stories, we share our history and identity. By viewing photo collections, we initiate conversations about the things we hold dear and share our life stories with others, allowing us to reflect on the things and people in our present and past. In doing so, we preserve and share our history, affirming the value and significance of our own existence.

Memory reminiscence kits are provided at the Park City Library in partnership with MAG Aging and Family Services. MAG Aging and Family Services provides education, resources, and services that empower aging adults and their families to thrive at home and in our community.

Books in our Memory Care Collection

The books in our Memory Care Collection are perfect for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Neither the title or any text in the book states that the book is for memory loss, so the reader is not insulted or offended. The fiction books are “easy-to-read” stories with larger text, short chapters, short paragraphs, and a few vibrant photos to give a visual clue to the subject matter without distracting the reader. The non-fiction books are comprised of beautiful, high resolution photos that are meant to capture the reader’s attention, engage their mind, and encourage them to relax. They are lightweight yet high-quality, written for adults, and have nothing to distract your loved one from their enjoyment of the photos themselves.