Since 2018 the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories and Chinook Arch Regional Library System have been partnering to bring high-quality resources to people living with dementia and their care-partners. The two organizations are once again collaborating, making more memory kits accessible to those who call southwestern Alberta home.

Memory kits focus on memory care that engages people in music-making, stimulates memories and conversations, strengthens relationships, and enhances quality of life for people living with dementia. Each kit provides hundreds of hours of flexible programming. The kits include:

• Various video episodes with music
• Accompanying activity booklets
• Bonus audio CDs
• Information folders from Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories

“We are so grateful for our partnership with the Chinook Arch Regional Library System”, says George Andrews, CEO of Alzheimer Society AB/NT. “These memory kits inspire meaningful conversations and connections and help ensure that people across southwestern Alberta receive important information on Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.”

There are currently 13 memory kits circulating in the regional library system. Now, thanks to the success of Chinook Arch’s $5,000 grant application to the Alberta Blue Cross – COVID Community Roots program more memory kit materials have been purchased. Over 40 more kits will be released into the regional library catalogue over the next 2 to 3 months.

“Our COVID Community Roots Program was set up to support community initiatives just like this one – initiatives that are established by folks in community who understand the specific needs of their area. This program may be simple in nature, but it’s impact in the COVID-19 landscape is so meaningful,” says Rebecca Smillie, Alberta Blue Cross Community Impact manager.

“The popularity of the memory kits over the past 2 years demonstrates the real need for support resources in our region,” says Lisa Weekes, Manager of Partnership and Community Development of Chinook Arch. “The kits are easy to use and make it possible for family, friends, and volunteers to have a meaningful visit with a person with dementia. We are grateful to the Alzheimer Society for their support and guidance in the creation and growth of this collection.”

The additional memory kits cover a wide variety of topics. Titles include: School Days, Train Rides, Joy of Food, Halloween, Songs of England, Favourite Things (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter), County Fairs, and Work Life. 

Memory kits can be borrowed through any Chinook Arch library. To place a hold on a kit, visit www.chinookarch.ca and type “memory kit” into the search field.