Memory Care
Library Memory Project
The Library Memory Project is a partnership between public libraries and the Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Wisconsin. We also partner with the Lakeshores Library System and the Monarch Library System. The mission of the library memory project is to provide programs to those living with memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia. A main component of the memory project is a monthly social gathering for those with early-stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment and a care partner, called a Memory Café.
Looking for more information? Visit LibraryMemoryProject.org. Project questions can be directed to Angela Meyers, Coordinator of Youth and Special Needs Services, via email or (262) 896-8245.
Memory Cafe Programs
A Memory Cafe is a social gathering for those who are experiencing early stage dementia, mild memory loss or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and a family member or care partner. A Memory Cafe is a place to have fun, share experience, and stay socially connected. Please note this is not a support group.
The Glacial River Library Memory Project is a cooperative effort between the Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Palmyra and Whitewater libraries. Together we sponsor rotating monthly Memory Cafes and various education programs for those that are concerned about memory loss.
Please contact Deb Bauer at (920) 563-7790 or at dbauer@fortlibrary.org for more information.
Memory Kits
Memory loss can lead to empty, idle hours if one becomes unable to participate in their favorite past-times. Filling a bit of the spare time with something meaningful or engaging can be a struggle for caregivers.
The Dwight Foster Library has developed circulating Memory Kits for individuals who provide care to someone with memory loss. These kits contain a variety of materials and activities to stimulate the mind, body and spirit of individuals with memory loss. Ask a staff member for more information or details about how to check out a Memory Kit.
Purple Tube Project
What can the Purple Tube Project do for families? It assists families living with dementia by developing a crisis/safety plan. There is no cost to the caregiver or family members. The project is aimed to provide peace of mind, knowing all critical information is updated and easily accessed. Additionally, the project provides ways to best interact with persons with dementia for everyone involved during a stressful time. The purple tube may include a safety plan for medical or behavioral emergencies for those with dementia; brief medical history; medication list; emergency and non-emergency contacts; release of information so content can be shared with first responders, emergency rooms, and crisis personnel; updated photos; a copy of health care Power of Attorney.
The family or caregiver can pick up the forms at either the ADRC of Jefferson County in Jefferson, Jefferson Public Library, or at Dwight Foster Public Library in Fort Atkinson during hours of operation.
Looking for more information? Reach out to Deb Bauer at the Dwight Foster Public Library at dbauer@fortlibrary.org or (920) 563-7790.
Music & Memory
Even for persons with severe dementia, music can tap deep emotional recall. For individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s, memory for things—names, places, facts —is compromised, but memories from our teenage years can be well-preserved. Persons with dementia, Parkinson’s, and other diseases that damage brain chemistry also reconnect to the world and gain improved quality of life from listening to personal music favorites. For additional information, see Music and Memory.
With our Music & Memory program, a library staff person will meet with the individual with dementia and their caregiver(s) to develop a personalized music list. Library staff will then download those pieces of music to an iPod. Staff will teach the caregiver(s) how to use the iPod. Each participant receives a free iPod and a set of headphones to use for as long as they wish. To sign up for this program, contact Deb Bauer at (920) 563-7790.