A Fun New Way to Take Care of Your Brain: Cognitive Care Kits
Many Manitobans living with dementia find joy in the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s Minds and Motion program, but everyone enjoys engagement and interaction differently. To help people living with dementia access fun, brain-challenging activities anytime, the Society is offering cognitive care kits filled with brain-stimulating activities for free pickup at the Jake Epp Public Library in Steinbach, the South Central Regional Library in Altona and the Winkler Senior Centre.
“We understand that each kit might not fit the unique needs and abilities of people living with dementia or brain change, but we encourage you to try one out and see if you engage with some of the activities in the kit, and go from there,” says Sierra Dueck, the South Eastman Regional Coordinator with the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. “These kits are full of activities you can do with other family members or alone.”
The library will hold four types of cognitive care kits for people living with dementia or experiencing brain changes. Each of these kits has different activities and games designed to challenge and exercise the brain, promoting better brain health.
“We have various books, puzzles, wood mazes, and different creative endeavors like aqua painting and colouring,” says Sierra. “We curated these games and activities in hopes to fit the diverse skills and needs of people living with dementia, because no two people experience the disease in the same way.”
These kits have popped up in libraries across Ontario and have shown positive results in promoting social engagement, cognitive stimulation and improved quality of life. Following in Ontario’s footsteps, the Jake Epp Public Library will be the first in Manitoba to offer the kits, but the Society hopes to expand across Manitoba soon.
“Libraries are a great gathering place in the community to start with. People already know how to borrow from the library, and this will be just as easy,” says Sierra.
You don’t have to be living in these regions or have a library card to access these kits. The kits are free and available to borrow for three weeks at a time. Librarians have been briefed on the kits – we encourage anyone with specific questions to call one of the locations.
Contact
Please note Jake Epp Public Library is closed on Fridays/Sundays, the Altona Library is closed Mondays/Sundays and Winkler Senior Centre is closed Saturdays/Sundays.
Jake Epp Public Library: 204-326-6841
South Central Regional Library – Altona Branch: 204-324-1503
Winkler Senior Centre: 204-325-8964