Special Topics Paper- Services and Materials for Cognitively Impaired Patrons

RA Services and Materials for Cognitively Impaired Patrons

Introduction

Not only does the public library have the responsibility to provide equal access to materials to the underserved patrons needing additional assistance and specialized resources, but, is also able to nurture the librarian/ patron relationship over the course of many years, “libraries and librarians are trusted entities–you may have people being more open and letting their guard down with you in a way that lets you observe what’s happening to them more directly,” (librarianinblack.net).  Staff training is necessary to understand the nature of cognitive impairment and effectively advise those patrons and caregivers with resources to provide mental stimulation, socialization, enrichment and engagement, “It is important to emphasize that common sense and a warm heart alone cannot cope with dementia – professional insight and expertise are also important parts of the solution. In other words, a solid knowledge of dementia is essential,” (Mortenson).   Through staff training focused on communicating with cognitively impaired patrons, carefully developed appropriate collections, specialized sensory-rich programming and joint collaboration with community organizations, the public library is able to tailor library services to positively impact cognitively impaired patrons and their caregivers.

Providing Materials 

Community asset mapping is an important element in collection development to ensure that the area libraries are able to meet the needs of all seniors, from active and independent, to cognitively impaired and dependent on caregivers.  In addition to the specified areas of interest under RUSA, libraries should also provide focused materials to engage and enrich the quality of life for seniors.  Escapism reading unleashes social and personal benefits for all seniors, “While reading, and particularly leisure reading, can be considered beneficial in numerous ways, including literacy building, social connectedness, and dissemination of knowledge, it is its transformative emotional power that is perhaps the most fascinating and complex,” (Soheli).  As seniors journey through life changes, escapism reading provides an oasis, “Leisure reading can be used as a means of escaping boredom, but can also be a critical tool for self-preservation in far more turbulent environments,” (Soheli). Physical restrictions can be somewhat relieved with escapism reading, “…escapism through reading was particularly essential because they were actually physically restricted, due to health issues or other impairments,” (Soheli). Finally, escapism reading relieves anxiety and emotional distress, “Stress of different origins…is another strong factor in seeking out escape and relaxation through leisure reading,” (Soheli).  Offering appropriate reading materials for the cognitively impaired can improve patrons’ physical and mental health.

In order to provide equal access to materials and to properly serve all level functions of the senior population, the library collection must include materials with the focus on escapism reading and enhancing seniors’ quality of life.  The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library sets an example in providing seniors with appropriate escapism materials, “…the KHCPL will begin offering Experience Kits, which will provide various items related to different experiences. Some kits seek to help people with dementia or those who are color blind, while others provide baking materials or water guns,” (Pemberton).    The kits for seniors with dementia include familiar items such as a realistic doll, or pet, items to keep their hands busy and to assist on focusing on a familiar and pleasant memory.  A book on dementia for the caregiver is also included.  The kits are an important step in meeting the needs of physically and cognitively challenged patrons, “The kits are one way the library is hoping to meet the needs of its patrons,’ said Lisa Fipps, director of media and marketing for the KHCPL,” (Pemberton). 

Seemingly, few authors write books for the purpose of providing escapism reading for impaired seniors.  Emma Rose Sparrow is a unique author, writing books specifically for the dementia patient to read.  Her series are numbered according to cognitive ability and range from uncomplicated paragraphs on each page to simple phrases and engaging photos from around the world.  Sparrow’s books cover familiar topics such as the seasons, nature and colors.  Sparrow carefully styles the books to include language that is simple and easy to understand, but not childish; to depict one picture on each double page so as to not overwhelm the senior, and to avoid language stating that the book is for dementia patients.  Sparrow’s books are engaging and offer quality escapism reading in a dignified format for cognitively impaired patrons. 

Cynthia Greene, a nationally recognized memory care specialist, also authors books that engage the memory challenged patron, such as “Through the Seasons."   Providing multi-sensory experiences on every page, "Through the Seasons" suggests topics of discussion for caregivers as well as enrichment for the memory-challenged adult.

 Eliezer Sobel authored “Blue Sky, White Clouds” as a result of caring for his 86 year old mother in her advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease.   This book contains captivating photos with simple text to attract the attention of the dementia patient.  Both Greene and Sobel, however, note on the cover that the book is intended for the “Memory-Challenged Adult.”  Caregivers might appreciate the descriptive assistance when selecting books, but, the mildly cognitively impaired senior may be upset by the obvious intention of the book.

The Sharon Public Library in Sharon, Massachusetts has developed an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Special Collection including print and audio resources designed for this unique patron population, “The collection includes books, music CDs, and DVDs such as the Teepa Snow DVD series, produced by a care expert who trains and helps agencies, facilities, and families,” (sharonpubliclibrary.org).  The special collection includes Memory Kits available for check out to assist caregivers and family members in evaluating the cognitive ability of their dementia patient and for enrichment, “The set contains several types of activities whose purpose is to help you determine the mental capacity and level of functioning in an individual with any form of memory impaired dementia. Activities range from easy-to-use sensory kits, puzzles, large decks of cards with a game-table, imagination pattern-building kits, easy sing-along music CDs, respite DVDs of common daily activities, and tactile stimuli kits,” (sharonpubliclibrary.org).  Providing library resources that meet the specific needs of the senior population suffering from cognitive impairment offers patrons with information and tools that educate enrich and improve their well-being.

The American Library Association understands seniors’ struggles in obtaining equitable access to library materials, “For a growing number of older adults, sometimes termed “frail elders” (those who are typically the oldest adults and often include persons living in residential facilities and those with various disabling conditions), equity of access is a very real concern,” (ala.org/advocacy).  In addition to personal conversations, utilizing a reading preference form, as suggested by Neil Hollands’ article, “Improving the Model for Interactive Readers’ Advisory Service,” may assist memory impaired patrons and their caregivers in communicating their specific needs to librarians, “This model [a reading preference form] meets our goals of bringing quality service to as many readers as possible, providing RA in a way that fits the realities of daily practice, and designing service to provide maximum documentation and follow-up with patrons,” (Hollands 205). Assisting in communication and follow-up interactions, a reading preference form can be a valuable tool to improve readers’ advisory services for cognitively impaired patrons.  Creative library staff can develop and acquire engaging materials aimed at providing impaired patrons with resources to improve their quality of life, similar to the Ghetto Central Library noted by Soheli where, “Reading functioned as a crucial tool of comfort, learning, and escape…” (Soheli). 

Works Cited (in assignment submission)

“Adult Outreach,” Forsyth County: North Carolina, http://www.forsyth.cc/library/adult.aspx, Accessed  22 February 2018.

“Alzheimer’s & Dementia Special Collection,” Sharon Public Library,                 https://www.sharonpubliclibrary.org/alzheimerscollection.asp, Accessed 21 February 2018.

American Library Association, “Library Services for People with Disabilities Policy,” Association of              Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies, 16 January 2001, www.ala.org/ascla/resources/libraryservices, Accessed 22 February 2018.

American Library Association, “Outreach Resources and Services to Older Adults,” ALA,                 www.ala.org/advocacy/diversity/outreachtounderservedpopulations/servicesolder, Accessed 21           February 2018.

American Library Association, “RUSA Reference Guidelines: Library Services to Older Adults Guidelines,”  ALA,   www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=adultlibrary&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDis                play.cfm&ContentID=26943, Accessed 21 February 2018.

Brautigam, Faith, “Memory Care at Your Library,” Public Libraries Online, 16 September 2017,                 http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2016/09/memory-care-at-your-library/, Accessed 22 February 2018.

Holland, Neil. “Improving the Model for Interactive Readers’ Advisory Service,” Reference & User Services Quarterly, vol. 45, no. 3, spring 2006, pp. 205-212.

Kelsey, David J. “The Power of Community Outreach Meeting the Demand of the Growing Senior        Population,” Public Libraries Online, 18 December 2017,        http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2017/12/the-power-of-community-outreach-meeting-the-     demands-of-the-growing-senior-population/, Accessed 22 February 2018.

Landgraf, Greg. “An Aging Population Reshapes Library Services: Growth Rate of Older Adults Produces Demographic Shift,” American Libraries, 31 May 2016,    https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2016/05/31/aging-population-reshapes-library-services/, Accessed 21 February 2018.

“Library Services for People with Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s,” Librarian In Black, 25 July   2016, http://librarianinblack.net/librarianinblack/memoryloss/, Accessed 21 February 2018.

Mortenson, Helle Arendrup and Gyda Skat Nielsen.  “Guidelines to Library Persons with Dementia,”       International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, 2007,             https://archive.ifla.org/VII/s9/nd1/Profrep104.pdf. Accessed 20 February 2018.

Nord, Leslie Lea. “Reaching Out: Library Services to the Developmentally Disabled,” Public Libraries         Online, 5 January 2015, http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2015/01/reaching-out/, Accessed 22           February 2018.

Pemberton, Caele. “KHCPL to loan Experience Kits ranging from dementia help to baking materials: Kits meant to ‘meet patrons’ needs.”  Kokomo Tribune, 16 October 2017,         www.kokomotribune.com/news/local_news/khcpl-to-loan-experience-kits-ranging-from-        dementia-help-to/article_80ff943e-b2a7-11e7-8c45-7fbb0143ef04.html, Accessed 21 February        2018.

Scott, Paula Spencer. “Libraries Offer Alzheimer's Activities for Senior Living: A "Novel" Idea Sweeping   Memory Care Across the Nation,” caring.com, www.caring.com/local/memory-care-  facilities/experiences/libraries-alzheimers-activities-senior-living, Accessed 22 February 2018.

Soheli, Begum. “Readers’ Advisory and Underestimated Roles of Escapist Reading.” Library Review, vol. 60, no. 9, 2011, pp. 738-747.

Witteveen, April. “As baby boomers retire, libraries reinvent services to older adults,” Library Journal, 13  June 2017, https://lj.libraryjournal.com/2017/06/library-services/senior-partners-innovation/#_,   Accessed 20 February 2018.