The library recently debuted Memory Kits for families and caregivers to borrow. The kits are designed to provide mental and emotional stimulation that may spur good memories the whole family can enjoy. The conversations inspired by the kits can help build stronger connections between a loved one with memory loss and their family.

A 2022 study by Columbia University showed that about 10 percent of U.S. adults age 65 and older have dementia and another 22 percent have mild cognitive impairment. Most often, family members are caring for these individuals.

Each kit comes in a backpack and has items with a common theme to help generate memories and get conversations started. Each kit contains:

• A themed video that can provide comfort and bring joy.
• Activity cards can be used alone or as a companion to the video. The cards have photos and activities that can prompt conversation.
• A fidget Widget that can calm an individual by engaging their hands with repetitive movements.
•  A Busy Bottle has items to identify, reminiscing prompts, trivia, and other activities that stimulate conversation and memory.