Free Dementia Care Resources at Local Libraries

Takeaways

Libraries nationwide are becoming valuable, free resources for people living with dementia and their caregivers, offering support beyond traditional books.

Key offerings often include memory kits, educational courses on caregiving and well-being, and memory cafés.

Many libraries are adopting “dementia-friendly” practices, including specialized staff training and accessible physical spaces, to better serve this community.

While local libraries are best known for their books, many are expanding their role to meet evolving community needs, including support for people affected by dementia. According to Columbia University, one in 10 Americans aged 65 and older is living with dementia, and an additional 22 percent have mild cognitive impairment. In response, many libraries across the country are working to make free, practical dementia care resources more widely available.

People living with dementia, along with their loved ones and caregivers, can increasingly turn to their local library for support. Offerings may include memory kits, educational courses, and programs tailored to their needs. Some libraries also host memory cafés – free or low-cost social gatherings that provide a welcoming space for people with dementia to connect with others.

Memory Kits

Memory kits are curated collections of materials designed to engage people living with dementia, often in partnership with their caregivers. Using familiar and sensory- based objects, these kits are intended to help stimulate the mind, spark memories, start conversations, and provide comfort.

Public libraries may offer memory kits as part of their “Library of Things” – collections of nonbook items available to borrow, much like traditional library books. While the contents of each kit can vary, the shared goal is to support meaningful engagement for people with dementia and those who care for them. Some kits focus on gentle cognitive stimulation, while others aim to encourage reminiscence.

Courtesy of Elder Law Answers

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