Shire of Denmark and Albany Soroptimist’s partner to bring dementia kits to Denmark Public Library

The Shire of Denmark has partnered with the Albany Soroptimists club to put five Multi-sensory time kits into the collection at the Denmark Public Library.

The move follows the success of last year’s Creative Solutions Dementia Pilot Program.

The kits will be available at the library, can be borrowed on request, and are designed to assist people living with dementia.

They are designed to awaken long-term memories by stimulating the senses.

Memories of the beach, working on the farm and baking are some of the themes used in the kits which contain a DVD that uses the sights and sounds of places and activities.

The kits also contain items to stimulate the senses of smell, touch and taste, such as raw wool and seeds.

Senior librarian Robyn Fairclough said the kits are a welcome addition to the library.

“We’re very grateful to Carol Thomas and the Albany Soroptimist Club who donated three of the five kits to the Denmark Public Library so our community members who live with dementia can benefit from them,” she said.

“I hope the kits will improve the wellbeing of people in our community who live with dementia by bringing back memories.

“Hopefully the kits will spark conversation with caregivers and loved ones. There is so much value in keeping connected.”

Shire of Denmark chief executive officer David Schober said it’s exciting to enable programs that can assist in reducing or delaying the risk of developing dementia as the senior community in Denmark grows.

An introductory session on the kits will be held in the Denmark Public Library in the coming months.