I am pleased to report that our CSL Public Library has received a  $21,000 grant from  the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).   Mount Royal Liberal MP Anthony Housefather made the announcement formally on Monday night at City Hall. He had encouraged us to apply.

Anthony Housefather presents the confirmation letter to Director of Library Services Janine West and council.

The grant will be used to support Tales & Travel Memories, an innovative library program that provides services directly to people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias, and their caregivers. It was developed in 2013 by Mary Beth Reidner, a librarian whose husband had been diagnosed with dementia. Since then, the program has been offered in many North American libraries as well as many institutions caring for patients with dementia.

The program will be offered weekly, in six or eight  week sessions starting in late August and each meeting will take participants on an imaginary trip to another country using library materials such as highly illustrated adult and children’s books, music, souvenirs and other objects, folktales and stories, interesting facts and video about each destination. From now until late August time will be spent planning, purchasing materials for each kit, and promoting the program.

The program will be open to eight to 10 seniors suffering from dementia as well as their caregivers. (Caregiver attendance is required). Three to four sessions would be offered to reach as many seniors as possible.

The program will  be guided by a Katie Bezaire, the Seniors’ Services librarian. We are also hoping to enlist the support of the Alzheimer’s Society or the Alzheimer’s Group Inc. Volunteers also play a vital role in this project. They contribute to the planning, assist with the creation of the travel kits, help with the food and assist at each program offering personalized attention.

The sessions encourage participation, conversation and the sharing of memories providing stimulation for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and it also provides an activity for caregivers.

According to a research study in Tales and Travel is an effective program. Caregivers and volunteers observe increased social interaction, increased cognitive interaction, and various types of cognitive engagement, including verbalization, memory recall, reading ability, and emotional engagement. Caregivers also report improved relationships with their loved ones as a result of the program.

The grant money will be used to purchase materials for each country kit, training and support from one of the Alzheimer’s support organizations, promotion and staff time.

The NHSP  is a federal grants and contributions program that funds projects that empower seniors in their communities and contribute to improving seniors’ health and well-being. The program provides funding for projects that make a difference in the lives of seniors and in their communities. Seniors lead and inspire projects to make a difference in the lives of others and in their communitie

New Horizons for Seniors Programs promote seniors’ volunteerism, mentorship and civic leadership.  The goal is to inspire goodwill, sharing and friendship in our communities.  Our government is providing a wide range of opportunities for seniors to participate in meaningful activities that nurture their personal growth and foster community prosperity. These projects help seniors keep active, stay connected, share their knowledge and continue to enhance their skills to face the challenges of our rapidly evolving society.

Thanks to our Director of Library Services Janine West for all of her work on the dossier. More to come.