April 2023
Quick Facts
- Anyone can get a Caregiver kit by placing a hold online.
- There are no limits to how many can be checked out at one time.
- Before shelving check bags for missing items. Send incomplete kits to LOS.
- Caregiver kits are housed at LOS.
- Caregiver kits are available in Spanish.
Policy
Patrons caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementias can now check out themed Caregiver Kits with interactive, multi sensory items.
The themes are designed to stimulate conversations and bring back happy memories. For example, a gardening kit has seeds, tools and books. The cooking kit has kitchen items and cookbooks from the 1950s.
A caregiving resource kit contains books about dementia and self-care resources. It’s available in English and Spanish.
Caregiver kits are circulated for 21 days and may be reserved as any other material.
There are no late fines. There is no replacement cost for missing parts.
Caregiver kits returned with missing pieces should be sent to LOS.
Rationale
Why Caregiver kits?
The number of Americans living with Alzheimer's disease is growing fast. Because of the increasing number of people age 65 and older in the United States, the number of new cases of Alzheimer's dementia and other dementias is projected to soar.
One in 10 people age 65 and older has Alzheimer's dementia.
Older Black Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias as older White Americans.
Hispanics Americans are about one and one-half times as likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias as older White Americans.
Alzheimer's takes a devastating toll on caregivers. Compared with caregivers of people without dementia, twice as many caregivers of people with dementia indicate substantial emotional, financial and physical difficulties. Additionally, a recent community survey by Multnomah County Aging, Disability and Veterans Services Division revealed high needs for caregiver resources.