Region of Waterloo Library launches Cognitive Care Kits to support individuals living with dementia or declining cognitive skills

Waterloo Region - Region of Waterloo Library is launching a new collection of Cognitive Care Kits designed to support people living with dementia, memory loss, or declining cognitive skills, and their families and caregivers.

The kits are intended to help residents make meaningful social connections while promoting brain health through simple, engaging activities. Each Cognitive Care Kit contains a variety of items such as puzzles, games, books, and sensory activities that encourage people living with dementia to interact, manipulate, sort, and organize objects.

“Region of Waterloo Library is committed to creating accessible and inclusive services that meet people where they are,” said Regional Chair, Karen Redman. “By offering Cognitive Care Kits, the library is providing individuals, families and caregivers with practical resources that encourage connection, engagement and meaningful time together.”

The kits are also designed to inspire reminiscence and casual conversation with family members and friends, helping create moments of connection and engagement. As a support for families, each kits contains ‘A caregiver's guide to dementia’, describing the use of activities and other techniques to prevent, reduce and manage the behavioral symptoms of dementia.

In total, the Region of Waterloo Library is launching 12 kits. Six kits designed for people in the early to mid stages of dementia and six kits for those experiencing mid to late-stage symptoms.

The release of the Cognitive Care Kits reflects RWL’s ongoing commitment to expand its collection and accessible services for the community. In addition to the kits, the library recently introduced Adaptive Gaming Controllers and Sensory Support Kits, providing more inclusive and supportive options for patrons of all ages and abilities.

Cognitive Care Kits are available to borrow through Region of Waterloo Library. Patrons can learn more by visiting rwlibrary.ca/cognitivecarekits or contacting their local branch.