Dementia Support Services
Hampshire Libraries are committed to supporting those living with Dementia across Hampshire.
Many of our Hampshire Library Service staff and volunteers have attended Dementia Awareness sessions – taking the opportunity to become Dementia Friends. The aim is to offer positive, Dementia friendly environments in all libraries. Living with Dementia can create feelings of isolation and problems communicating with family, friends and carers. For many carers it can feel difficult to break through these frustrating barriers. Hampshire County Council’s Library Service offers a range of materials and resources to borrow to help improve and stimulate discussion and memories.
Books on Prescription – Dementia Collection
This is an informative collection of titles chosen by The Reading Agency, and recommended and endorsed by health professionals. It is designed to provide information and advice about dementia plus support for relatives and carers. The selection Includes personal stories and activities to share.
The collection helps to stimulate memories and past experiences. It includes posters, games and quizzes, postcards, recorded music, smell boxes and memory boxes, jigsaws, photographs and books which can be used to stimulate and support reminiscence.
Sometimes listening to the rhythm of a voice reading a story can be relaxing in itself. Audio resources can also help if someone wakes during the night, or when attending medical appointments.
Individual books are pre-loaded onto an easy to use MP3 player about the size of a pack of cards. The user can slow down the reading pace to suit their needs.
A whole book on 1 or 2 discs that can be listened to, paused, rewound or fast forwarded as needed so that people with dementia can still enjoy the pleasure of a book.
National Talking Newspapers and Magazines
Library staff are happy to load your favourite newspapers and magazines onto your own memory stick. Over 150 audio titles are available including, Reader’s Digest, Which?, Country Living and People’s Friend.
Shorter, easy to read paperbacks by popular authors in larger clear print.
Pictures to Share Collection
Books with large simple images designed for people with dementia to help stimulate conversation between them and their families and carers.
For anyone who finds it difficult to get to the library because of ill health, disability or caring responsibilities. We carefully match customers with local volunteers who are DBS checked, recruited and trained by library staff. Each month these volunteers will select and deliver library items based on your preferences.
Many of our Hampshire Library Service staff and volunteers have attended Dementia Awareness sessions and are experienced in talking with people who have dementia. Please do ask for more information about any of the services and resources listed here and other services we provide such as the Good Neighbour scheme. Read our Home Library Service blog for more!
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