Cognitive Care Kits

If your loved one enjoys hands-on creative activities: 

Choose: Kits 1, 3, 4, 6 
These include water colouring, tactile boards, and lacing activities that encourage calm focus and sensory engagement. 

If puzzles are familiar or comforting 

Choose: Kits 4, 5, 7, 8 
Puzzles support visual attention, recognition, and a gentle sense of accomplishment. 

If they are reassured by routine or orientation cues: 

Choose: Kit 2 
Includes a large-print clock to support structure and time awareness. 

If music or sound brings comfort: 

Choose: Kit 9 
Featuring a radio to help lift mood, evoke memories, and create a calm environment. 

If they have a strong connection to hobbies or past roles: 

Choose: Kits 7 or 8 
These draw on familiar themes like cooking, gardening, and handiwork to spark recognition and conversation. 

If they benefit from memory prompts or reminiscence: 

Choose: Kits 1, 3, 9 
These kits include conversation cards, memory games, and familiar images to encourage gentle recall. 

If you’re unsure where to start: 

Begin with Kits 1, 3, or 6, which offer a balanced mix of sensory, visual, and cognitive activities suitable for most users. 

For further guidance or recommendations, Library staff are here to help.  

Take it slow.
Each activity is designed for gentle engagement. Move at your loved one’s pace and stop anytime they seem tired or overwhelmed.

Follow their interests.
Start with the item that draws their attention. Familiar images, colours, or textures often feel the most welcoming.

Use short sessions.
Five to ten minutes of activity can be enough. Allow breaks and revisit items later if helpful.

Keep instructions simple.
Demonstrate an action rather than explaining it. Hand-over-hand guidance can be supportive if welcomed.

Focus on comfort, not performance.
There is no right or wrong way to use the items. The goal is connection, calm, and meaningful interaction.

Supporting a family member or friend diagnosed with dementia can be a new experience. This group is for care partners of persons living with dementia in early, middle and late stages, regardless of their living arrangements. In this safe environment, you can pose questions, share your insights and lessons learned. You are not alone. To register, contact Shiju Joseph at sjoseph@alzheimersociety.ca or call (705) 722-1066 ext. 223.

Lakeshore Branch, every 3^rd Thursday 1:30pm-3pm of the month.

If need help or services caring for someone with dementia, or to find dementia-related information specific to your needs, the Alzheimer Society has the education and resources to help you.