Libraries become more user friendly for people with dementia
Libraries in Moray are at the forefront of a new drive to create dementia friendly communities.
Council staff have been trained in dementia awareness and ways to support people living with the condition as well as those worried about memory loss.
Advanced training has been undertaken by senior staff who can now carry out environmental audits on library buildings and recommend simple improvements to make premises less confusing for customers with dementia.
This could include changing signs to include symbols as well as words and making sure the design and colour schemes of walls, flooring and furniture is right.
Creating dementia friendly libraries is the latest step for Moray Council’s libraries service which has been playing an important role in improving the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia and their families for some time.
People with dementia often find it easier to remember things from the past rather than recent happenings. A range of reminiscence boxes are loaned out by libraries to groups and individuals with staff running sessions on how to make best use of reminiscence boxes or making one of your one.
Digital reminiscence technology is available for use in Elgin library as part of a session with staff support.The equipment enables people with memory problems to create their own digital ‘My Life’ story book with pictures, video clips and music which evokes memories for them. It can be shared with family, friends and carers to aid communication.
Moray Council libraries also offer a books-on-prescription scheme.The list of reading material is available to any library user and has been recommended by health professionals and people with first hand experience of living with various medical conditions, including dementia.
Principal librarian Sheila Campbell said: “We are delighted to be launching a new dementia collection in Elgin, Fochabers and Forres libraries. This new collection contains books selected and recommended by dementia healthcare experts, people with dementia and their carers.”
Moray Council and other partner organisations are working to raise awareness about dementia and the possible challenges people with dementia may face when using everyday services.
One of the aims is to promote a dementia friendly environment in public places and to help people remain independent in their local community for as long as possible.
Moray Council area stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Forres in the west. The council and its 4,500 employees respond to the needs of 92,500 residents in this beautiful part of Scotland, which nestles between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.
Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live.
Headquartered in Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray.