READING2CONNECT
Connecticut, USA.
Program Description
“It's unlike any prescription it's unlike any treatment for dementia to watch somebody with one of these books wake up and start to interact with a book and then interact with other people and they haven't done that in months and months and months is a big deal.”
“We've developed a program that does not rely on the staff but instead brings out the natural qualities of older adults like humor and Leadership and empathy for their peers and it all begins with a book.”
-video: The Reading2Connect Story "
Reading is a skill that is generally preserved and intact in the procedural memory of an elderly person. Like brushing teeth or using a spoon, the ability to read is automatic and often remains to some degree functional even in the later stages of dementia."
“ “…low lighting, poor book placement and background noise, physical symptoms, pain, discomfort, fatigue, hunger, thirst, weak postural support and psychological experiences anxiety, confusion also negatively impact many older adults’ abilities to concentrate on reading.”
-reading2connect.org
Dr. Dixon and Susan Ostrowski created a program offering specialized books for individuals living with Dementia in nursing homes. They started with people with Dementia reading one on one with a staff member and moved on to partnered and group reading. They found that reading activity increased interaction, promoted discussion and brought up memories.
Reduced visual contrast, condensed text, extraneous visual stimuli and lengthy syntax in every day reading material such as mainstream newspapers, magazines and books extremely inaccessible. Modifications to text, graphic layout, illustrations, language and content are made to accommodate those with dementia and the cognitive and visual challenges they face.
Reading2Connect encourages the use of peer led reading groups where older adults can read copies of the same book aloud, learn, and socialize with others with minimal interference from facility staff.
Reading2Connect provides training to staff of long term care facilities, adult day care centers, libraries, senior centers on how to implement reading programs for those with dementia.
source:reading2connect.org
Aging Programs
Dementia Assistance and Activities Programs
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