As many older adults are currently isolated in senior care communities or at home, we want to provide some information on how our materials can help to keep persons with dementia engaged safely.

 
STORIES FOR OLDER ADULTS

Stories for Older Adults™ have been designed for success in a variety of situations, including independent reading. While shared reading with a care partner or in a small group may not be possible or safe at this time, it is possible for older adults with dementia to read our stories on their own, either silently or aloud.

Offering a variety of activities, including reading, that can be completed independently keeps older adults engaged.
Activities that are purposeful and follow the individual’s interests are most successful.

 
THREE-PART CARDS FOR OLDER ADULTS

Our Three-part cards for Older Adults have also been designed for independent use. The simple, orderly matching procedure can be learned quickly and repeated frequently by varying the subject matter with different themed card sets. Read our blog post “Three-part cards for Older Adults” to learn more. Three-part cards are laminated and can be cleaned and sanitized. See below.

 
HOW TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE LAMINATED CARDS

CLEANING – Dampen a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe down the front and back of the card. You can use a spray cleaner, but be sure to spray the cloth or the paper towel. DO NOT SPRAY CLEANER DIRECTLY ON THE LAMINATED CARD.

DRYING – Place the card on a clean cloth to dry.

SANITIZING – Wipe down the front and back of the card with a small size alcohol wipe. Allow to dry completely before storing.

During this difficult time, as we practice “healthy spacing,” let us resolve to find creative ways to keep our older adults with dementia safely engaged.

Rita Akins
Montessori Images