The mental toll of the coronavirus lock-down surely has affected us all. According to the U.S. Travel Association, the travel industry has seen a $910 Billion shortfall with far fewer traveling since the beginning of the pandemic. Families are not traveling to see each other across countries, states, and not even to our nearby communities. One of the most affected groups are those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. Serving this group is a priority for Aurora Public Library District (APLD), especially for our Outreach Department. However, the constraints of COVID-19 make it a bit more difficult.
It is extremely important for dementia patients to stay engaged in normal routines. Listening to music from their younger years and continuing to visit locations from their past helps keep their minds engaged. The APLD has just the thing to help reach these most vulnerable customers. Tuesday Oct. 27, APLD will put on a virtual program to help bring travel to familiar places to those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and related forms of dementia. Using images, objects, music and folktales, the Tales and Travels program will take participants on an imaginary and engaging journey through a particular region of a country. In this program, participants will make a virtual visit to landmarks, neighborhoods, and famous restaurants and other locations around Chicago. A recent study conducted by Dr. Susan Wesner, Judson University in Elgin, and through federal grant funds shows that Tales and Travel Memories is an effective program.
“We feel it is important to create programs geared towards individuals in community care centers who have been on lock-down or unable to see relatives since the virus began and/or individuals experiencing various stages of dementia,” said Collin Benson, APLD adult services assistant. “We may continue to do these kinds of tales and travel programs or we may branch out and come up with other programs, that engage participants’ memories,” Benson said.
Although this program is targeted to those experiencing dementia, all are welcome! The joy of travel is something we all miss, and virtually revisiting places we love is fun for everyone.
So, come and take a journey with us to Chicago. Memories await. You can learn more at aurorapubliclibrary.org/event/4574655.
Andrew Muñoz is communications coordinator at the Aurora Public Library.