Montreal library teams up with Alzheimer's association to offer support services

A library in eastern Montreal is partnering with the city's Alzheimer's association to offer support to caregivers and individuals with cognitive disorders.

Once a week, two counselors from the Alzheimer Society of Montrealare at the Rivire-des-Prairies library, meeting with walk-ins and those who make an appointment. They offer guidance, answer questions and help connect people to available services.

Along with books on the subject, the library also offers take-home kits that are aimed at helping those with cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's, a neurodegenerative disease.

The kits include activities that stimulate cognitive and motor skills, featuring physical, creativeand sensory components.

"We saw it as a need in the community," said Audre-Ann Ramacieri-Tremblay, library director.

She said the kitshelp people with cognitive disorders, and improve their quality of life.For example, there is a board with several everyday items, like zippers and shoelaces, so people can practise these basic tasks.

Ramacieri-Tremblay said the library is a stigma-free zone where people can feel welcome and safe.

"Everyone can come to the library. We don't ask anything. We just give," she said.

The new servicestarted in May. Each kit contains a survey that asks users about their experience with the various materials inside. Ramacieri-Tremblay said they will use that feedback to evolve the kits over time.

Dahlia Baka, who heads clinical services for the association, said the library serves as a satellite office that allows her organization to be on the ground, meeting people, offering support and connecting them to services.

In some cases, people may think their loved one is developing a cognitive disorder and need guidance in seeking out a diagnosis. In other cases, caregivers just need emotional support and reassurance, said Baka.

She said the Alzheimer Society of Montrealhas been setting up similar satellite offices across the city in an effort to be closer to the population.

"When you meet someone in person, it's very different than on the phone," she said.

In Rivire-des-Prairies, the response has been positive, she said, as people feel comfortable asking questions, and in turn, getting information about local resources.

She said her organization expects the number of people diagnosed with a cognitive disorders willclimb. The goal is to ensure everybody, be they caregivers or those with adisorder, has access to help.

"We want them to be aware that they can have help," said Baka.