Construction workers have toolboxes, doctors have medical bags, so why shouldn’t visitors to those experiencing dementia carry a ‘go bag’ of their own – a “Memory CareBag?”

As a visitor/connector with others it’s critical to listen. Sometimes to “break the ice” it’s helpful to bring a few “connection tools.” Items in the “Memory CareBag”*** might include:

• Listing of some Visitor Helpful Hints (two ears, one mouth – – think before you speak; don’t overstay your welcome – set a timer or some other way of marking departure; etc.)
• Someone Cares or a similar book with beautiful poetry
• Timer complete with visible way of showing how close to the end of the visit we are (personal preference is the old “oven timer” that dings when time is up, and shows how much time remains)
• Sing-along sheets or songbooks, in case folks want to sing/hear a few tunes
  • bring along a musical instrument(s) for accompanying the songs?
• bring some percussion “instruments” can even be a set of keys jangled, spoon on wood block or ???
• Coloring book and crayons – for spending some time together just chatting away
  • CD player and music from an era the visitee might enjoy, or for finding a good radio station for background music
  • Small, soft ball to roll/toss back-and-forth
  • Left / Center / Right game, if others are available to play
  • Deck of playing cards – Crazy 8 , War , Solitaire, sort by color/shape/numbers or ???
  • Book of jokes, comics or other materials to start some laughter; maybe the newspaper comics if nothing else?
  • Take pictures of the group and surroundings, have them developed and bring them next time to create a collage (bring colored paper, scissors and tape for collage efforts)
  • Bring jigsaw puzzle with few, larger pieces