(via Mary Beth Riedner–Communications Chair, Library Services for patrons with Dementia & Alzheimer’s)
May is Older Americans Month. Libraries have an important role in serving this population in our communities. Unfortunately, a growing percentage of older Americans are being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other related dementias. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. by 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million.
LSDA, the Library Services for patrons with Dementia & Alzheimer’s interest group is currently conducting a survey of libraries nationwide in an effort to build a database of programming resources that can be shared with all libraries to help better serve this growing segment of our communities.
If you are currently offering any programs or services specifically for patrons with dementia or their care partners, or both, we invite you please to complete this short (10-question) survey by Saturday, June 15. Access the survey here.