Southington Library Honored For Dementia Programs

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The local library has been honored by a statewide organization for how it caters to people suffering from cognitive decline.

The Connecticut Age Well Collaborative recently designated the Southington Public Library, 255 Main St., Southington, as one of 50 places and programs in the state that "demonstrate age, dementia, and disability inclusivity."

The Bristol-based collaborative accepts community nominations to be included on its list.

According to the library, it was nominated for the designation for multiple initiatives that take into account elderly patrons suffering from cognitive issues. Among them:

• Library cards that allow for longer checkout time periods.

• Library staff are trained to recognize patrons suffering from cognitive issues and how to best help them.

• Programs and items set aside for those suffering from dementia-related cognitive issues, such as games, memory kits, puzzles, and painting sets.

Library officials said it was pleased with the designation.

"We are honored to be part of this network and we will continue to support our patrons and the residents of Southington that are affected by dementia," wrote the library.

For a list of other places and organizations on the list, click on this link.

For more information on the Connecticut Age Well Collaborative, click on this link.

For more information on the Southington Public Library, click on this link.