Cognitive impairments in older adults do not preclude literacy; when provided with appropriately designed materials, individuals living with dementia or related conditions can independently engage in meaningful reading experiences that promote dignity, agency, and cognitive stimulation.

Challenging a Misconception

The prevailing belief in many care facilities is that older adults with dementia can no longer read. However, this could not be further from the truth. Reading is a crucial form of communication; it fires up neurons and pathways in the brain that can benefit elderly patients struggling with such issues. This misconception has historically limited residents’ access to intellectually stimulating and emotionally validating content. Fortunately, though, with Reading2Connect®, it doesn’t have to be this way anymore.

Reading2Connect challenges this narrative with field-tested evidence and research demonstrating preserved reading ability in many cognitively impaired individuals. The brand advocates for implementing reading activities in the care of the elderly, as they can provide a valuable stimulant and highly beneficial effects.

Accessible Book Design

Books created for this population use specific formatting: larger fonts, spacious layouts, supportive images, and non-condescending language. These and other features enable independent interaction with content, maintaining adult integrity and reducing the need for staff facilitation.

The inspiration for Reading2Connect came from theco-creator , Susan Ostrowski, MA, MS, CCC-SLP who realized that many residents in homes with cognitive impairments could still read if the materials were appropriately formatted. As a direct result, the company began work with the aspiration to advocate for specialized literature that maintains adult integrity but is formatted for accessibility.

Impact on Quality of Life

Access to reading has been shown to improve quality of life. It offers cognitive engagement, emotional expression, and opportunities for social connection. Best of all, salient text and images provide the communication support that brings forth the voices, opinions, insight, humor and much more of this readership.

Furthermore, it provides an alternative to the often passive or sometimes juvenile activities commonly offered in long-term care. 

As such, Reading2Connect continues to crusade for this cause despite the complexity of the senior care field, which is generally challenging to penetrate. Many higher-ups within the sector tend to prioritize funding over quality-of-life activities, with medical, marketing, and logistical needs taking precedence. 

However, Reading2Connect understands just what a difference integrating programs that recognize the person behind the disease (eg, art, music, children, gardens, pets) can make. Advocates must work to shift institutional perspectives to help include literacy as a core part of person-centered care.

Multi-Channel Outreach Strategy

Reading2Connect engages with its target population through conferences, webinars, workshops, articles in trade magazines, and blogs, and maintains an active social media presence on LinkedIn and Facebook. 

Libraries have also become one of their most valuable and unexpected resources. 

Reading2Connect has found that libraries have been particularly receptive to their books, demonstrating an openness to literacy and engaging literature activities for their patrons, living with dementia. This is especially helpful, given just how large a role libraries can play in the lives of elderly residents.

Scalable Program Offerings

Reading2Connect provides five program types that are adaptable for use in care homes, libraries, and community contexts. Each program includes not only reading materials but training as well for effective implementation. These programs include books and training to ensure proper, independent engagement from older adults and include:

Long-Term Care Program: A self-paced training and materials package that helps nursing homes and assisted-living staff create resident-led reading activities promoting independence and social connection.

Library Program: Provides librarians and volunteers with dementia-friendly books and training to make reading more accessible and engaging for older adults in the community.

Community-Based Program: Equips senior centers, adult day services, and memory cafés with adapted books and methods for running meaningful, participant-driven reading groups.

Hospital Volunteer Program: Providing hospital volunteer departments with training and specialized books that give volunteers a soothing platform for emotional connection and conversation. This program nurtures calm and comfort for patients experiencing delirium or dementia.

Dementia-Friendly Community Programs: Helps public organizations like museums,  places of worship, and historical sites open their doors to older adults with cognitive changes. Reading2Connect provides training and  customized, dementia-friendly reading material, reflecting the points of interest of each organization.

To learn more, visit the Reading2Connect^® website today.