We connect families across the Big Stone area with practical tools and services that support people living with memory loss and their caregivers. Here are some of the resources available locally.
Memory Loss Kits (area libraries)
The Ortonville Library offers specialized memory resources, including checkout tablets equipped with brain-stimulation games, mind exercises, and educational guides on recognizing Alzheimer’s and dementia for individuals and caregivers.
- Memory Support Tablets: Pre-loaded electronic devices featuring brain games and cognitive exercises designed to help slow cognitive decline.
- Access Kit Components: Each tablet kit comes with a user guide, an adapter, a charge cord, and a stylus.
- Caregiver Information: Built-in materials provide practical tips for recognizing memory loss and supporting loved ones.
See the Memory Loss Kits page for borrowing details and partnership information.
Memory Loss Section (Ortonville Library)
The Ortonville Public Library features a dedicated memory loss and dementia resource section offering specialized checkout items, educational materials, and support-group meetings like the local Memory Café through the Big Stone Area Memory Loss Connection.
‘Driving Safety’ Assessment (Big Stone Therapies)
Big Stone Therapies provides clinical driving safety and readiness assessments through select occupational therapy departments (such as specific regional staff like Wayne Dardis, OTR/L). These evaluations review the physical, visual, and cognitive skills needed to drive safely, helping patients, families, and physicians navigate driving retirement or continued safe mobility.
- Physical Skills: Testing for strength, reaction time, range of motion, and limb coordination.
- Cognitive & Visual Processing: Checking reaction speed, attention span, visual field awareness, and decision-making abilities.
- Medical Review: Evaluating how diagnoses like dementia, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease impact safe vehicle control.
Interactive Companion Pets
Memory loss interactive companion pets are robotic or animatronic animals designed to provide comfort, reduce anxiety, and ease loneliness in older adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia. These realistic plush dogs and cats respond to touch, sound, and motion with lifelike movements, purrs, barks, and a soothing heartbeat — without the physical demands of real pet care.
- Calms Anxiety: Eases agitation, restlessness, and behavioral symptoms associated with later stages of memory loss.
- No Care Burden: Eliminates the stress of feeding, vet visits, cleaning up messes, or tripping over a live animal.
- Sensory Engagement: Built-in sensors react when stroked or spoken to, encouraging positive emotional responses and comforting tactile feedback.