Seniors in assisted living or long-term care can engage with mystery objects to stimulate thinking and to spend time sociably with others.

Since the objects are mysteries, seniors don’t have to worry about whether or not they remember. Instead they can share their ideas and guesses in a judgment-free environment.

The kits are available for loans to seniors centres, independent living facilities, care homes and hospitals in BC only.

REQUEST AN OUTREACH KIT

There are five artifacts from the Royal BC Museum’s handling collection and one reproduction item. The artifacts have been selected to represent a variety of collections at the museum and to stimulate interest and discussion among participants. 

The kit is intended to:

• Offer an opportunity for seniors to socialize.
• Stimulate thinking.
• Provide variety and interest and promote well-being.
• Share objects from the Royal British Columbia Museum with people who cannot physically visit the museum.

Review the resource guide and plan your activity. The suggested program length is one hour and the number of participants should be no more than ten at a time. When you are ready, promote the program to your residents or invite specific members to attend. Become familiar with the objects in the kit and have fun.

When the kit arrives, check that everything is included and undamaged.  If the kit arrives damaged or is damaged while you’re using it, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us: we expect some wear and tear, and we can attend to it better if you let us know.  Unpack the objects and place them on a table and cover them with the provided cloth. Set up chairs around the table so everyone can see. When the program begins, bring out one item at a time, pass it around and let the conversation begin.

outreach@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca