Mead Public Library’s Experience Collection has a new item- the Simpl liftPlayer.

What is it?

The Simpl liftPlayer is an easy-to-use music player that was created for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. All you have to do is lift the top lid of the player and music will begin to play. There is a large button under that lid to skip a song, and then simply close the lid to stop the music.

Thanks to a generous grant from Sheboygan County’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), the Mead Public Library has 6 of these music players available for check out. Click here to see current availability.

Why is music so important when it comes to dementia?

Enjoying music is an activity that our brains will hold on to, despite the decline involved with dementia. Listening to a song, or playing a musical instrument, can trigger memories and bring on an emotional response, even in individuals who are mostly unresponsive. It is also a great way for a caregiver to connect with their patient.

Even better reactions can come from music and lyrics that are familiar to a person. Each music player will be programmed with music specific to the person who will be listening.

How are they checked out?

These players can be checked out for 3 months, and then renewed for 3 more months before they must be returned to the library.

Before checking a player out, the caregiver will need to pick up a form from the 1st floor service desk at Mead Public Library and provide the following information:
-Caregiver’s name.
-Caregiver’s phone number.
-Caregiver’s email (if applicable).
-Name of the person it’s being checked out for.
-Library card number.
-Address.
-A selection of music genres that can be circled based on the person’s preference.
-A section to write more about the person’s favorite music.

After this form is filled out, the caregiver will need to return the form to the 1st floor service desk at Mead Public Library. Staff will do what they can to load music that fits closely to what was selected and written down on the form, and then they will contact the caregiver when the player is available for pick up. If all Simpl liftPlayers are checked out at the time forms are returned, caregivers will be put on a waitlist and notified when the player is ready to be picked up.

If you have further questions about the Simpl liftPlayers, please contact Mead Public Library at (920)459-3400.