The Sleep Kit appeals to the five senses,and 
contains...

Book

Can you recall reading, being read to, or reading to your children or grandchildren? It's a good idea to do this instead of watching TV or using other electronics before bed. There's a nostalgic feeling that goes along with reading aloud, and if the story is relatable, it can encourage discussion and reminiscence.

Essential Oil

This product from Coco Botanicals is a handmade blend of the following essential oils: lavender, vetiver, chamomile, bergamot, and orange sweet. Apply 2-3 drops of the oil to your temples, soles of your feet, and back of the neck. Together, take slow, deep breaths after applying the oil for maximum relaxation.

​Colouring Book
& Markers

Colouring isn't just an activity for kids - it's something everyone can enjoy. The simple act of putting pen to paper is something you can easily incorporate into a bedtime routine, and it's a great opportunity for you to express yourself. Flip through the colouring book to find a page you both like, choose your colours, and get creative.

Hairbrush

For most people, brushing your hair is a soothing experience. Self-grooming tasks can be difficult for people living with dementia. Making hairbrushing a joint effort between care partners creates a comforting, relaxing experience before bedtime. This item promotes the benefits of sensory touch.

Lotion

Getting a hand massage feels wonderful, and helps your body feel relaxed after a busy day. This lotion by Beechwood Wildness contains a custom blend of ingredients formulated specially for The Sleep Kit. Besides being relaxing, hand massages increase circulation and improve flexibility and range of motion in the joints.

Playing Cards

Card games are a great way to unwind at the end of a busy day. Get together with your partner and play an old favorite like “Go Fish” or  “Crazy Eights”. If this is too challenging, try sorting the cards by number, color, or suit. You could even encourage your partner to hold the cards and follow their lead.

Hand Mirror

Looking in the mirror can be therapeutic for those living with dementia. Mirror therapy is often calming, and the laughter, enjoyment and relaxation this activity brings can really brighten the mood. This activity has even been known to improve communication—use it to strike up a conversation.

Herbal Pillow

This soft herbal pillow contains a subtle blend of relaxing, all-natural scents: chamomile, orange peel, and lavender. Place it in your partner’s pillowcase so they can benefit from the calming effects of aromatherapy at bedtime.  There’s nothing so nostalgic as a familiar smell.

Tea

Nice, warm drinks are a universal comfort, especially in the evening. However, popular options like coffee and black tea contain caffeine which keeps you awake at night. The Sleep Kit offers chamomile tea, an herbal tea that’s widely known to promote relaxation and sleep.

Therapeutic CD

Music is something almost everyone can relate to positively, and it’s incredibly helpful for people living with dementia. Listening to music can decrease agitation and promote a restful environment, helping both you and your partner feel at ease. The Sleep Kit contains a CD made in Fredericton by local musicians with favourites such as "Amazing Grace" and "Ave Maria".

Reflection Booklet

​Reminiscing is a great way to connect and relate to others in a meaningful way. Use these questions to start a conversation and find out more about one another. These questions are meant to be cues and will hopefully develop into stories, conversations and a sharing of knowledge and wisdom. Feel free to personalize these questions based on each other’s experiences and choose questions that apply to you both and would encourage conversation.

The Sleep Kit gives care partners the time they need to relax & enjoy one another's company at the end of a busy day,
​before they both get a good night's rest