A Dementia and Alzheimer's Game for the Whole Family
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Explore our Newest Product: StorySparks: Memory Edition
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Create Lasting Memories
Memory Edition comes with a storybook where you can capture the lasting stories being told
Meaningful Conversations
Each card is geared to engage in meaningful conversations with different topics and ideas.
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Featured Products
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StorySparks: Memory Edition
Regular price $49.00 USDRegular priceUnit price / per
FAQ
What is the research behind StorySparks?
StorySparks: Memory Edition is a research-based game and the first of its kind! We have discovered combating loneliness is important to those with Alzheimer’s and dementia as isolation can worsen symptoms. Visual imagery is an effective tool as it becomes a catalyst for improving cognitive functioning and memory recall. We also found reminiscence therapy is a therapeutic method that encourages individuals to recall and share cherished memories, creating a bridge between past experiences and the present. Repeated exposures can lead to exponential payoffs to impact quality of life.StorySparks: Memory Editionis designed to target all aspects of our research for extensive benefits.
Who is StorySparks appropriate for?
StorySparks is fantastic for the whole family and specifically designed to help improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and cognitive decline. The game provides a highly enjoyable way to spend time together and support loved ones. It is not just interactive, but also stimulating, easy, and fun!
The cards are written at an age 8 reading level so kids, overloaded adults, and caregivers can all help prompt stories. Best of all, you can use the cards over the phone so people outside the home can easily support those they love.
What is required to play? In what scenarios?
StorySparks is great because it’s so easy to play in multiple scenarios. StorySparks: Memory Edition can be played with just 2 people or in different group settings. For instance, you can play as a family or in a friend group. We also provide a Facilitator Guide to make StorySparks truly an “off-the-shelf activity” for programming in residential facilities, respite programs, and support groups.
The Game can be played in any duration, ranging from 5 minutes for a card to several hours if Players are enjoying telling stories.
Because of how the cards and StoryBook are designed, they can be played multiple times and prompt new story content each time.
Will StorySparks work for me and my family? How do I know if my Loved One(s) and I will be able to use and benefit from StorySparks: Memory Edition?
StorySparks: Memory Edition is specifically designed and tested with people at all different levels of cognitive abilities and cognitive declines including: mild cognitive, multiple types of dementia, and early/moderate and late-stage Alzheimer’s.
For those with Mild to Moderate Cognitive Decline: We and countless others have found that the cards and building a StoryBook works best for 2 Players or a small group where only 1 or 2 Players are experiencing mild to moderate cognitive decline. At these stages, those with cognitive decline can enjoy best recalling memories and stories from the expert-written prompts. These stories, in turn, can seamlessly be captured in their individual StoryBook.
Moderate to Later Stage Cognitive Decline: As cognitive decline progresses to moderate or later stages, the StoryBook itself with visual images is a wonderful prompt and can be useful with or without the cards to support recalling memories for stimulating conversation and engagement.
Do I have to make a StoryBook?
No! The StorySparks card prompts meaningful conversation all on their own. The accompanying “Start Here” booklet outlines how to play with just the cards as well as other formats.
How do the cards work?
Each easy-to-read card has a primary question and several follow-up questions specifically written to help recall memories.
The Cards are grouped by color in three categories:
Red - Favorite People
Green - Favorite Activities
Blue - Favorite Things
What are the dimensions of the game?
The game box is 13x10.5x2.75 in. and weighs 2.9 lbs.
The binder is 10x12x1.5 inches and fits standard 8.5x11 inch paper. It looks great on bookshelves or as a coffee table book.
The cardbox that comes inside of the large box is super portable at 7.75x4.5x1.25 inches, magnetically closes, and can fit in a purse.
The cards are specifically designed to be easy to read at 4x6 inches with a large font.
Are there group discounts available?
There are! Please take advantage of ‘Welcome25’ to get 25% off and free shipping.
We are also thrilled to work with organizations such as the National Alzheimer’s Association and many residential and respite programs. We offer group discounts and our free Facilitator Guide makes StorySparks: Memory Edition an “off-the-shelf activity” sure to delight and stimulate residents, participants, and volunteers. Please reach out to us directly at info@storysparks.com to get a package customized for your needs and group.
I purchased this story game as a way to interact with my octogenarian parents. My sister and I visit them once a week to play games and catch up. Although they do not exhibit any dementia, I thought this would be a fun way to interact and learn more about their lives growing up. On our first foray into StorySparks, I randomly chose a card and a time frame (school days as a child), and we spent over an hour and a half talking about our memories of elementary school. Not only did my parents share, but my sister and I reminisced as well. We all thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. As a former caregiver to my husband who had Alzheimer's disease, I can definitely see the benefits of using this product with your loved one. Or for paid caregivers to use with their clients. When conversation lags, and it is just too hard for the person living with a type of dementia to engage, the very specific topics on the cards should precipitate meaningful interaction. I will be recommending StorySparks to support groups and caregivers.
This game is fantastic! It is similar in concept to the product where questions are sent to the subject, the subject writes their answer, and it is turned into a book - but this is SO much better - especially for older relatives and friends. This game is warm and interactive and so easy to use. You can play it as long or as little as you want and pick and choose from the questions. I love the way the questioner focuses on a particular phase of life and really explores it with the guided questions. Sometimes it can be hard to know what to ask next and the question cards take off the pressure. Unlike some products, where the elderly person sends in their answers to an app, this game leads to actual communication and connection. I also love that it can be played in person or over the phone because it is conversation based. I strongly recommend this product to anyone who has a relationship across generations - not just a relationship with an elderly person.
This game is so much fun because it can go on forever and the memories that get recorded for my story book are amazing. Great for entire family. Cards are easy to read and the instructions are super easy to follow. Giving me piece of mind that even family I won't be able to meet will know who I was. A must have for every family. Fantastic value for the money completely unique item.
Great way to try to deepen connections
I originally bought StorySparks for a senior Client of mine. I own an in-home senior care company that sends caregivers into the home. But before I gave it to my 87-year old client, I tested some of the cards and questions out with my adult daughters (age 26 and 24). I was so pleasantly surprised to both have a lot of fun and learn things I didn't know even after being their dad for 26 years! My daughters live in another state and none of us are great with phone calls but we found doing StorySparks over the phone was a great way to make our weekly calls more enjoyable for all!
I was also thrilled with how my 87-year old client is enjoying the game. He has mild cognitive decline but we are always looking for way to get more engagement. He is a great storyteller but shared one of the most stories I've ever heard, prompted by the StorySparks cards. His family is thrilled and the game is deeply enriching the time he spends with our caregiver. His caregiver has also report that StorySparks makes her more much interesting and she is using the cards as a way to soothe anxiety, redirect frustrations, and generally improve his mood. Great product!