Talking Mats is an effective, low-tech communication system developed to help adults with communication disorders and dementia express their feelings and needs. Now available in the US, Talking Mats has proven to be effective in residential and rehab settings with adults experiencing all phases of dementia. Use Talking Mats to help people:

• choose what they want to do on a day-to-day basis

• remember what they have said

• converse with friends and relatives during social visits

• enjoy a personally meaningful activity

• tell family and staff how they feel (how bad their pain is, how much they enjoy the food)

• provide information and convey views to medical and social work staff face difficult decisions (for instance, giving up driving or moving to a different residential setting)

• extend the period during which they can play an active role in making decisions about their lives

The Talking Mat kit includes:

* 58 adult-appropriate symbols/visuals

* One mat with velcro

* DVD about how to use Talking Mats with adults experiencing different stages of dementia

* Talking Mat book and brochures

* Handy storage bag

Read the research about how Talking Mats improved participants’ understanding, engagement, and ability to keep on track and make their views understood at Talking Mats.com.