Seward Memorial Library and Memorial Health Care Systems are teaming up to bring Brain HQ to county residents.
“One of our patrons asked about it,” SML Director Becky Baker said.
The patron was looking for a way to improve their cognitive skills and had tried Brain HQ. A few libraries around the country offer the site to their patrons, but none are in Nebraska.
“They couldn’t say enough positive about it,” Baker said.
She and the library staff tried it out, playing some of the available games on the website. The cost was reasonable, and the library has money through the Carnegie Grant to help pay for it.
“Then I thought, what about the hospital?” Baker said.
Local banks already sponsor the library’s ValueLine subscription, so she knew it was possible. Enter Annie Neumann at MHCS.
“We are passionate about all health,” she said.
Baker asked if MHCS would be willing to sponsor the connection. Neumann said MHCS staff played some of the games and looked at the research.
“It fit within our mission,” she said. “We want to do as much with mental and behavioral health as we can.”
Baker said Brain HQ users sign up and play every day. After answering a few intro questions, the only competition is with yourself, she said.
“Over time, they notice an improvement,” she said. “Especially if you’re concerned (about cognitive decline), starting now makes sense.”
She talked to representatives of the Alzheimer’s Association at the health fair, and they were excited about the website. All the reviews she read and sources she looked at were enthusiastic.
Neumann said the memory care facilities encourage people to keep their minds active, and Brain HQ is a good place to do that. Some of the games reminded her of the game Simon.
“Our hope is it is well utilized in the community,” she said.
Baker said the site provides monthly reports about usage. Anyone with a library card can use the site for free. County residents age 65 and older can sign up for a free library card if they don’t have one.
“It’s easy to sign up,” she said.
Users can set their own schedules. Neumann said the games available are based on everyday use.
“It’s a game with purpose,” Baker said.
The SML website will have a link to Brain HQ and will recognize MHCS as a sponsor. She hoped to have the link and subscription ready by Wednesday, April 22.
Baker and Neumann said they are pleased with the cooperation.
“I’m very pleased the library and hospital can work together to bring this resource to our community,” Baker said.
