The Royal BC Museum in Victoria has a novel way of reaching out to seniors who cannot physically visit the museum—a suitcase containing mystery artifacts.
The Museum Mystery Suitcase Outreach Kits hold five artifacts from the Royal BC Museum’s handling collection and one reproduction item. The kits are loaned to senior care homes, independent living residences, seniors clubs and associations in B.C. at a cost of $75 for two weeks.
Seniors work out the purpose and function of mystery objects through observation and discussion. Handling these objects stimulates thinking, gives seniors the opportunity to socialize, provides variety and interest, and promotes well-being.
Since the objects are mysteries, seniors don’t have to worry about remembering what they are—they’re free to share their ideas and guesses in a judgment-free environment.
Using the mystery kit is straightforward—staff at care homes unpack the objects and place them on a table. Seniors sit around the table, and when the program begins, items are brought out one at a time, passed around, and the conversation begins.
Kim Gough, Learning Program Developer at the Royal BC Museum, says museum outreach programs for older adults benefits them in several ways.
“The idea for the kit came as part of my course work for my Masters of Museum Education,” says Gough. “I had identified seniors as an underserved audience and wanted to provide an outreach resource for seniors who perhaps couldn’t come to the museum.”
As part of the study, mystery kits were delivered by trained facilitators from the Royal British Columbia Museum (Royal BC Museum) to six groups at four care homes in the Greater Victoria area.
“I conducted research (pre and post-tests with participants as well as observation) and found that use of the kit resulted in improved mood and provided opportunities for socialization,” says Gough.
*Feature images by the Royal BC Museum
BC Care Providers Association wants to hear from you! If you would like to share a unique program that’s improving quality of life for seniors, please contact Digital Media & Communications Coordinator Rumana D’Souza at rumana@bccare.ca.
