We are pleased to announce that Living Branches is embarking on a new dementia care journey. This spring we are rolling out the Music & Memory initiative for residents in memory care areas. The Music & Memory program provides iPods to persons with dementia, in an effort to reawaken them to the joy of music and memories long forgotten. Here is an excerpt from Alive Inside, a documentary which won the 2014 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award, and shows us the magical power of music:
WHAT IS MUSIC & MEMORY?
Music & Memory is a program designed to help persons who suffer from a wide range of cognitive and physical challenges to find renewed meaning and connection in their lives through the gift of personalized music.
Ongoing research of the program finds these consistent results:
- Participants are happier and more social.
- Relationships among staff, participants and family deepen.
- Everyone benefits from a calmer, more supportive social environment.
- Staff regain valuable time previously lost to behavior management issues.
- There is growing evidence that a personalized music program gives professionals one more tool in their effort to reduce reliance on anti-psychotic medications.
You can learn more about Music & Memory here.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Trained volunteers set up personalized music playlists, delivered on iPods and other digital devices, for residents who may benefit from the program. These musical favorites tap deep memories not lost to dementia and can bring participants back to life, enabling them to reconnect with past memories and experiences so as to find themselves again.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
Attend one of two informational sessions about the roll-out of the
Music & Memory program at Living Branches:
Monday, March 27, 6:30 p.m.
Dock Woods – Fisher Auditorium
Thursday, March 30, 6:30 p.m
Souderton Mennonite Homes – Friendship Room A&B
If you’re interested in attending, please RSVP here so we can have an accurate headcount.
WANT MORE INFORMATION?
Contact Kathleen Roberts, Director of Dementia Care Strategy
at 215-368-4438 ext. 42309 or Kathleen.Roberts@livingbranches.org.