If you are shopping for a loved one, especially one who is alone or has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, voila!! The ideal gift. A headset with personal music downloaded on an MP3 player or similar.
While some will say the radio works just as well, I promise you that although it may, then again it may not. General music, the elevator type, engages the ear a bit, and may blot out other distractions, but personalized music ranks in a much higher realm.
It stimulates memories tucked away in the brain. As you interview your loved one about favorite songs, musicians, and bands, not only will you unveil a deepened relationship with the individual and also you will learn about another time, another era, perhaps, that helped develop your loved one.
The benefits of personalized music include decreased agitation and anger, less anxiety, more restful relaxation and naps, and general calmness. Someone who has not spoken but a few words in weeks may suddenly launch into full-on song; another who has been immobile may leap up and begin to sway to the rhythm and dance. Regardless of the variety of possible reactions, I know one thing for certain… smiles (with maybe a tear mixed in). Lots of smiles.
Several years ago, Diane Rice and Lowry Cheer engaged in a project to bring special music to each resident of Harmony Manor. The team interviewed everyone by asking about preferred music as well as playing a snippet of different tunes.
Reactions came automatically — joy or a frown. Joy — a hit!! A frown – the wrong song or band. After compiling a list each member downloaded a playlist onto an iPod (remember them?), printed out a copy of the songs recorded, then deposited player, list, headsets, and USB plug into a Ziplock bag with the resident’s name on it. The response was amazing – every employee declared the magic emitted when people donned headsets and relaxed with selected melodies absolutely incredible. Cherese Fifield and her Cheer team continued this effort so that each person at Harmony and Quail Corner has their unique playlist.
The cost runs about $50 per person plus charges entailed with downloading songs. One of the wonders of an iPod included that once a song was purchased it could be transferred to any number of devices.
Another wonder of this project has been the reaction of Lowry students to partnering with a resident to chat, to listen to songs, and to create a terrific, lasting gift. When renewing a registration an employee at DMV had a photo from our newspaper of her daughter and a resident laughing and interacting.
When I commented on it, we were both moved to tears for no reason except pride and satisfaction.
Alzheimer’s Awareness has raised money for the music package through Tie-One-On, a bow tie tying contest held at Lowry High School basketball between the girls and boys varsity games. Prior to the contest, every sports attendee receives a purple bow to indicate love and caring for others and then arrives the main event – Cheer! ties on a bow tie to volunteers.
The excitement is amazing. Last year the crowd donated $699 which we passed on to Harmony/Quail. This year we hope to provide devices to anyone who requests one so mark your calendar for Jan. 17, 2025, Lowry “Old” gym.
To understand this program better I invite you to a viewing of the documentary Alive Inside. Dan Cohen, the narrator, thought he’d stop by a care facility, talk to a couple of residents about music, offer some iPods, then move on. Instead, he spent three years promoting “Music and Memory”.
The film lasts just over an hour so join us at Pleasant Senior Center Thursday, Dec. 12, at 9:30 a.m. in the Board Room to observe the wonder yourself. A brief discussion will follow to answer questions and to get feedback for getting music to the people who will benefit.
A stop will also give you a chance to learn about our weekly respite program – a 3.5-hour break for caregivers while loved ones join us for lunch, art, crafts, games, and of course, music, all paid for through activities like the Turkey Trot last week (a rousing success yet again)! You may even find that you’d like to volunteer to help or download songs for playlists, or simply offer insight and ideas. We grow through our community effort.