Music and Memory - Part 2

Music and memory is a music project developed by Dan Cohen and is the basis of the independent movie Alive Inside. Dan entered residential facilities all through the nation with the proposal of assisting people with dementia and other cognitive problems, these with intense discomfort, individuals with behavior issues, and much more. His concept integrated choosing resident-particular music, downloading those onto an iPod, and then providing this to residents to listen to with headsets for privacy. For much more particulars, refer to my initial post, Music and Memory.

Via the openness of the Director of Nursing and Activities Director at our nearby lengthy-term care facility and funding from the hospital auxiliary, music and memory arrived in my hometown. Following on-line coaching care facility workers, volunteers, family members members, and the nearby higher college cheerleaders rolled out this system. Even though the film shows residents "coming alive" Although favourite tunes are played, seeing it with my own eyes revealed the magic and wonder of the moment.

Each and every group member interviewed residents and played doable tunes on laptops and cellphones. Whilst a resident could not speak for himself/herself, family members members supplied background details and volunteers experimented with possibilities. With this expertise songs started to fill the area. One lady who generally sits by the front door and generally greets me Whilst I enter with a return "Hello" is abruptly exploding with details about her previous in Austria, her good friends and cousins, and hints as to the music she loves. Although I pointed out this miracle to employees, their astonishment was as deep as my own, "She under no circumstances speaks". But through this practical experience she does.

A different resident entered the recreation area nervous and a bit confrontational. Gentle words helped sooth him, and then music was played. Alternatively of getting argumentative and agitated as he typically is in the afternoon, he broke into a smile, clapped quietly, and sang a handful of of the words. He spent quite a few hours there in the peaceful seclusion of his favourite melodies.

A third individual had her niece at hand to help pick out acceptable songs. The aunt has been in steady decline with fewer and fewer words exchanged with Every stop by. It was decided that the aunt definitely liked religious hymns and so the initial one played. This withdrawn aunt started to sing along. In truth she sang Every single word to that song and to the ten that followed. She had located her words once once more. Later that evening the niece let me know that her aunt did not keep in mind the music and the moment. This bothered them both simply because it had been such a beautiful scene. Later Although bedtime arose, employees attempted the headphones once again and wonder of wonders, aunt sang herself to sleep.

An additional resident was resting flat on her bed, emitting sounds of discomfort. While I attempted to chat with her, she mumbled and asked for additional pillows. Even though her music helper arrived and tunes started to play, a fantastic transformation unfolded. She smiled and patted her hands. In a steady voice she requested other songs and artists. She asked for a lot more. And for a Although, her discomfort vanished as she lost herself in the notes.

Typical facility personnel looked on in awe. The cheerleaders? They exploded with pride. Grins, tears, and hugs abounded as they thanked the residents and employees for this moving encounter. For the cost of an iPod and headset and a present card for downloading music, happiness overtook the area. Such a straightforward, low-cost investment paid the ultimate dividend - joy. It is a fantastic way for you to attain out to these you love, to these in need to have.