Few things are more personal than our musical tastes. Favorite songs trigger rich memories and influence our moods. That’s why social worker Dan Cohen launched an effort in 2008 to bring individualized music to residents in long-term care.
Cohen founded the non-profit Music & Memory, which provides residents in long-term care with iPod personal music players that are loaded with each recipient’s favorite songs. This year, the Missouri Coalition Celebrating Care Continuum Change, or MC5, granted $24,000 to provide the Music & Memory Certification Program at no cost to 40 Missouri care provider organizations – including Aberdeen Heights. As a result, employees at all of the Presbyterian Manors in Kansas and Missouri can now receive the training at a reduced rate.
“Six of us from Aberdeen Heights attended the three- day seminar in July, three from the activity department, one Memory Care nurse, the MDS Coordinator, and a Social worker,” said Loretta Cutler, Healthcare Lifestyle Coordinator at The Glen.
“We have received 10 headphones, 5 gently used iPods, some chargers and are awaiting a $50 gift card. We will ask our woodworking shop to build something for us to keep track of what we have so that we can keep everything organized,” said Loretta.
In spite of its name, Fanning said the Music & Memory program isn’t limited to residents in memory care. Once enough players are available, any resident will be welcome to plug in and play the music they love best—whether that’s Beethoven, Count Basie or the Beatles.
“Dana, our MDS Coordinator, has put together a playlist form that we are beginning to pass out at care plan meetings to the families. I am explaining the program to the families and asking them to fill out the form with their loved one’s favorite music to the best of their ability, but we do try to get that information from the resident first. We are very excited about this program and are looking forward to watching its success,” said Loretta.
To assist Aberdeen Heights with building up its supply of iPods, headphones and iTunes cards, contact Loretta Cutler at (314) 909-6059 ext. 6059.
Add a Comment