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Each of us has special memories attached to music. Music can shape our emotions and memories, whether happy, sad, exciting, or pivotal. Moreover, music is so powerful that researchers have discovered strong links between music therapy and dementia. As a result, many memory care communities utilize the power of music, eliciting memories and improving quality of life, among other health benefits.
At HARBORCHASE SENIOR LIVING, our memory care communities are dedicated to celebrating residents for their past, present, and future. Our dedication to care begins with thoughtful interactions that give residents room to thrive and grow, and music is a powerful tool to improve mind, body, and soul.
If someone you love is living with dementia, here are some tips for creating playlists and insightful information regarding the power of music therapy and dementia care.
The auditory system is one of the FIRST FUNCTIONS TO DEVELOP IN THE BRAIN and one of the last cognitive functions to disappear, making music a powerful tool for recollecting and reminiscing.
Music can activate some of the most diverse networks of the brain, including the parts of our minds that determine what factors receive certain emotions, attention, and memory. Music can also cause activation in the motor system, which explains why many people instantly start tapping their feet or nodding their heads to the beat of their favorite song.
“Playlists” originally started on radio stations as the “list” of songs that would be played throughout the day. Currently, music streaming services have reimagined the idea of a playlist, offering users the option to create their own lists of their favorite songs. Instead of having to click around to sift through different albums to find a specific song, you can put your favorite tunes into one cohesive list.
Most music and video streaming services allow users to make their own playlists, but here are a few options to get you started:
Do you know your parent’s wedding song? How about their favorite album from high school or a song that defined the year they graduated? Did they have a special song they sang to you as a child?
By creating a playlist for your loved one living with dementia, ask yourself these and similar questions about their life. Pick songs that are associated with their most significant moments, including any achievements, special occasions, or memorable moments.
After creating your playlist, spend time with your loved one while listening to it. Pay attention to any reactions they have to each song; remember, just as music can evoke positive emotions, it can also evoke negative emotions. If they seem agitated or unhappy by a song, it’s best to remove it from the playlist. By using this time as a trial run, you’ll be able to curate the perfect soundtrack of their life to help them reminisce on their favorite moments.
At HarborChase Senior Living, our specialized memory care communities provide a personal experience for each resident through stimulating activities that promote memories and joyful experiences. By delivering EXCEPTIONAL CARE and forming meaningful connections, our goal is to help residents celebrate each and every day.
Keeping your mind active and engaged is important at every stage of life, though for individuals living with dementia, engaging in meaningful activities is especially beneficial. These activities can help maintain verbal and motor skills, reduce feelings of loneliness and boredom and alleviate challenging dementia-related behaviors such as wandering, judgment errors, anxiety and agitation. The Alzheimers Association reports that about 1 in 9 Americans aged 65 and older, or 10.9%, are living with Alzheimers disease. In 2023, there were 11.5 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S. caring for people living with Alzheimers or other forms of dementia, many of whom were family members. These caregivers must ensure that their loved ones are safe while also nding creative ways to keep them engaged. When planning their day, it can be helpful to observe which activities the person enjoys and any spontaneous interests they show. Tailoring activities to their preferences can encourage their participation. Remember that individuals living with Alzheimers and other dementias can be easily overwhelmed, so tasks should be simple with clear and easy to follow directions. Since individuals with dementia may not initiate an activity on their own, scheduling a spefic time for an activity and inviting them to join may spark their interest and desire to participate. Establishing daily routines can help. Mindful activities for dementia patients How to keep your loved one stimulated and connected loved one feel more at ease, reduce anxiety and foster feelings of control and independence. Over time, familiar patterns may transfer to long-term memory, offering comfort and stability. When creating a daily schedule, consider what times of day your loved one functions best. Also, take into account how they used to structure their day. Allow ample time for meals, bathing, dressing and rest, and avoid overloading the schedule. Its important to have a gentle balance between stimulating activity and downtime. Tools such as a calendar or dry-erase board can serve as a helpful visual throughout the day. While an activity like watching a favorite TV show can be relaxing, it may not always offer the kind of mental stimulation that individuals with dementia need. Regularly planning creative, engaging dementia-friendly activities can feel daunting, but setting realistic goals that will support your loved ones healthy lifestyle is key. Tailoring activities to match your loved ones abilities will help ensure their success and enjoyment. Some practical activities for individuals with dementia include: Encourage participation in simple household chores, such as drying dishes, folding clothes or assisting with cooking or baking under your supervision. Take a leisurely walk outdoors or work in the garden when weather permits. Spending time outside can improve mood and physical health. Listen to their favorite music and incorporate it into daily routines even if its just in the background. Music is a powerful tool that can evoke memories, elicit emotions and oftentimes facilitate a discussion. When possible, adding music to other activities can encourage movement and social interactions.As your loved ones Alzheimers or dementia progresses, its important to modify activities to meet their abilities. In the early stage, they can often continue to participate in the activities theyve always enjoyed. This familiarity will help them to thrive with condence. Activities like card games, conversations about current events or history, social interactions and physical activities like walking or gardening are appropriate and healthy. During the middle stage, as symptoms become more significant and your loved one needs additional support, plan adaptable activities that can accommodate their varying daily needs, such as following a guided exercise video, singing familiar songs, or even a coloring pages to provide mild stimulation when they need downtime. You can reminisce with them using old photos or show them photos of things they have always liked to start a conversation. As an individual enters the late stage of dementia, they can feel comforted by therapeutic activities like holding hands or giving a gentle hand massage, playing soft music and providing light sensory or tactile stimulation, all of which reminds them they are cared for and loved. Engaging with them significantly enhances their quality of life, ensuring they feel valued and cared for at every stage. Ultimately, many caregivers want to keep their loved one at home, in a familiar community and with a sense of independence for as long as possible. Supporting them through this challenging time can often be demanding and take a toll on you as a caregiver. As you plan activities for your loved one, remember to take breaks, continue to do things you enjoy and talk with others who are experiencing the same challenges. Caring for yourself is not just benefial for you it also ensures that you can provide the best possible care for your loved one. Written by: Mary Anne Foley, RN, MSN, is president and CEO of the Jewish Association on Aging.
1. Memory Care Assisted Living CommunitiesMemory care is a specialized form of assisted living that focuses on residents with memory-related challenges. These communities offer: Secured Environments: Prevent wandering and ensure safety. Trained Staff: Professionals experienced in dementia care. Structured Activities: Programs designed to promote cognitive function and social engagement. Memory care facilities are ideal for individuals who need daily assistance and a structured routine. 2. Skilled Nursing Facilities with Memory CareFor individuals requiring medical supervision in addition to memory care, skilled nursing facilities often provide: 24/7 Medical Assistance: Nurses and doctors available to manage complex health conditions. Specialized Therapies: Physical, occupational, and speech therapies tailored to residents with memory loss. Comprehensive Care Plans: Addressing both cognitive and physical health needs. These facilities cater to residents with advanced dementia or coexisting medical conditions. 4. Adult Day Care CentersAdult day care centers offering memory care services provide daytime support for individuals while allowing them to return home in the evening. Key benefits include: Respite for Family Caregivers: Time for caregivers to rest or focus on other responsibilities. Engaging Activities: Socialization opportunities, games, and exercises tailored to memory care needs. Professional Oversight: Ensuring safety and well-being during the day. This option is ideal for families who want to balance professional care with at-home living. 5. In-Home Memory Support ServiceFor those who prefer to remain in their own homes, memory support can be brought directly to the individual. In-home services may include: Caregiver Assistance: Help with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. Cognitive Engagement: Memory exercises and stimulating activities provided by trained professionals. Safety Modifications: Recommendations for making the home safer for individuals with dementia. In-home support allows for familiar surroundings while ensuring proper care. 6. Community and Nonprofit OrganizationsMany local organizations and nonprofits offer memory support programs, including: Support Groups: Providing emotional and practical guidance for families and caregivers. Educational Workshops: Teaching coping strategies and care techniques. Day Programs: Offering structured activities for individuals with memory challenges. These services are often more affordable and widely accessible.
1. Safety and SecurityMemory support programs prioritize creating environments that minimize risks and promote independence. Key safety features include: Secured Entrances: To prevent wandering and ensure residents stay within safe areas. Emergency Call Systems: Allowing immediate access to assistance when needed. Easy-to-Navigate Layouts: Thoughtfully designed spaces that reduce confusion and enhance mobility. These measures provide peace of mind for residents and their families while fostering a sense of freedom and security.2. Specialized Care and Trained StaffCaregivers in memory support facilities are specifically trained to address the unique needs of individuals with memory challenges. They provide: Behavior Management: Using calm and effective techniques to handle agitation, confusion, or anxiety. Personalized Assistance: Tailored care plans designed to meet each residents specific needs. Emotional Support: Building trusting relationships to foster comfort and reduce fear. This expertise ensures compassionate and professional care every day.3. Engaging ActivitiesMemory support programs focus on activities that promote cognitive function, creativity, and social engagement. Examples include: Reminiscence Therapy: Using familiar music, photos, or objects to evoke positive memories. Art and Music Therapy: Encouraging self-expression while reducing stress. Puzzles, Games, and Physical Activities: Enhancing focus, mobility, and overall well-being. These activities help residents stay mentally active and emotionally fulfilled.4. Family SupportMemory support services extend beyond residents to offer valuable assistance to families. This includes: Education: Providing information about memory loss conditions and their progression. Counseling: Offering emotional support to help families navigate their loved ones journey. Connection Strategies: Guiding families on how to maintain meaningful relationships with their loved ones. By equipping families with knowledge and resources, memory support programs help strengthen bonds and alleviate stress. 5. Access to Specialized ResourcesMemory support facilities provide access to additional resources that enhance care, such as: Therapies: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy to improve mobility, daily living skills, and communication. Medical Support: On-site or nearby medical care for residents with complex health needs. Educational Workshops: Helping families better understand dementia and stay connected with their loved ones. These resources empower both residents and their families to navigate challenges more effectively.
HarborChase of Sarasota's memory care program, The Cove, offers a nurturing environment designed to provide optimal care and support for individuals facing memory loss challenges. Here's what sets our memory care community apart:Tranquil environment: The Cove provides a soothing and peaceful setting where residents can feel comfortable and secure. Our intimate memory care neighborhood is specifically designed to promote health, dignity, and spiritual well-being, ensuring residents and their families experience true peace of mind.Dedicated and compassionate care: Our care partners are specially trained in the latest memory care therapies and techniques, providing personalized attention to each resident. They deliver meaningful and nurturing care that goes above and beyond expectations, fostering a supportive and enriching environment for residents.Focus on individualized care: Memory care at HarborChase of Sarasota emphasizes personalized care plans tailored to each resident's unique needs and preferences. Our care team works closely with residents to honor their life story and sense of self, creating a "Silhouette of My Life" profile upon arrival to ensure their wants, needs, and desires are met.Engaging activities and programs: We offer a variety of daily activities and programs designed to stimulate residents physically, mentally, and spiritually. These activities are based on residents' favorite pastimes, foods, and memories, promoting growth, confidence, and respect while enhancing overall wellness.At HarborChase of Sarasota, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive memory care that enhances the quality of life for each resident. Our focus on individualized care, engaging activities, and nurturing environment sets us apart as a trusted provider of memory care services in Sarasota, Florida.
HarborChase of Sarasota offers assisted living services that prioritize both care and independence, providing support for residents who may need assistance with daily tasks and activities. Here's what sets our assisted living community apart:Respectful assistance: Our dedicated care partners are highly trained to provide assistance with a variety of needs while ensuring dignity and respect for each resident. They offer personalized care tailored to individual preferences and goals, fostering a sense of comfort and value for every resident.Personalized care: Upon arrival, each new resident undergoes a personalized assessment to create a profile detailing their specific needs, preferences, and goals. This profile guides our care partners in delivering customized care that meets the unique needs of each resident, ensuring their comfort and well-being."Best Day Ever" approach: We strive to create the "Best Day Ever" for each resident by curating activities and programs based on their favorite pastimes, foods, and memories. This personalized approach enhances residents' quality of life and promotes engagement and fulfillment.Life Enrichment Program: Our assisted living community offers a vibrant Life Enrichment Program that hosts a variety of activities and events focused on the mind, body, and soul. These activities provide residents with opportunities for growth, socialization, and enjoyment, enriching their overall experience at HarborChase of Sarasota.At HarborChase of Sarasota, we are dedicated to providing compassionate assisted living services that empower residents to maintain their independence while receiving the support they need. Our personalized approach, combined with a diverse range of activities and programs, ensures that residents enjoy a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle in our Sarasota community.