“Music, at its essence, is what gives us memories. And the longer a song has existed in our lives, the more memories we have of it.”
—Stevie Wonder, American Singer & Songwriter
The Wilf Campus for Senior Living is excited to announce the continuation of the successful Music and MemorySM program, bringing music into the lives of the elderly through digital music technology, vastly improving quality of life. The program helps elders in care facilities suffering from a wide range of cognitive and physical challenges find renewed meaning and connection in their lives through the gift of personalized music.
Nearly 20 residents at Stein Assisted Living have their own personalized music on an iPod with headphones. Recreation and nursing staff help the residents put their headphones on and away they go… the power of music brings back many positive and nostalgic memories.
Tapping Toes!
“We are delighted to continue to offer this wonderful program to our residents,” says Stephanie Berman, a Recreation Coordinator at Stein Assisted Living. “The program gets residents tapping their toes, swaying from side to side and even singing along with the music!” She noted it is even contagious for other residents who do not yet have their own iPods but who begin to hum along.
Music andMemorySM is a national program that aims to make personalized therapeutic music a standard of care throughout the health care industry. Trained nursing home staff and other elder care professionals, as well as family caregivers, learn how to create and provide personalized playlists using iPods and related digital audio systems that enable those struggling with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive and physical challenges to reconnect with the world through music-triggered memories.
Music is Magical
According to Ms. Berman, there have been many positive outcomes as a result of the program, which is rooted in extensive neuroscience research. “Music is truly magical and can transport a resident to a happier, calmer state of mind, especially those who suffer from memory loss,” she explains. “The music is a great way for residents to be interactive and listen to music that they enjoy.”
Stein Assisted Living is a certified Music and MemorySM facility. The simple and effective approach has helped residents be happier and more social and has deepened relationships among staff, residents and families. For more information about Music and MemorySM contact Jackie Kott, Director of Recreation, (732) 568-1155.
The Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living is comprised of Stein Assisted Living, Jaffa Gate Memory Care Neighborhood, Stein Hospice, Wilentz Senior Residence, Wilf Transport, and The Foundation at the Wilf Campus. For more information, contact us at (732) 568-1155, [email protected] or visit us at www.wilfcampus.org.