Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Fall 2019

citizensmemorial.com 15 COMMUNITY TAGLINE HERE A music program at Colonial Springs Healthcare Center in Buffalo is helping residents restore lost memories and improve lives. “Music has been a part of our lives even before we were born,” says Patrice Melton, Activities Director at Colonial Springs Healthcare Center (CSHCC). “From the time our mothers sang to us when we were in their wombs to present day, we hear music around us. What’s the first thing we do when we get into our cars? We turn the radio on.” Colonial Springs’ music program, Music: Bringing Past to Present, is tailored to each resident’s musical interests, and the personalized playlists are programmed specifically for that resident. It is helping residents tap into the deep memories that are largely unaffected by dementia, enabling them to feel like themselves again. “Let’s say residents have favorite songs from their youth, or there were special songs that were played at their wedding—the facility will program these types of meaningful songs in their digital devices,” Melton shares. SOOTHINGAND STIMULATING Research studies have shown that music may have the ability to help dementia patients recall memories and assist them with conversation and socialization. “Music has a soothing and positive effect on many individuals’ lives,” Melton says. “It brings back memories from our past and brings them to present day, even if it’s for a brief moment.” The music program is most often used in the Memory Care unit at Colonial Springs, where many residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia reside. Melton says the music program has had a positive effect on its residents. “We’ve had individuals who were calling out for their loved ones, but when the headphones were placed over their ears and the music began, it instantly calmed them down,” says Melton. “It also has had the opposite effect on residents who want to sleep all the time. It wakes them up, and they begin to tap their toes or hum to the music. Music brings out the person who was left behind by the disease.” Harold Montgomery, a resident at Colonial Springs Healthcare Center in Buffalo, enjoys listening to his favorite music as part of the CSHCC music program. Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation’s long-term care facilities have similar music programs for their residents. Call 417-328-6406 for more information. SENIOR CARE Melodies evokememories How music helps residents connect with others and themselves Share the music If you or someone you know has an iPod or other digital device that is no longer being used, please donate it to the Colonial Springs music program. Contact Patrice Melton at 417-345-2228 for more information. ➜