Beginning this summer, individuals struggling from dementia and other cognitive and physical impairments will now have the opportunity to reconnect with family, friends, and caregivers through Music & Memory, a personalized digital music program to be offered on the Wesley Village Campus.
“Sincere thanks to the Valley Community Foundation for making this new program possible with the help of a $4,700 grant,” says Carlene Rhea, Director of Mission Development. “This grant enables our senior care campus to purchase iPods and other technology needed for music collection and storage and costs associated with staff training and instruction.”
The Music & Memory approach involves training care professionals to set up personalized music playlists, delivered on iPods and other digital devices, for those in their care. These musical favorites can then tap deep memories not lost to dementia, which enable patients and residents to converse, socialize, stay present, and feel like themselves again.
Wesley Village is the first Music & Memory Certified Care Facility in the Valley and one of only a few in the State of Connecticut. The Music & Memory program will be implemented first at their new Lifestyle Transitions memory care neighborhood on the campus and then in the Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center.